A Peaceful Picnic in the Park

By Jamie Shapiro | April 28, 2016 | Comments Off on A Peaceful Picnic in the Park

Caregiver in Wilmette IL

Picnics are a classic leisure activity for many reasons. They are low impact, let us enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, give us a chance to move around, and typically involve delicious food. If you have never prepped a picnic basket before, here’s how you should plan it out.

The Essentials
Your basket should always have a large sheet to cover the picnic table or spot on the lawn, a small bag for garbage collection, and a bit of bug repellant. You’ll want a reliable and versatile set of containers, such as freezer bags or storage jars, nearby for packing food.

Start with Something Small
An easily accessible and munch-able finger food takes on the role of appetizer during the picnic and a handy snack if someone gets hungry while walking. Fruit slices can be prepared in a few minutes, or you can go for a prepackaged option like trail mix, chips, or crackers. Adding a dipping sauce won’t take much more effort and can turn a bag of chips into the star of the picnic.

Wet the Palate
Water should always be a part of a meal to help wash down food, but extra beverages set the undercurrents of the meal as they slide down the tongue. Fruit juices are tasty and full of great nutrients, as long as you make sure to buy a bottle labeled as 100% juice. Iced tea with a hint of sugar and lemon can go along with nearly any picnic theme. Both will keep chilly in a thermos for an hour or two.

A Serviceable Entree
Unlike a typical meal, the entree plays a supporting role in the picnic since warming and cooking on site are usually either unavailable or preferably avoidable. Sandwiches of all types are typical picnic fare due to being light, easy to eat without a table, and usually not needing to be heated. Salads are another great option for a cold entree, but you will have to bring along plates and eating utensils in order to serve it.

A Light and Fresh Dessert
A meal just isn’t complete without the finishing touch of a tasty dessert. Since you’ll be walking and moving shortly after eating, a picnic dessert should be something relatively light and easy on the stomach. You can make parfait cups from yogurt, chopped fruit, and granola that are loaded with healthy materials, but a slice of pie for everyone might be a more appealing indulgence. If you do opt for a richer dessert, keep the portion size more limited than usual.

Enjoy the Day!
With your picnic plans in place, you can set about preparing the basket and looking for the perfect mix of sunny weather and free time to go enjoy the park with your loved one. Of course, it will be much easier to rouse the energy and supplies necessary with the help an in-home care provider assisting you with all of your family elder care needs.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Wilmette, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

 

Jamie Shapiro
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