The middle of June is the perfect time to head outside for a picnic. Grab a blanket, pack up some easy finger foods and enjoy eating in the great outdoors. We’ve rounded up some ideas for quick and easy vegan picnic foods that go beyond the regular old sandwich.
Vegan Picnic Foods
Lentil Taco Meat Wraps – make this easy and hearty wrap filling and add some lettuce, tomato, pico or salsa.
Chickpea Salad Pita – Mash a can of chickpeas with dijon, pickles, celery and a bit of vegan mayo, throw in some onions and dill and you’ve got an excellent pita stuffing.
Veggies and Fruit – Sometimes snacks are enough for a picnic. Chop up veggies; carrots, jicama, sweet peppers, cucumber and celery. Add in some chopped apples and berries. Throw in some hummus or other favorite dip.
Banana Nut Muffins – Muffins are easy to pack and make a great sweet treat.
Savory Muffins – These savory muffins travel easily and make a quick and tasty, light vegan picnic idea.
Easy Salads – Try some of these salad recipes from our past Simple Foods blog, no recipe needed! They are as easy as throwing together some of your favorite ingredients.
Apple Slaw – This slaw salad looks easy to throw together with leftovers you may have in your fridge.
Fruit Infused Beverages – Also from a previous blog, this berrylicious drink really doesn’t need a recipe either.
Coconut Chia Energy Bars – Get your kids or yourself up the trail, or out the door with these little bites of energy.
Health Benefits of Eating Outside
Getting outside and enjoying a bit of fresh air and nature is a sure cure for feeling refreshed and recharged. There are scientifically proven benefits for enjoying meals outside.
- Stress Reduction by lowering heart rate, blood pressure and decreasing stress hormones, as well as muscle tension
- Improved concentration, memory and attention span
- Eating and just being outside can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can help in the reduction of chronic diseases
Source: https://info.performancekitchen.com/blog/eating-outdoors-better/
Even if you opt to take the meal that you ordered for delivery outside, just get out there!
Enjoy some sun on your face and deeply inhale a breath of fresh air.
Your mind and body will thank you!
