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!)

1. Grind almonds and oats in food processor until a flour-ish texture.
2. Add syrup or agave, vanilla, and protein powder and mix in food processor until fairly smooth.
3. Stir in chocolate chips and roll into one-inch balls. Store in the refrigerator.
4. Enjoy!