It’s Picnic Time!
Anna Bryant, MS, RD, LDN, Bariatric Dietitian
It’s that time of year- time to get out and enjoy the outdoors! Getting out of the gym and into the grass is a welcomed change of pace. Go on a hike, walk, jog, bike, or any other outdoor activities you enjoy. Just get moving! When you work up an appetite, be prepared by packing a picnic lunch to help avoid running through a drive-thru or skipping a meal. Here are some light, high-protein ideas:
Tuna or Chicken Salad
Simply prepare the tuna or chicken salad using light mayo, mustard, or a vinaigrette dressing. Try ditching the crackers or bread and serve on sliced cucumbers instead.
Turkey Wrap
Fill a small flour tortilla or high protein wrap with a layer of hummus and 2-3 slices turkey lunch meat then pile on your favorite veggies for added flavor and nutrients.
High-Protein Bean Salad
Mix together 1 can of garbanzo beans, 1 can of black beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and chopped avocado. Top with a homemade dressing of 1 Tablespoon olive oil, juice from 1 lime, minced garlic to taste, ¾ teaspoon cumin, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bites
2/3 cup raw almonds
1/3 cup oats
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup chocolate chips (I love dark!)
- Grind almonds and oats in food processor until a flour-ish texture.
- Add syrup or agave, vanilla, and protein powder and mix in food processor until fairly smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips and roll into one-inch balls. Store in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!