Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Spring 2018

Nutrition Corner Summer outings made simple Summer isn’t summer without a Memorial Day picnic, outing to the zoo or Adventureland, or a baseball game. But how will you manage the food?! Eating right can seem impossible when you head to a concession stand. The good news: Keeping your eyes open for nutrient-rich foods and spending a little time planning ahead can easily help you stay on track with your fam- ily’s healthy lifestyle. And remember that when most of your days are filled with healthy meals and snacks, it’s OK to add a treat during an outing. Ice cream, anyone? Keep it simple—and fun Tips for your next summer outing: ●   ● Start with a balanced breakfast at home. Pack a bag or cooler with portable, nutritious snacks like whole or cut up fruit, individual packages of nuts, cut-up veggies, yogurt or cheese and crackers. Depending on your desti- nation, you may be able to take food in with you, or have a quick snack in the car before you head for the gate. Remember, your family doesn’t have to eat every meal at the venue. ●   ● Don’t feel like you have to say “yes” to everything. Establish the day’s eating routine before you leave for an outing, and bring or scout out nutritious snack options ahead of time, before kids get hungry and the cotton candy is the only concession in sight. Look for vendors with summer favorites like corn on the cob, grilled meats, or fruit and veggies on a skewer or salad. ●   ● Focus on the fun! Decide together on a treat to have later in the day. Rather than eating while walking, sit down and savor your food together. ●   ● Choose water over sugary drinks, smoothies, frozen ices and sodas. Bring refillable bottles from home, if allowed. Encourage kids to refill them throughout the day. It’s important to drink plenty of water to manage the summer heat and prevent dehydration. ●   ● If you decide to pack a full picnic lunch, remember to place perishable foods in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Park the cooler in the shade. By Crystal Petersen, GCMH Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 Find more fun and healthy summer snack ideas at grundycountyhospital.org or on our Facebook page. Jennifer Havens CEO Keely Harken Foundation Development & Community Outreach Manager Newsletter Editor Crystal Petersen Health Promotion Manager LIVE WELL is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Grundy County Memorial Hospital, 201 East J Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638, grundycountyhospital.org , 319-824-5421 Information in LIVE WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.