How to Picnic the Healthy Way

Everyone loves a picnic but with so many health concerns over fats and nutrition, the food we used to bring along is a thing of the past. Don't despair because a healthy picnic is not only easy to prepare but can be tasty and enjoyable for everyone.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Chicken

   For your picnic menu you want to substitute some traditional favorites with healthy but tasty alternatives. Fried chicken can be replaced with baked breaded chicken or for an even better choice a grilled chicken breast. You can season or marinate the chicken for a really full flavor. There are many different flavors of marinades so check them out when you are at the grocery store. They also will ensure the meat is tender, juicy and moist.

2. 
   Salads

   Potato salad and coleslaw go very well with chicken at a picnic. Change the recipes a bit so that these salads are not as high in fat or calories as the originals. For coleslaw instead of the usual creamy dressing use some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The taste is outstanding and you can even add some pomegranate and flax seed to make it super healthy. Potato salad is a favorite of many and can still be, by substituting or cutting the mayonnaise with a light ranch dressing, or sour cream, or even a plain yogurt. You can cut down on some of the carbohydrates in the salad itself by replacing half of the potatoes with same size pieces of cooked cauliflower. When thinking of salads for your picnic don't forget the green salad with a light dressing; it's satisfying and good for you.

3. 
   Cake

   No picnic is complete without some kind of baked goods for dessert. You can substitute that chocolate cake and rich frosting for an angel food cake or make the chocolate cake with applesauce instead of the oil that's called for in cakes made from a mix. The frosting can be spread only on the top for one layer cakes, skipping the sides and can be cut with a light whipped topping that you mix with only half the frosting that you need. If you prefer cream pies, try making a yogurt pie. All you need is a graham cracker crust and a mixture of flavored yogurt and a container of light whipped topping. You can even add fresh fruit on top for garnish.

4. 
   Fun

   There are so many choices and varieties of foods today that it's very easy to make healthy substitutions in almost any recipe. You'll look better and have more energy to do all those other fun activities that people do on picnics.

Tips & Warnings

• Read food labels to make better choices.
• Any recipe can be made healthier with easy substitutions.
• Bring along some raw vegetables and fruits to snack on.

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