Father’s Day is just around the corner and we’re getting ready to celebrate our dads the best way we know how – with food; and the healthier it is the better.
While most Americans will be grilling dad a burger or steak or taking him out to eat, we’re opting for a more original, creative and nature-centered meal: a picnic.
Picnics are great for many reasons: they’re low maintenance, casual, portable, leave room for creativity and can be incredibly healthy. Not to mention you get to eat in the great outdoors without a distraction – or cranky waitress – in sight. This scenario sounds kind of perfect to us, which is why we’re planning a healthy picnic for our own dad’s this upcoming Father’s Day weekend.
Places to go:
- Local park
- Nearby hiking path
- Your own backyard
- Local pool
Things to pack:
- Sandwiches – Get creative. We have a whole slew of fun ideas on this summer sandwiches slideshow. Dad would surely love the chicken salad with avocado on croissant or peanut butter with fresh strawberry and honey.
- Fresh fruit – Pick dad’s favorites: apples, grapes, bananas, oranges – anything portable and delicious.
- Veggies with dip – Broccoli, tomatoes, carrots and celery would all be great for this healthy veggie dip.
- Chips – Baked varieties or Sunchips if you can
- Dessert – Think yogurt parfaits with berries and granola, or homemade cookies like oatmeal raisin or this recipe for vegan chocolate chip.
Things to do:
- Walk – Stroll around the neighborhood or walk along on a hiking trail. Anything to get moving as a family.
- Frisbee – Take dad back to his college years and bring along a frisbee to throw around. It’ll be a good workout and bonding activity for the whole family.
- Bike – If your dad likes to cycle, suggest a bike ride on a path of his choosing.
- Sharing circle – Make sure dad feels loved. Tell him a kind, encouraging word about one of his admirable characteristics, or point out something he’s done that you’ve appreciated.
Take these ideas and make the picnic your own. If dad’s not into the outdoors, make a picnic inside. If he’s not big on sandwiches, opt for wraps or salads instead. If hiking isn’t his thing, take him to a local outdoorsman store and let him pick out that new tool he’s been wanting.
The important thing to remember is to make it about your dad. Let him know he’s special and loved and he’s sure to feel celebrated this Father’s Day weekend.
Also Read:
Healthy Recipes for Father’s Day Grilling