Labor Day Picnicing
I hate to say or even think it, but the truth is that summer is coming to an end. But, there is one more fun, summer event to look forward to and that is the classic, all-American Labor Day picnic. This last summer hurrah is the rite of passage from carefree summer days to time to “get back to _____” days. So, enjoy a long, leisurely picnic day but in true Vtrim fashion, picnic responsibly. One day of picnic eating is not an excuse to plead ignorant on your calorie intake. There are ways to have your cake and eat it too, so to speak. Keep these picnic tips in mind for a successful day.
1. Think veggies and hummus. A great way to start a picnic is with a simple appetizer like veggies and hummus. Just bag up some sliced bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery and a tub of hummus and you’ve got a healthy and tasty appetizer.
2. Make healthier versions of your favorites. For a salad you can go for a green, potato, pasta, or egg salad…whatever you like. Egg salad is a fan favorite but typically high in calories and fat. Check out Marni’s recipe for a healthier version of this tried and true picnic staple. An easy trick to cut down on calories and fat in all mayo-based salads is to substitute non-fat yogurt or sour cream for the mayo.
3. Think Ahead. Prepping the night before will make for a calmer pre-picnic demeanor. This is about relaxing, remember! Marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs the night before and refrigerate overnight. Avoid BBQ sauce or any type of creamy marinades. Just brush the chicken lightly with some olive oil and lemon juice then season with garlic and rosemary. This type of marinade is quick and keeps chicken moist. Be sure to keep them in a cooler the next day with plenty of ice or cold packs. You’ll be the envy of your hot dog eating friends.
4. Non-traditional picnic fare. You don’t have to succumb to the traditional high calorie, high fat options at a picnic. Take thinking ahead one step farther and prepare a basic wrap. Use a whole wheat flour tortilla as a base then pile on fresh vegetables like lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers plus some lean deli meat like turkey or chicken. Add some low fat cheese if you like and top with mustard or some low fat dressing then roll it up. Prep your wraps the night before but be sure to add the mustard or dressing the day of your picnic to avoid ending up with a soggy mess.
5. Vtrim-friendly traditional fare. What is a picnic without a big slice of watermelon? Be the hit of the party by slicing up some fresh watermelon or bring along a bowl of fruit salad for dessert. There is no better way to end a picnic than with fresh fruit. The fruit bowl will be empty!
In our Vtrim classes, we always remind people that picnics and parties are not a license to overeat. Enjoy your downtime by eating mindfully and catching up with some good friends. A little planning will go a long way to preventing a lapse in those weight managment behaviors you have worked so hard to put into action!
Tags: healthy eating, Labor Day, Picnic, Vtrim, weight loss
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