It is finally time for those summer picnics. Well, actually any time is a good time for a picnic, especially for those with chronic illness. It is a well-needed change of pace. Keep your summer picnics easy so they are doable. Go do it!!!!!
We need a change of pace, different scenery, fresh air & sunshine while we are chronically ill. But,
Plan a summer picnic that you can handle.
Where…
What are YOU capable of? Can you get on a passenger train to get to a scenic location a few miles away? Can you get in a vehicle to get to a local park? Just can’t do those, there are always other options.
What about your yard/porch/balcony/courtyard where you live? Make it a big adventure to get out of your home and in your outdoor space where you live.
That still is not doable for you?? Relocate your body to any location in your home other than your bed or sofa. Use cushions to create a comfortable place to sit or lay down other than your typical bed or sofa. Add candles and turn up the music and make the different space a special occasion.
Are you bed-bound and cannot get out of bed? Get a special blanket and a straw hat!!!! Serious, find something different to put in your bed and on your body so you can make this a summer picnic. You can do it!! It is okay to ask for help from anyone willing to do anything for you.
When…
Weather is usually the biggest deal with summer picnics. If the summer heat gets to you, plan an early morning breakfast summer picnic.
If you are bed-bound, plan a time when you can get some help from someone you would like to picnic with!!
Who…
I have gone on picnics all by myself just to be able to do something different during the years of boredom of illness. To keep me outside longer I have taken a book or my computer.
Better yet… If you have someone you enjoy, have them take you. If your family is willing, have them join you. If you know anyone who is ill or lonely, invite them to go with you.
Prepare…
You already know that a summer picnic would be good for you but will drain your energy. Prepare everything you can for the picnic ahead of time. The day of the picnic, your only goal is to show up and enjoy.
Most summer picnics are warm and sticky and a bit messy. Taking your shower the day before will help you reserve your energy for the big day. When you get home after the picnic, climb into a soothing bath to clean up and relax you from an eventful (but fun) day.
How…
Just do it!!! I know, easier said than done. Ditch the excuses. Ditch the “I can’t” and give it a go!!!!
Keep things simple and within reason so that you can expect success and see what happens.
What To Eat…
Again, keep it simple or the summer picnic will never happen.
Fruit and nuts are as simple as it gets –
Your local farmer’s market or grocery store will have a variety of fresh organic fruit. Experiment with a couple of fruits that you have never tasted before, along with your favorites. Then add some nuts to reduce blood sugar spikes.
- Assorted Nuts – organic or Assorted Nuts – organic or bulk Assorted organic nuts
- Tiger Nuts – raw & organic
- Brazil Nuts – organic
- Walnuts – organic
- Almonds – organic
- Cashews – organic
- Pistachio Nuts – organic
- Macadamia Nuts – organic
- Sunflower Seeds – organic & hulled
- Pumpkin Seeds – organic
- Dried fruit – Mulberries – organic – in small amounts
- Dried fruit – Turkish Apricots sulfur-free – organic – in small amounts
- Dried fruit – Medjool Dates – organic – in small amounts
Olive platter is fun, add cheese if you can eat dairy (raw and organic cheese is preferable).
Some larger grocery stores have an “olive bar” that will let you select a variety of olives at any quantity.
- Greek Green Olives – organic & pitted
- Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs – Trader Joe’s
- Black Olives – organic, dried & pitted
Italian simple: mozzarella slices with fresh tomato slices and fresh basil leaves
Salad with nuts and seeds is healthy, tasty and easy to take on a picnic
- Salad dressing – Primal Kitchen Avocado dressing (Ranch, Greek, Honey Mustard, 3 Count)
- Salad dressing – Primal Kitchen (Balsamic Vinaigrette 2-Pack)
- Salad dressing – Primal Kitchen – Avocado Oil-Based Dressing and Marinade (Caesar 3-pack)
Mexican Flare – Tortillas, Chips and Salsa, the healthy version that taste just as good. (These are less expensive if you can find them in a grocery store)
- Tortillas – gluten and grain free
- Tortilla chips – gluten and grain free
- Refried Beans, Black Beans (Pack of 12 cans)
- Mexican Seasoning Blend – organic
- Salsa – Amy’s Mild Salsa – organic
- Salsa – Muir Glen, Medium Salsa – organic
- Salsa – Green Mountain Gringo Hot Salsa – organi
- Salsa – Most larger grocery stores carry ORGANIC salsa by Hatch / Pace / 365 Organic and local favorites
- Guacamole – fresh organic avocados 2, juice of 1 lime, 1 clove chopped garlic, salt to taste (OPTIONS: chopped onion, chopped tomato, Mexican seasoning)
“Sandwiches” or rolls made with gluten-free wraps
- Coconut Wraps – organic
- Coconut Wraps – organic
- Coconut & Turmeric Wrap – organic
- Raw Wraps Spinach- Gluten & Soy Free, Vegan & Raw, Paleo (Quinoa Seeds)
Mayo healthy options…
- Mayo — Avocado Oil Mayo, Gluten and Dairy Free, Whole30 and Paleo
Chipolte — Mayonnaise Chipotle Lime, Paleo, Whole30
Meat & Seafood options…
- Tuna with mayo or chipotle on gluten-free crackers or rolled up in above wraps (add pickled ginger for a tang and easier digestion)
- Chicken organic with mayo or chipotle on gluten-free crackers or rolled up in above wraps (add pickled ginger for a tang and easier digestion)
- Wild Yellowtail Fillets in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Skinless & Boneless on gluten-free crackers
- Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lightly Smoked on gluten-free crackers or on a fresh salad
- Wild Salmon on fresh salad
Barbecue – very popular food fare
Use organic grass-fed meats. Make it even more friendly for your gut and use healthy sauces and marinades. This type of product is usually filled with sweeteners, chemicals, fillers, preservatives
- 3 pack — Classic BBQ Sauce, Golden BBQ Sauce, and Steak Sauce – organic & Whole30 Approved, Paleo, Primal & Keto Friendly
- Ketchup — Primal Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Ketchup, Whole 30 Approved, Paleo & Keto Friendly 2-pack
- Oil SPRAY – healthy Avocado Oil Spray by Primal Kitchen
Drinks – make sure you take drinks that will hydrate you and that you enjoy.
- S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
- Fiji Natural Artesian Water
- VOSS Artesian Still Water
- VOSS Artesian Sparkling Water
Okie dokie, what is YOUR summer picnic plan? How, when, where, what to eat are all factors but the biggest obstacle is usually realizing that it is possible.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging and social media activities, I may receive monetary compensation for links to products from this post. However, I only recommend products that I personally love and use myself. If it is not good enough for me, it certainly is not good enough for you!!
HEALTH COACH DISCLAIMER: Health/Wellness coaching is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed professional. Trained and certified Health Coaches may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for your personal physician’s care. As your health/wellness coach I do not provide a second opinion or in any way attempt to alter the treatment plans or therapeutic goals/recommendations of your personal physician. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability as you create an action plan to meet and maintain your health goals.
[…] your body with sunshine, fresh air, tasty healthy food and good company. For more details, visit Summer Picnic for the Chronically Ill. Lots of food suggestions for a summer picnic that you can […]