Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Summer 2020

lakeregional.com 11 L ooking for a fun (and inexpensive) weekend activity for your family? Nothing says summer like an old- fashioned picnic. Whether you picnic in a park or in your own backyard, packing something tasty and healthful is easier than you might think. Start by following these five tips: 1. Bring what’s in season. From berries to cherries, bell peppers to green beans, many fruits and veggies are freshest in summer. So make a colorful and healthful variety a part of your picnic. Enjoy fresh produce raw with a low-fat dip. Fill a container with a fresh-fruit medley. Make a chopped-veggie salad with brown rice and beans. Or top a green salad with sweet berries. 2. Reimagine your sandwich. A PB&J isn’t your only picnic-friendly option. Try a whole-wheat wrap with lean turkey and low-fat cheese. Add lettuce, spinach, avocados and tomatoes for a healthy dose of vegetables. Or how about a chicken, olive oil, feta and tomato combo? 3. Make it fun to eat. Use cookie cut- ters to turn your kids’ sandwiches into interesting shapes that even fussy eaters can’t ignore. Kids also love fruit and vegetable kebabs. Serve them with a sweet or savory yogurt dip. 4. Pack a thirst-quencher. Fill a water bottle with 100% fruit juice, ice and sparkling water. Add lime, orange or strawberry slices. 5. Don’t spoil your picnic . Hot temperatures can quickly turn good food bad. To help steer clear of food poisoning: • Place perishable food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Park the cooler in the shade. If you don’t have a cooler, you can safely bring nonperishables to the picnic like fruits and veg- gies, hard cheese, canned fish, or peanut butter to pair with bread or crackers. • If you’re going to grill, keep raw meats separate from other foods. And use a thermometer to make sure meat is thoroughly cooked. One final tip Picnickers of all ages will want to do things besides eat, so pack a ball, bubbles or kites, and enjoy a little tech- free time in nature. Pack the perfect PICNIC basket Express Care here for you 3 locations open daily Osage Beach: 573-302-3200 Eldon: 573-557-2400 Lebanon: 417-532-2890 Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Plus, Saturdays in Laurie! 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, through Sept. 5 573-374-5263 Learn more at lakeregional.com/expresscare . is