Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Picnics are one of the best parts of summer and a great chance to spend some well-deserved time outside enjoying the sunshine.
The average person has around three picnics a year, so that’s 94 million picnics that happen annually. Dining al fresco doesn’t need to be boring or unhealthy, use this as an opportunity to continue your healthy habits and eat a range of nutritious and heart-healthy foods.
Here we share some tips on how to enjoy a healthier picnic:
Be Prepared
There is nothing worse than tasty food that has been spoilt in the heat. Use this as the perfect time to invest in a cool bag or box that’ll keep your food cold and fresh for optimal enjoyment.
You might find it useful to get a picnic blanket too. This will not only give you somewhere more comfortable to sit, but it will also help protect you and your food or drinks from insects and damp ground.
Make Nutritious Foods
Preparing your own food at home will save you money and provide an array of heart-healthy, tasty options. If you want to eat a classic sandwich, choose a healthier wholemeal bread and fill it with a healthy protein and plenty of salad or vegetables.
Fruit skewers, roasted chickpeas, and homemade hummus with wholemeal pitta breads are great picnic options that are easy to prep in advance.
Heart Research UK’s Greek salad or cheese and courgette savoury muffins also make tasty, heart-healthy choices.
Enjoy Time with Friends and Family
Picnics are great for socialising with friends and family to unwind from the stresses of life. Stress can increase both your heart rate and blood pressure, putting an increased strain on your heart.
Taking time out from your busy schedule to relax and socialise in nature over a picnic can be great for your health.
Add in Some Physical Activity
Why not use this designated time outside to increase your physical activity levels too? You could do this by making the picnic halfway through a nice walk or bike ride in the countryside.
Alternatively, you could take a frisbee or ball with you and play a group game of catch. By increasing your physical activity levels and eating healthier picnic food, you’re keeping your heart healthy.
