references
Food poisoning peaks in the summer
) Igloo Cooler cleaning recommendations, which were the same as Coleman coolers
FDA
U Minnesota
Washing hands
CDC hand washing
PAHs and HCAs
1 of 18
Overview
There's nothing like eating outdoors with your feet in the grass, leaving walls, ceilings and shoes behind. But picnics also pose challenges, like how to prep healthy fare that will please a crowd, and how to keep food cold without the convenience of a kitchen. The solution? Try these 16 recipe swaps, food-safety tips and fitness tricks to keep you and your guests happy and healthy. By prepping lightened-up versions of barbecue staples, you'll be able to enjoy everything without falling into a sleepy post-picnic "food coma." Keep an eye on food safety and add in a little exercise, and you've got the recipe for a perfect picnic.
Image Credit: chandra.gentry.35
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Fitness Tip #1: Take Advantage of the Outdoors
"It's easy to sit and graze at the picnic table or park yourself in the shade all day at your next summer barbecue," says Jim White, RD, ACSM, exercise physiologist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, "but getting up from the table and walking around may have more health benefits than you think." When you're picnicking outside, take advantage of the beautiful weather and open space. Stand. Play. Run around. At the very least, look around and enjoy the greenery instead of napping: research shows that observing nature lowers stress and may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Image Credit: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock
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Fitness Tip #2: Socialize While Standing
Once the meal is over, stand and mingle. "Standing, rather than sitting, while visiting with friends and family at an outdoor picnic can increase energy, tone muscles, improve posture and boost your metabolism," says Jim White, RD, ACSM. White recommends breaking up sitting time with light activity like walking or playing catch. It's especially helpful after eating, when light activity can help control your post-meal blood sugar levels, advises White.
Image Credit: Cuiyan Liu/Stocksy.com
1 of 18
Overview
There's nothing like eating outdoors with your feet in the grass, leaving walls, ceilings and shoes behind. But picnics also pose challenges, like how to prep healthy fare that will please a crowd, and how to keep food cold without the convenience of a kitchen. The solution? Try these 16 recipe swaps, food-safety tips and fitness tricks to keep you and your guests happy and healthy. By prepping lightened-up versions of barbecue staples, you'll be able to enjoy everything without falling into a sleepy post-picnic "food coma." Keep an eye on food safety and add in a little exercise, and you've got the recipe for a perfect picnic.
Image Credit: chandra.gentry.35
Overview
There’s nothing like eating outdoors with your feet in the grass, leaving walls, ceilings and shoes behind. But picnics also pose challenges, like how to prep healthy fare that will please a crowd, and how to keep food cold without the convenience of a kitchen. The solution? Try these 16 recipe swaps, food-safety tips and fitness tricks to keep you and your guests happy and healthy. By prepping lightened-up versions of barbecue staples, you’ll be able to enjoy everything without falling into a sleepy post-picnic “food coma.” Keep an eye on food safety and add in a little exercise, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect picnic.
Image Credit: chandra.gentry.35
Recipe #1: Potato Salad With Parsnips and Edamame
Image Credit: Toby Amidor
Recipe #2: Sweet Potato Salad
Image Credit: -Rekha Garton-/Moment Open/Getty Images
Recipe #3: Company Pasta Salad
Image Credit: nna_shepulova/Adobe Stock
Recipe #4: Chicken and Fig Sandwiches
Image Credit: shersor/Adobe Stock
Recipe #5: Peanut Butter S'mores Bars
Image Credit: Jenny Shaw Rand
Recipe #6: Whole-Grain Carrot Cake Muffins
Image Credit: Heather Mason
Food-Safety Tip #1: Be Mindful of Heat and Moisture
Image Credit: GregJeffersonPhotography
Food-Safety Tip #2: Clean and Prepare Your Cooler
Image Credit: Daxiao Productions/Stocksy.com
Food-Safety Tip #3: Take Two Coolers
Image Credit: Smith Collection/Stone/Getty Images
Food-Safety Tip #4: Keep Your Cooler Cold Enough
Image Credit: stevecuk/Adobe Stock
Food-Safety Tip #5: Keep Hands Clean On the Go
Image Credit: paylessimages/Adobe Stock
Food-Safety Tip #6: Grill Safer Steaks and Burgers
Image Credit: ugljesaras/Adobe Stock
14 of 18
Fitness Tip #1: Take Advantage of the Outdoors
"It's easy to sit and graze at the picnic table or park yourself in the shade all day at your next summer barbecue," says Jim White, RD, ACSM, exercise physiologist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, "but getting up from the table and walking around may have more health benefits than you think." When you're picnicking outside, take advantage of the beautiful weather and open space. Stand. Play. Run around. At the very least, look around and enjoy the greenery instead of napping: research shows that observing nature lowers stress and may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Image Credit: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock
Fitness Tip #1: Take Advantage of the Outdoors
“It’s easy to sit and graze at the picnic table or park yourself in the shade all day at your next summer barbecue,” says Jim White, RD, ACSM, exercise physiologist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “but getting up from the table and walking around may have more health benefits than you think.” When you’re picnicking outside, take advantage of the beautiful weather and open space. Stand. Play. Run around. At the very least, look around and enjoy the greenery instead of napping: research shows that observing nature lowers stress and may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Image Credit: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock
15 of 18
Fitness Tip #2: Socialize While Standing
Once the meal is over, stand and mingle. "Standing, rather than sitting, while visiting with friends and family at an outdoor picnic can increase energy, tone muscles, improve posture and boost your metabolism," says Jim White, RD, ACSM. White recommends breaking up sitting time with light activity like walking or playing catch. It's especially helpful after eating, when light activity can help control your post-meal blood sugar levels, advises White.
Image Credit: Cuiyan Liu/Stocksy.com
Fitness Tip #2: Socialize While Standing
Once the meal is over, stand and mingle. “Standing, rather than sitting, while visiting with friends and family at an outdoor picnic can increase energy, tone muscles, improve posture and boost your metabolism,” says Jim White, RD, ACSM. White recommends breaking up sitting time with light activity like walking or playing catch. It’s especially helpful after eating, when light activity can help control your post-meal blood sugar levels, advises White.
Image Credit: Cuiyan Liu/Stocksy.com
Fitness Tip #3: Splash Around
Image Credit: Olesia Bilkei/Adobe Stock
Fitness Tip #4: Play Games
Image Credit: aruba2000/Adobe Stock
What Do YOU Think?
Image Credit: loooby/iStock/Getty Images
Food poisoning peaks in the summer
) Igloo Cooler cleaning recommendations, which were the same as Coleman coolers
FDA
U Minnesota
Washing hands
CDC hand washing
PAHs and HCAs
