Here’s To National Picnic Day
The 23rd of April is National Picnic Day, a day we can really get behind. Here at The Slimming Clinic many of us are foodies and so love to join in the various food celebration days that exist. As we emerge from winter into warmer weather, there is nothing quite like sitting outside enjoying some sunshine whilst having something tasty to eat.
One of the wonderful things about picnics is that they can be a sophisticated or as simple as you like. Whether you are eating off a china plate, from a Tupperware container or a sandwich wrapped in clingfilm, food seems to have an extra flavour when it is consumed outdoors. And the location can be equally diverse. Picnics can be enjoyed on a beach towel on the sand, sat on a wall at the harbourside, propped up against the back of a car at a sports game or festival, from a deckchair in the park or in your own garden at home.
Who do you like to picnic with? According to the Guinness World Records, the largest picnic was set by 22,232 people and was organised by Realizar Impact Marketing and Modelo (Portugal), at the Parque da Bela Vista, in Lisbon, Portugal!
Whilst a crowd that size might be a little daunting, picnics can be the perfect solution for a family get-together. They are much cheaper than meeting at a restaurant or pub and everyone’s food preferences can be met. Equally they can be a great opportunity for some ‘me’ time during a lunchbreak after a busy morning at work or a chance to catch up with your partner or bestie without fear of being interrupted.
And the best news of all is a picnic can be a great opportunity to eat healthily, perfect for those of us who want to lose some lbs or maintain our weight.
Here are some ideas that you can use to build a 500 to 700 calorie meal.
We know the Quiche has been chosen as the official coronation dish. This a one of the UK’s most popular meals but a typical slice can be 525 calories. This vegan quiche with spinach and tomato from the BBC Good Food website and is just 357 calories per serving. To adapt to suit your taste, you could use almost any vegetables – try those that are in season so will be at their freshest and cheapest. Just remember to adjust the calories if applicable.
A great way to hit your 5-a-day target is to include a salad. If you are paring this with a main dish, a mixed green salad can be the perfect accompaniment and without oil of dressing is less that 10 calories.
You might however prefer your salads to be more substantial. Also from the BBC Good Food website, this aptly named Epic Summer Salad is an assembly of flavoursome ingredients and is 392 calories per serving. Even better there is no cooking required! Serve it with poached fish or chicken breast for an impressive picnic feast. Again just remember to adjust the calories if necessary.
Fresh fruit makes a simple but tasty dessert to have after your main course. We always recommend eating fruit that is locally grown and in season. In addition to supporting local businesses, this produce is likely to be the most flavoursome.
- Apple 90 calories
- Strawberries 7 calories
- Melon, Galia 60 calories slice
- Banana 95 calories
- Grapes 49 calories
If you can prep your fruit before hand and add a blob of low fat crème fraiche for an extra 50 calories.
As you are planning your picnic, remember to include something to drink. As the weather warms, it is important that we all stay hydrated. This helps our body function properly. Thirst can easily be confused with hunger, meaning we eat unnecessary calories when a glass of water would suffice! The lowest calorie drink option is of course water. Add extra flavour by including mint or lemon or a cold water infusion. Many include vitamins and minerals, whilst being sugar free. It is best to avoid alcohol and sugary fizzy drinks. Both are full of calories and have zero nutritional content.
And whilst the range of foods available has expanded greatly in the U K over the years, research by Warburtons shows that when it comes to picnics we are still traditionalists. Here are the top 5 savoury picnic foods with some ideas on how to make them a little healthier.
- Crisps – a healthier alternative is crudities. You still get the crunch but not the calories!
- Sandwiches – opt for healthier fillings such as cold roast chicken or smoked salmon instead of tuna mayo or cheese
- Sausages rolls – replace with precooked small low fat cocktail sausages
- Cherry tomatoes – perfect for a healthy eating plan
- Rolls/baps – replace with wraps filled with shredded lettuce, sliced onions and peppers with prawns or cold roast chicken.