We are celebrating National Picnic Month once more this July on News 4 Jacksonville’s River City Live
First we have a balanced snack tackle box aka a snackle box.
Start with in-season produce. In-season produce typically tastes the best, is at its nutritional peak and is often more affordable. I get my produce from Sprouts because they keep seasonality top of mind and work with local farmers to offer a wide selection of fresh, local and organic produce including limited-time varieties that you can’t find anywhere else. Such as plumcots which are a plum-apricot hybrid stone fruit. Sprouts carries more varieties than I’ve ever seen in a grocery store. White donut peaches and yellow donut nectarines are sweeter than normal peaches and nectarines and super juicy with a buttery texture. And in-season organic red cherries which are super sweet and refreshing. Then add protein, whole grains and dairy like mini plant-based cheeses, mixed nuts and roasted chickpeas. Sprouts has the best healthy alternatives and better-for-you products to fit any lifestyle – plant-based, gluten-free, diary-free, you name it, all at affordable prices. It’s like a fun treasure hunt!
For lunch we have salad jars.
To build a balanced salad jar, you can follow the formula from my book. I love these TF chopped salad kits from Sprouts because they check almost all the boxes, all you have to do is add a protein. They are perfect for your heathy summer picnic because they are pre-washed and easy to prepare. Just toss your kit together with the dressing and add to your salad jar with protein like chickpeas or chicken to build a complete meal.
Finally, we have a healthy and hydrating in-season dessert… frozen watermelon pops 2 ways.
I start the the organic mini seedless watermelon from Sprouts. Cut into sticks and freeze plain for an adult-friendly version, you can soak with this strawberry margarita for 30 minutes before freezing. Just add popsicle sticks to the rind.
