If you're like many people, you really enjoy going on an old-fashioned picnic, and you're probably looking forward to doing so now that spring is finally here. There's something about sharing a meal with friends and family, outdoors in a gorgeous natural setting, that makes an ordinary day truly special. However, you may be trying to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar and low on nutrients, and this can be difficult to do when traditional picnic fare is part of the picture. After all, typical picnic foods such as southern fried chicken, macaroni salad, and chocolate cake aren't among the healthiest options. Fortunately, alternatives are available that make it possible to enjoy a delicious and nutritious picnic lunch -- such as sandwiches made from high quality ingredients. 

Healthy Sandwich Bread

Sandwiches often get a bad rap among those trying to come up with healthy options, but that's because they're frequently made with high-fat ingredients such as mayonnaise, fatty meats, and heavy cheeses. Mass-produced white breads are also a poor choice for those wanting to dial back on added sugar and fat. However, sandwiches don't have to be nutritionally bereft fare -- and it all starts with choosing the right kind of bread. A wide variety of organic breads are available that can be used as building blocks for healthy picnic sandwiches, including whole or partially sprouted wheat breads, multigrain breads, and even regular white bread made with unbleached flour, olive oil instead of vegetable oil, and honey instead of white sugar. You can contact companies like Klosterman Baking Company for more information on healthy, organic breads. 

Healthy Sandwich Ingredients

Healthy sandwich ingredients are another important component of crafting a nutritious sandwich. Instead of mayonnaise, consider using honey mustard dressing instead, and use lean meats such as chicken and turkey instead of ham and beef. If you're like many people who love the taste of cheese in a sandwich, you can get the same flavor by using a smaller amount -- instead of three slices, for instance, cut it down to one or two. You can also use lots of fresh lettuce, spinach, baby kale, and freshly-picked sliced tomatoes. You can also experiment with different types of salsas to provide the sandwich with extra flavor without the extra sugar or fat. For instance, blueberry or cranberry salsa makes an excellent addition to a turkey sandwich. Using turkey or chicken bacon in a BLT transforms this classic sandwich into a heart-healthy option. 

Share