Warm weather is a great time to move the meal outdoors. But as you pack your basket and plan for a healthy, diabetes-friendly meal in the open air, there are some tips and tricks you can use to keep your meal savory, safe, and successful. Whether your family is planning a beach trip, picnic, or reunion, food is usually involved. Before you hit the road for your next outing, remember these tips to keep your food fresh while also keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
Pack smart: Put the popular items, like drinks, on top when you are packing the food. You don't want to pull out the pasta salad every time someone wants a of water. Better yet, pack drinks and food in separate coolers so the food can stay cold until you are ready to eat.
Stay out of the Danger Zone: Bacteria can grow quickly when food isn't stored at the right temperature. Keep cold food at or below 40°F using ice or cool packs and keep hot food at or above 140°F using things like slow cookers and warming plates.
Keep it cool: Place bags and coolers inside the car and not in the trunk, which can heat up like an oven. You don't want the Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt going bad before you make it to your destination.
Make it a meal: It's tempting to pack up all your favorite foods when planning something fun, but remember: it's still a meal! Try to bring a variety of foods including fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and plenty of water.
Watch your portions: It's easy to overeat at cookouts, picnics, and other celebrations where platters of food are readily available for grazing. Keep your portions similar to what you would eat at home, and be sure to use a plate so you know exaclty how much you are eating.
Want not, waste not: If you think there may be extra food, be prepared with extra containers and plenty of ice and cooler space for proper storage.
Try instead:
Try instead:
Try instead:
