Summer is just around the corner, and with that comes picnicking, bonfires, graduation parties, and more opportunities to eat fruits and vegetables! Here are some ideas on how WES can help you this summer in every situation to eat smarter!
Picnics: Picnics are great opportunities to not only get the family together, but to eat smart! Plan a picnic that includes lots of fruits and vegetables! Pre-cut watermelon, make a fruit salad, or get creative and try the WES apple veggie salad featured in the WES recipe tab above. Instead of egg salad sandwiches, try lean turkey wraps stuffed with seasonal veggies to lighten up the entrée while still keeping you satisfied and energized for Frisbee and family football. Finally, everyone knows a picnic isn’t a picnic without lemonade, but instead of all the added sugar, try a lighter alternative and make your own flavored water! Water with cucumber and basil or sliced lemon and lime with some fresh mint turns into a seriously refreshing summer beverage!
Bonfires: Hot dogs, s’mores and marshmallows over a fire are always a go-to when gathering around the fire. What about switching things up this summer? Believe it or not, but it can even be easy to get some fruits and veggies into your bonfire snacks! Instead of a s’more, try a cored, roasted apple over the fire! Check out our WES participating stores to get some info on apples and which one would suit your taste best! Sprinkle with a little cinnamon, wrap in foil, roast for 10-15 minutes and you are in business. Make sure to let it cool a bit before taking that first delightful bite! Ever think about adding some banana to that s’more? Or even some berries instead of the chocolate bar? It is delicious! Don’t forget about the entrée. Make a “hobo” dinner! Throw potatoes, carrots, onions, salt, pepper, and any other veggie you desire into a tinfoil sack and set it over the fire until the potatoes are fully cooked. ENJOY!
Graduation Parties: Parties seem to always revolve around food; so instead of focusing on the food, focus on getting to know some new people, and socialize! But when you finally do get around to eating, there are a few tips to follow: fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Pot luck’s always have veggie and fruit trays with plenty of options, so there is no excuse! Also, if you bring your own dish, you can find great shopping tips and ideas for recipes, by checking out the ‘tips for shopping smart-stores’ to the right, and by checking out WES recipes to get some great ideas to incorporate fruits and vegetables. Bring a dish that will not only wow everyone, but will also be smart and healthy. Finally, when deciding to go back for seconds, because we know we all do, make ¾ of your plate fruits and vegetables and don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed with all the choices. You do not need to try everything, no matter how much you try to convince yourself that you do.
Keep these tips handy and don’t forget to have fun in the sun while eating smart with WES!
Waupaca Eating Smart 