Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

ARCHBOLD.ORG • SPRING 2019 17 How to pack a healthy spring picnic THE SPRING season brings warmer tem- peratures and pretty weather, making people ready to spend time outside. “One of the best ways to enjoy the warmer weather is by having a picnic outdoors,” said Hannah Gilliland, Registered Dietitian at Archbold Memorial Hospital. “Here are some tips to help you plan a fun and healthy spring picnic.” Pick foods that are in season. Avocados, carrots, mangoes, peas, pineapples, potatoes and spinach are in season during the spring. It is easy to make your picnic colorful with these in-season foods. “Enjoy raw carrots with a low- fat dip or a spinach salad with a fruit medley,” said Gilliland. Try something new. Instead of packing a basic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, try a turkey and low-fat cheese sandwich with in-sea- son avocados and spinach. Bonus points if you switch bread out for a whole-wheat wrap. Don’t feel like having a sandwich? See if there is a grill near the picnic area that you can use. “Just remember, if you are going to grill, it’s important to store raw meats separate from other foods in order to prevent foodborne illness,” said Gilliland. Make it kid-friendly. Use cookie cutters to turn your kids’ sandwiches into interesting shapes. Fruit and vegetable kebabs are also fun ways to help encourage kids to eat their fruits and vegetables. Bring something for the kids to play with before or after the picnic. Pack a soccer ball to kick around or a football to throw. If your kids aren’t interested in sports, pack some paper and crayons and have them draw what they see outside. Mix up your water. Add fresh fruit to your water for a flavorful twist. Don’t spoil your picnic. Check the weather before you leave for your picnic. “Hot tempera- tures can quickly spoil food, and rain showers can ruin a fun time,” said Gilliland. Place perishable food in a cooler with ice, and park it in the shade. If you don’t have a cooler, you can pack nonperishable foods for the picnic. “Fruits and vegetables or peanut butter and crackers are great nonperishable options for a spring picnic,” said Gilliland. Hannah Gilliland, Registered Dietitian Pack your basket with our healthy recipes! Turn to page 18.