When you attend a theme park or a ball game, it's easy to fall prey to concession stands offering hot dogs, sodas, cheese nachos and other high-calorie favorites. Instead of buying into fattening fare, pack your own cooler. Bring along bottled water, cold cuts, fresh fruit, pretzels and other convenient foods that will provide nourishment and satisfaction for the whole family. Did we mention you'll also save money? A ballpark meal averages $10 per person; you can prepare a meal for four people for less than that! The next time you pack up the family for a zoo, park or concert, stock the cooler with everyone's favorites. If it's mealtime, then a cold rotisserie chicken from the grocery store makes a tasty entrée. Grab whole fruit or a fruit salad as a side, plus some baked chips and low-fat dip.
If you have fancier tastes, then why not wrap up a flatbread sandwich with spicy brown mustard, assorted greens, roasted red peppers and fresh-sliced deli turkey? Make a romantic picnic fancy with nice cheeses and small bottles of wine, which allow you to drink reasonable portions instead of an entire bottle. Just need a few snacks for a midafternoon picnic? String cheese is a crowd pleaser, plus some whole-grain crackers and 100 percent juice boxes. Fruit leather with no sugar added is a portable and sweet treat for everyone. Enjoy the experience of eating al fresco in a fun environment, safe in the knowledge that you're doing something great for your body, too!