When determing the menu for a picnic, the name of the game is taste. But, taste doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. A picnic menu can be just as healthy and easy as a meal you would prepare at home. Picnic appetizers keep guests from losing interest while they wait for the grill to fire up. Make or purchase a container of veggie dip. If you purchase the dip, buy the light variety. When whipping up a dip, substitute regular ranch dressing with a ranch seasoning mix and a container of low fat sour cream. The taste is just as flavorful but without all of the extra calories. To accompany your dip, consider a raw vegetable platter. Vegetables are lighter than chips and they won’t adversely impact your waistline if you over indulge. Preparing the vegetables the night before gives you more time the day of the picnic. Vegetables can be sliced into decorative chips with a crinkle cutter for added flare. If the kids require salty snacks, choose the baked variety. Most snack companies sell a baked, reduced fat version of their popular snacks. Even better, one hundred calorie snack bags will keep them from eating too many of their favorite snacks. Frozen burger patties don’t have to be fattening anymore. Choose from turkey burger patties or 98% lean hamburger. These substitutions are full of flavor and will benefit your family’s health. When dressing the burger, add a generous slice of tomato, onion, and/or lettuce. The more food items you can prepare ahead of time, the calmer the actual picnic will be. Chicken breast or seafood kabobs can be bought fresh directly from the meat department of the local grocery store. Keep them on ice until ready to toss on the grill. A side dish of brown rice can be served with the kabobs for a complete meal. Dessert at a picnic usually consists of cake or some other sweet confection. Fruit salad is a healthy twist on dessert. A combination of sweet fruits topped with coconut pieces or served with a fruit dip satisfies the sugar craving. Try grilled fruits like pineapples or peaches for a tangy tasting dessert. When it comes to drinks, choose bottled water or juices. Sugar free flavor packets can be mixed into bottled water for a fruity drink if you don’t want to drink juice. If picnickers will be active, water offers better hydration than soda drinks. A picnic doesn’t have to equate to the end of a health conscious way of eating. Nutritious menu selections can be managed even on the grill. Pre-planning can keep the menu light not to mention easy and stress-free.