Kids spend 2.3 hours daily on screens compared to just 1.2 hours outdoors on average, The West Australian reports. Looking for a way to get the kids away from their screens these holidays? How about a park picnic? Spending time in fresh air and nature boosts happiness and wellbeing in both adults and children. Moreover, quality family time raises self-esteem in children, strengthens familial bonds, and creates positive memories. So, round up the family, pack these superfood treats, and you’ll be all set to make the most of the outdoors together.
SUPERFOOD PICNIC SNACKS
Everyone loves a good sandwich. Spread a baguette with hummus, cheddar, and green presto, and stuff it with fresh, vibrant veggies. Grated carrot, roasted squash, and red pepper contain high-levels of antioxidants which keep the heart healthy and fight disease. Include leafy greens like spinach and arugula for extra iron, calcium, and vitamin K. Take a bread knife for slicing.
Try a beet pesto pasta salad. Beets not only give the dish a beautiful pink colour and rich taste, but they’re also packed with essential nutrients — they boost brain power, heart health, and bone strength! Add slivered almonds, garlic, cooked beets, olive oil, vinegar, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Toss with cold cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
Ball melon — honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon — and push the pieces onto skewers. This is a fun, healthy snack kids love. Prepare it just before you leave, since fruit loses vitamin C once cut.
Need a superfood alternative to potato chips? Try zucchini chips: you’ll get all of the satisfying crunch with none of the grease — along with a good dose of potassium and energising B vitamins. Thinly slice zucchini and combine it in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt. Dehydrate until crispy.
AND FOR DESSERT?
Desserts are — let’s face it — the best part of any picnic. And just because you want them to be healthy doesn’t mean you have to skimp on taste. Whip up a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies: mix quick-cooking oats, whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and dark chocolate chips for a delicious cookie packed with flavour and texture. Bring a thermos of almond milk for dunking!
A superfood picnic is a healthy and delicious way to make the most of the season’s fresh produce. Moreover, cutting out processed junk food will do your children the world of good. Helping them learn to love superfoods at a young age forms the foundation of a healthy life.
Lucy Lees is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across a variety of sectors. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her.
