One of the best ways to clear your mind is to get outdoors. And during the summer months, what better way is there to do that than to have a picnic?
July is National Picnic Month for a good reason! A picnic is an opportunity to breathe in the fresh air, spend time with loved ones, laugh, bask in the sun, and nourish your body with nutritious foods. You can even picnic alone and follow with a meditation.
Of course, the center of any good picnic is the delicious foods you’ll eat. Most picnic foods aren’t very healthy and include too many processed or packaged convenience meals and snacks. These foods often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats that can aggravate skin issues and interfere with hormones.
My suggestion is to pack fresh foods that are loaded with natural flavor on their own or when seasoned with healthy spices – and I’m sharing some of my favorites right here. You don’t have to bring them all at once (unless you have a big group!), and these recipes range from sweet to savory.
The best part is these recipes are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support radiant skin and hormonal harmony. I hope you find a new favorite!
Packing Your Picnic
Before you head out for your picnic, you’ll need the right items to transport your food. I suggest packing your food in glass containers. There are many benefits to using glass instead of plastic. Glass does not leach harmful chemicals into your food the way plastic can
You also don’t need to use plastic utensils. Sure, they are convenient – however, reusable utensils made out of materials like bamboo are lightweight, portable, and can be easily washed and used again. An added benefit is that this keeps waste out of the landfill too.
So are you ready to pack your picnic basket?
7 Healthy Picnic Recipes
#1 Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are both hydrating and refreshing, making them the perfect summer veggie. They are also a source of electrolytes, such as magnesium and potassium. Mixed with radishes, fresh mint, and parsley, this is a cooling dish for hot summer days. Serve it up on the side or as the main event when paired with protein.
Click here for the full recipe.
#2 Healthy Snack Bites
One of the biggest challenges of nutritious eating is dealing with a sweet tooth. These snack bites are a quick and healthy pick-me-up to keep handy in your fridge. They’re made with Medjool dates, which already have a touch of sweetness.
Click here for the full recipe.
#3 Quinoa Salad
When it comes to antioxidants in food, people often think of fruit and vegetables. However, colorful grains and beans are also excellent sources of antioxidants plus protein. Red and black quinoa have higher amounts of polyphenols and antioxidant activity than regular quinoa.
This salad contains colorful quinoa and black beans paired with antioxidant-rich veggies, olives, herbs, and spices. The result is bursting with flavor while organic pumpkin seeds deliver an additional crunch.
Click here for the full recipe.
#4 Salmon Salad Wrap
This is one of my favorite skin-nourishing recipes for lunch or dinner – and it’s very easy to transport on the go. This recipe combines the healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and collard greens provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And its flavor comes from dijon mustard, veggies, and spices – no mayo needed!
Click here for the full recipe.
#5 Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are one of nature’s superfoods. They contain omega fatty acids and fiber, in addition to manganese and magnesium. And chia seeds are the star of this yummy raw, simple, and delicious pudding. It’s the perfect dessert to indulge in during your picnic.
When chia seeds sit in liquid for 10 minutes, they absorb the fluid and transform into a tapioca-like consistency. If you don’t care for tapioca’s texture, blend the chia seeds with the other ingredients for a smoother consistency.
Click here for the full recipe.
#6 Watermelon Salad
Watermelon is one of the most popular foods in the summer – and on a hot day, it can quench your thirst too.
This watermelon salad is rich in lycopene (a carotenoid antioxidant) and also contains radishes, mint, cucumber, and lime – making it cleansing and replenishing.
Click here for the full recipe.
#7 Chilled Avocado Soup
Soup in the summer? You bet! This cool, refreshing soup’s main ingredient is one of my all-time favorite skin-nourishing foods: avocado. Mixed with cilantro, lime juice, and ginger, this zesty bowl is sure to wake up your taste buds.
Click here for the full recipe.
Fresh air and sunshine are the perfect pick-me-ups in the summer months. Knowing that you’re nourishing your body with healthy foods makes a picnic even more satisfying.
And if you want even more delicious recipes for every season, you can find them in both of my books – Clean Skin From Within and the forthcoming Natural Beauty Reset.
Hormones, Health, and Harmony
We’re offering a free 9-part documentary series – Hormones, Health & Harmony to help you balance your hormones and restore radiance. Register HERE.
My next book, Natural Beauty Reset, provides an in-depth look at how you can nourish your body and support your health and hormones through the seasons. You can pre-order my book now on Amazon.
Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote harmonized hormones and natural beauty!
