It’s that time of the year again when picnic season is in full swing. And when it comes to this classic tradition, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Whether you decide to head to a nearby park or bask in the sunshine right in your own backyard, check out these tips to make your summer picnic foods healthier and your time spent outdoors happier.
Essentials to pack
- Use a cooler with ice to make sure that your food stays chilled and avoids spoilage. Also, placing your cooler in a shaded area can help keep it colder, longer.
- If you don’t have access to a picnic table, it’s useful to have a blanket or a large towel handy.
- Drinking water is essential for staying hydrated under the hot summer sun and can also help cleanse your teeth after meals.
- Certain menu items need plates, cups, and utensils to be enjoyed. If you prefer disposable dishes, you can either bring your own utensils from home or choose eco-friendly compostable tableware.
- To protect against sunburn, use sunscreen and lip balm with a minimum SPF of 30. Remember to reapply them frequently. For enhanced sun protection, don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Have hand sanitizer, napkins, and trash bags on hand. Be sure to leave the area as clean as you found it!
- For an ideal picnic meal, go for easily portable and healthy foods. Try making sandwiches using whole-grain bread, and pack celery and carrot sticks, grapes, berries, and watermelon slices. To keep your food fresh, use lightweight and resealable containers. It’s best to avoid items that may spoil, like salads containing mayonnaise.
Things to include on your picnic shopping list
- Watermelon not only serves as a healthy summer side dish but also stimulates the natural cleansing mechanisms in your mouth. With its high-water content of 93 percent, it activates your saliva glands, allowing for more effective cleaning. Other Vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, berries, and kiwi are great choices too.
- Cheese, low in sugar and acid, is rich in calcium, which helps strengthen teeth.
- Celery and other raw vegetables rich in Vitamin A are fibrous and beneficial for your teeth.
- Yogurt, a popular refrigerator item, often gets overlooked. This summer, it’s time to rediscover this simple treat! The calcium and phosphorous in yogurt help in tooth remineralization.
- Hydration is essential on a hot summer day, and water is the go-to choice. Choose tap water or bottled water containing fluoride, as it helps neutralizes acid that erodes tooth enamel.
Have fun this summer! Let’s keep your smiles healthy this season and all year round. If you have questions, book an appointment, or simply want to say hello, contact your Dallas dentist at 214-396-7876.
Sources:
“Picnic Checklist: Must-Have Items to Make Your Next Outdoor Feast a Success,” Real Simple, https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/everyday-celebrations/picnic-packing-checklist
“Essential Picnic Checklist,” Food Network, https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/packages/summer-entertaining-guide/essential-picnic-checklist
“Watermelon and melon,” Cultivating the Taste of Europe, https://www.fruitvegetableseurope.eu/en/production-methods/open-air/cultivated-in-greece/watermelon-and-melon
“The Best Foods For A Healthy Smile and Whole Body,” University of Illinois Chicago, https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-best-foods-for-a-healthy-smile-and-whole-body/
