On days when the weather is nice and the sky is clear, a lot of people are quick to take the meal outdoors, whether it's barbecuing or a nice picnic at a park. Outdoor gathering can also be a great way to promote health and nutrition while still making the meal fun and delicious. Below are some tips on how you can transform a regular outdoor meal into a healthy and nutritious one.
- Make vegetables the star
It's quite common to make meat the main attraction of a meal but that doesn't always have to be the case. When you're barbecuing, you can grill vegetables like aubergine, pepper, courgette, and onion kebab style. Vegetables with high fiber content will get you feeling full much quicker than meat. Grilled fruit is also a thing and getting quite popular among health-conscious people. If you crave meat, it's better and healthier if you make your own burgers instead of store-bought ones or buying from your local fast food chain which usually have high fat and salt content. A side of slaw is going to complete an already flavor full outdoor meal.
- Stay hydrated
Dining outside can be an excellent way to enjoy a nice day but people tend to forget hydration. Being outside means you lose a lot of water, whether from sweating or mere exhalation. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly or better yet, going for food that is hydrating. Fresh fruits and vegetables have high water content, not to mention also nutrition. As a form of outdoor refreshment, you can serve when you have friends over, flavored water made from slices of lemon, mint leaves, and lime will be appreciated.
- Burning off calories before the feast
Before serving an outdoor feast, health-conscious individuals usually exercise to make room for the impending binge. A quick lap around the local park before a lovely picnic is a great way to develop an appetite. The same goes for a bike ride or a fun game of badminton is going to make a Sunday afternoon spent with friends over a hearty meal more memorable. Just remember to ease back on the activity right after eating lest you want to see the food you've eaten go back up the pipe and into the ground.
- Reimagining desserts
Everyone loves a delicious sugary dessert right after a full meal. But if your summer is already packed with barbecues and picnics, you might want to rethink your sugar intake. As a healthier option, you can opt for smoothie ice lollies that are going to earn you merits among the kids. They're refreshing, healthier, and even energizing for an afternoon spent outside with family and friends.
- Choose fresh always
It's not every day that we get to enjoy a lovely outdoor meal so when you do get a chance to indulge you, your family, or your friends, why not make it as special as possible. Choose your menu ahead of time and buy fresh ingredients if you can, the fresher the better. They not only offer more nutrition but fresh fruits, vegetables, and even meat taste better than pre-packed or frozen ones. Farmer's markets are a great place to get fresh ingredients and supplies.
The main takeaway is to be a little more conscious in choosing which dishes to serve that goes with the theme of outdoor dining and staying healthy. Fruits and vegetables are also a good option as well as cutting back on the sugar intake for desserts and refreshments.
