By Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RD
mail@floridanewsline.com
I have fond memories from my childhood sitting on an open blanket and munching down on some snacks my parents packed at the park. There is a lot of value in creating happiness and peace at mealtimes and a picnic is just the way to do it! Going beyond setting the table or sitting in front of a screen, get outdoors and enjoy the sounds, smells, and atmosphere.
How do I do this?
Well, the good news is that a picnic can be anywhere, anytime. You can have a picnic at the park, in your backyard, at the zoo or even the beach. This picnic can be for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a late-night dessert picnic. This is especially helpful if you have children or a family, as adding a change in the scenery can go a long way in terms of eating a healthful meal.
What should I pack?
A picnic can either be served as a full-balanced meal (e.g. protein and grain; sandwich; leftovers) or as a charcuterie board (vegetables, fruit, protein, crackers etc.). The options are limitless, I recommend aiming to think outside of the box and add something new that isn’t in your normal routine — let’s face it, you likely do not eat picnic style very often, so why should the food be the same? Visit www.eatingwell.com/recipes/19926/holidays-occasions/occasions/picnics/ as it provides a lot of fun ideas that you can add to your menu.
Beyond just what you’re going to eat, think about other outdoor activities that you could add to your mealtime. This is an ideal opportunity to have family bonding and/or physical activity added to your day. You can pack items such as board games, sports equipment, or even make your own I-spy scavenger hunt pages, depending on your picnic location.
All in all, the goal is to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and think outside the box on when, where and how we develop a positive relationship with food and family. Enjoy!
Kristen Hicks-Roof PhD, RDN, LDN, CLC, FAND is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida.
