You spread out your picnic rug, open up the picnic basket and sit back and enjoy. We’ll maybe before children! Picnics are different with children, aren’t they? You can’t really switch off but you can still have a good time.
Keep reading for tips on how to make your picnics healthier. And I’m not talking about banning the crisps.
Pack food properly
Food which needs to be in the fridge needs to be kept cool and ideally shouldn’t be out for long periods. Peanut butter sandwiches will keep better than chicken ones. Use cool blocks or freeze water in water bottles to put in the box to help with keeping food cool. Insulated lunch boxes are also a great invention. I know a Grandma who manages to keep ice cream cold enough for picnics in hers!
Food should not be in the danger zone (4 – 60 degrees C) for more than 90 minutes unless it is designed to be kept at room temperature. The Food Standards Agency has lots more tips here
Wash hands before eating
Children playing can touch all sorts of things. It’s important they can play but it is also important they wash their hands before they eat otherwise they can consume all sorts of nasties. When we are out and about this is much more difficult to do but dirty hands can be very unhealthy. Antibacterial wipes are one option but a bottle of water and a bar of soap is another.
Be sun safe
As the daughter of an Australian, this has been drilled into me. Hats, long sleeves and sun cream, as well as staying in the shade can all help. The hottest part of the day – between 11am and 3pm tends to be picnic time so keeping out of the sun is best. Other options, for example at the beach would be to invest in a UV umbrella and sit under that or a UV tent.
Eyes also need protection from the sun so sunglasses are recommended. Make sure you buy them from a reputable retailer – check out this Which? article for more information
Be active
Being outside is a great opportunity to be active. Plans some games and get the whole family involved. I like creating obstacle courses round children’s playgrounds – using the equipment in the park. Send them on scavenger hunts (within your line of sight), climb trees etc. It needs to be age appropriate and safe of course – and ideally includes the adults too!
Keep hydrated
It is recommended that children age 2-3 have 1040ml of fluid from drinks every day. That’s a lot. When we are out for a long time it can be hard to carry enough water but keeping hydrated is key for health. Lots of places will refill water bottles free.
Check out this article from the British Dietetic Association on how much water we should be drinking per age group.
Include balance in your food
Having a range of different things on the menu can be helpful here. Vegetable sticks, fruit, sandwiches or wraps, homous, cheese (if you can keep it cool) etc. If you are going to include crisps and cakes and other prepacked food, having it alongside some other things means children can have more nutrition.
Happy picnicking.