In my opinion, one of the best things about summer in the city is a day in Central Park. Going there always brings a wave of nostalgia over me for my early days in NYC, when I would go to the iconic Sheep’s Meadow every weekend during the warm weather months. We don’t make it uptown nearly enough to visit now, but when we do, I love lounging with wine and snacks, people watching, reading and playing cards. This summer I’ve been making a conscious effort to eat right, as my 30th birthday is fast approaching and my metabolism is coming to a screeching halt (the rumors are true!). Sadly, my usual grab-and-go spread of cheese and meat doesn’t really fit my new regime. Here, I’m sharing my tips for packing up a healthy picnic in your own local park.
1 – Skip the cheese & meat.
If you’re like me, your default picnic set up is a spread of cheeses and Italian meats. Sadly, the older I get, the more immediately I feel the effects of a dairy binge, so I traded the classics in for hummus and basil pesto with crudite. I recently discovered Ithaca brand hummus and can’t recommend the lemon garlic and beet hummus enough.
2 – Pick up some drinks in a can.
Although it sounds like an oxymoron, there are actually some really great wines in cans these days, and they’re so easy to pack for a day in the park. My personal favorites are the French 75 and Rosé Lime drinks by Pampelonne and Underwood’s Rosé. Here’s to bringing grab-and-go to a whole new level.
the healthy picn
3 – Always have a chic blanket lying around.
Picnic blanket’s are one of those things that you seemingly never need when you have one, and never use when you do. Consider it the new umbrella. I challenge you to get one that you love, so that enjoying a day outside can be more top of mind. I got this one from Amazon for $11 (similar style here)—no brainer!
4 – Bring bean chips.
I recently discovered these delicious bean chips at the fancy grocery store near our apartment. They are made from black beans, are gluten free and a great source of protein. I feel a little better about myself when I finish off the bag, than when it’s Tostitos Scoops (which I also love, no shade).
5 – Invest in a picnic basket that’s easy to carry.
I got my picnic basket a few summers ago and love it for it’s long strap that makes it so much easier to tote around. I found a newer model here for you to try.
my look | zara top, zara shorts, st. agni sandals
