Frequently Asked Questions
August 2006
By Isabel Maples, M.Ed., RD
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
Q: Summer is a great time for picnics in the park, at sporting events or during outdoor concerts. But my basket often ends up with less-than-healthy items since these types of foods are so portable. How can I make my family’s picnics more nutritious?
A: It's easy to think that junk food is the only convenient option when you're putting together a picnic basket. Many traditional picnic foods — fried chicken, chips and dip, and cookies — are high in fat and calories. And our baskets can also be filled with beverages (soda and lemonade, for example) that give us calories but not nutrients. The good news is that there are plenty of already-prepared and ready-to-pack options.
Tasty picnic items can be picked up in the deli section of your local grocery store. Try:
- Unusual cheeses, such as smoked Gouda, Brie, and Asisago with fresh French bread
- Gourmet deli salads, like Sesame Noodle or Tabouleh (a Mediterranean dish made with cracked wheat)
- Grilled chicken and fruit kabobs
Stop by the dairy case in your local grocery store and pick up some single-serve milk, as well as fresh seasonal fruit from the produce section. And remember to snatch some plastic utensils and paper plates, too.
If you’re on the road, cruise through or call ahead for grab-and-go meal options.
Many quick serve restaurants now offer healthy items like grilled chicken, salads and yogurt. McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s serve flavored lowfat milk. National chain restaurants also offer nutritious items: Subway has lowfat sandwiches and baked chips or pretzels, while Baja Fresh offers shrimp or chicken soft tacos and beans.
To make your picnic more fun, pick a theme and pack your basket with festive paper plates, napkins and cups. And while a picnic basket can look attractive, remember to keep your perishable foods safe by packing them in a cooler.Do you have a dairy-related question for “Ask the Dietitian?”
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