So it isn’t quite summer yet; It isn’t even spring. I get it. Picnic season seems like a long time away. That being said, there are many reasons why you should consider eating outdoors more often, even when the weather is telling you that it isn’t quite time.
A picnic is just another word for eating out-doors. And while we tend to associate picnics with triangle sandwiches, blankets and warm summer days, it is nice to eat outside every so often. Even just to experience some fresh air and get some vitamin D from the sun. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a tropical or temperate climate then there really is no excuse not to eat outside every so often.
That being said, indoor picnics are actually a thing. And if the weather is really poor, then you can use it as an opportunity to do something a little unusual and fun with your children. You can set up a ‘picnic area’ in pretty much any room in your home (bar the bathroom for obvious reasons!) Set out a nice blanket on the floor, and scatter cushions around the floor. You can always use a coffee table if you have pets roaming around who want to sneak a nibble of your tuna sandwich.
If you spend most of your time at the office, then going out for your lunch break can make you feel more productive for the rest of the day. In much the same way as working out on your lunch break can make you feel more energized, so you can eating lighter meals outdoors. It is very common for workers to spend all day at a screen, only to go on their lunch break and spend their break scrolling through Instagram. Instead of spending your break inside looking at your phone, try to go out for a walk or bring a nice lunch to share with a colleague in a park if you have one nearby.
Some easy picnic foods that you can take to work, on a family day out, or have as part of your indoor picnic include nibbles such as freshly chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber, which won’t oxidize as quickly as other fruits or vegetables. Try making your own dips to accompany these veggies. and hummus is a great addition to any dip selection, as well as salsa which is easy to make and you can store in large batches and eat throughout the week.
We spend so much time glued to screens, that our eyes can actually start to suffer. You may have heard of blue light that is emitted from our electronic devices, and the potential damage that this can have on our retinas. It isn’t easy to avoid blue light however if your job requires you to spend time at a computer. There are protective screens you can buy that will filter some of this damaging light from your eyes. Taking time away from your desk, or phone is another way to rest your eyes and enjoy a nice meal out in nature.
