June 15, 2015
by Stacy Mitchell

Plan & Pack a Family Picnic

It’s picnic time! Packing healthy can be easy when using MyPlate. Here are some great go-to items to fill your picnic basket. Have fun at the picnicking with your friends and family!

Fruits

  • For fun fruit ideas, pack frozen grapes, watermelon slices
  • Rainbow fruit kabobs include: strawberries/watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries and purple grapes.

Vegetables

  • Pack your own “dip-and-eat” jars!
    • Use a small jar, place your favorite dip on the bottom such as Ranch dressing, hummus or even guacamole.
    • Next add a variety of vegetables cut into sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, jicama, peppers, yellow squash or zucchini.
    • Have fun and dip and eat!

Protein

  • Sources comes from a variety of foods including meats, nuts, beans and soyfoods.
    • Roll together a slice of deli meat, cheese and cut into ½ inch segments.
    • Next stick a pretzel through each section of meat and cheese.

Grains

  • The best nutrition comes from a variety of whole grains.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas to make a wrap and cut into slices – a fun, easy to eat pinwheel!
  • Pack a bag of popcorn! Popcorn is a natural whole grain and great source of fiber!

Dairy

  • For some easy ideas pack cheese sticks, frozen go-gurts or smoothies.
  • Make an easy PB fruit dip
    • Combine 2 tablespoons of Hy-Vee Health Market peanut butter powder
    • With a container of (5.3 oz) Hy-Vee vanilla Greek yogurt.
    • Dip your rainbow fruit kabobs and enjoy!