By Bridget Surtees (RD)

 

Its 2020. A New Year and a New Decade. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, January also brings with it long lazy summer days. It is the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and head to the beach, mountain or nearest park. Not sure what to pack? Real Food Dietitians have your picnic hamper ideas covered. Try some of these quick and easy snack ideas below

 

Eggs:

The perfect Protein. Add some salt or mayonnaise to make it extra tasty

• Rich in protein and fats to keep that appetite in check

 

Veggies:

Choose a selection of your favourite vegetables and cut into sticks (baby tomatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers, peppers, celery sticks, carrots). Dip them to keep it interesting -try nut butter, cream cheese, hummus, guacamole or Tzatziki,

• Rich in antioxidants and fiber

 

Nuts:

If you are trying to keep your carbohydrate intake low, choose the lower carb nuts such as macadamias, pecans, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds. Be sure to stick to a handful even though it can be tempting to eat more!

• Rich in protein, healthy fats and fibre

 

Avocado:

The low carb fruit with the healthy fats! Add some salt or balsamic vinegar

• Rich in healthy fats

 

Full-fat plain yoghurt:

Have it on its own or add in some fruit and seeds for more flavour and crunch!

• Rich in protein, healthy fats and calcium

 

Fruit:

Berries, plums, kiwi fruit, clementines, melon, peaches – to name a few. If you are trying to keep your carbohydrates low and your nutrients high, berries are the best. Avoid the highest sugar fruits: bananas and grapes, as well as dried fruit and fruit juice.

 

• Rich in fibre, vitamins, antioxidants

 

Cold Meats:

Keep the leftovers from last night’s dinner, such as chicken or steak slices; or simply take the easy route when at the shops with salami, carpaccio or prosciutto ham.

• Rich in protein

 

Biltong

When the salt craving strikes, grab a stick of biltong or droerwors

• Rich in protein

 

Join Real Food Dietitians’ Online 6-Week Low Carb Healthy Weight Challenge for a comprehensive guide to a New Healthier You this New Year – including personalised diet plans, menus and shopping lists, as well as LIVE Q&As, 24-7 access to our dietitians on a closed Facebook group, support, goal setting and in depth training on how to make a Low Carb diet a lifestyle.