Looking for simple ways to elevate your summer picnic or barbeque? Transform your summer picnic or barbecue into a feast of nutrient-rich delights with simple tips from your local dietitian. Barbeques often center around meat, with fruits and veggies as an afterthought. After building your plate, you can find yourself staring at a mountain of beef, chicken and pork with a half ear of corn on the cob.
A far cry from the balanced plate you want: a palm-size serving of meat and half your plate overflowing with fruits and vegetables. You can provide balance when gathering with friends or family by bringing a veggie dish. It can be as simple as a vegetable tray or an exciting plant-based recipe, like a zesty marinated vegetable pasta salad.
Swap the regular pasta for a chickpea-based pasta for a protein boost. Plant protein is a heart-healthy option that brings balance to your summer gathering. Fruits and vegetables provide a valuable fiber that helps us feel full longer and keeps us from grazing during the picnic.
Another opportunity to make positive choices for health this summer is through how you decide to hydrate. Water plays a vital role in every body function, making up about 60% of your body. So, it’s important to prioritize getting enough fluids every day.
But how much is enough? According to the National Institute for Health, the standard fluid needs of women are 9 cups (72 oz.) a day and 13 cups (104 oz.) a day for men.
Drinking water is undoubtedly a great way to mee.