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Healthy Food

Perfect the Picnic: Recipes for Al Fresco Feasting

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Is it just us or is summer whizzing by? Before we know it, we’ll be back in back-to-school mode. Until then, soak up the last of these lazy days with the kids. One particularly fun and no-fuss way to do so is with a picnic. The following recipes are quick, healthy and ideal for open-air dining. Plus, they’re all finger-friendly, so you can ditch your cutlery and dig in!

 

Dip Into This

 

Start things off on a healthy high note with this Sweet Pea Dip, a light, creamy and easy peas-y concoction starring Libby’s® Sweet Peas. It’s a dipping delight with pita bread, raw veggies and multi-grain crackers, and you can also spread any leftovers on the next day’s sandwiches (although we’re betting it will be devoured on-site!).

Whimsical Meets Wholesome

Research has shown that giving nutritious food a fun name increases a child’s likelihood of eating it. Test out the theory yourself with these Green Wheels and Ham Sandwiches, made with Libby’s® Cut Green Beans, whole-wheat tortillas, ham and spreadable cheese. They’re tasty, quick to pull together and easily portable—a prime pick for a picnic.

Mini Morsels

 

The only thing better than cake is cake you can eat with your hands. Complete your feast with these gooey, guilt-free Carrot Cake Bites. They’re full of whole wheat flour and Libby’s® Sliced Carrots and low in sugar and fat. Go ahead – have another…it’ll be one less thing to pack up!

Hungry Minds: The Best Brain Foods

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By Kristin Kessler, RD

Food can feed your belly, food can feed your soul, but did you also know that food can feed your brain? While an overall healthy diet is important to keep your brain functioning at top speed, certain foods can boost brain function. Try some of our favorite brainy foods to make sure you’re getting all of the nutrients your hungry mind needs.

 

Opt for Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

With all of the positive press, it should come as no surprise that foods containing a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids are number one on this list! Feed your brain with this light and refreshing Salmon & Dill Green Bean Salad, perfect for warm summer nights. If you’re not a salmon fan, substitute another fatty fish such as mackerel or tuna. If you’re a vegetarian or don’t like fish, pick up flaxseed oil or walnuts during your next trip to the grocery store.

Eat Probiotic-Rich Foods

 

Have you ever heard of the gut-brain connection? It may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but recent research has taught us that our gastrointestinal system and brain are much more connected than we thought. Keep your intestines happy and healthy with gut-friendly bacteria called probiotics, which can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and miso. For your next dinner, try out this Chickpea and Kraut Pasta Toss. To maximize intake of probiotics, avoid heating the sauerkraut too much or serve it on the side at room temperature. Your gut and brain will thank you!

Whole Grains for the Brain

You can literally feed your hungry mind by opting for whole grains throughout the day. The brain’s favorite supply of energy comes in the form of glucose. Whole wheat bread or pasta, brown rice and oatmeal are rich in whole grains and release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, helping you to keep you feeling happy and mentally alert throughout the day. The brown rice in this Creamy Coconut & Veggie Brown Rice Pilaf with Honey Roasted Pecans will help keep you sharp as a tack.

This Summer, Get Pin-spired by Libby's!

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Our fans tell us they love to use Pinterest to prepare dinner parties and redecorate their homes on a budget. At Libby’s, we use Pinterest to motivate you to try delicious recipes, eat healthier and plan fun activities for your families. Get Pin-spired this summer with our board suggestions below to help you achieve your summertime goals!

Travel foreign lands

Whether you’re travelling halfway across the world or to the nearest U.S. city, Pinterest lets you access everything you need to plan your next vacation. You can use the search bar to find the best lodging options, restaurants and activities in your vacation destination.

Play endless family games

With the kids out of school for the summer, there will be more opportunities for you to plan family game nights or weekend outings. Pinterest offers a variety of family activity ideas, like arts and crafts projects or a visit to a national park. The possibilities for summer fun and learning are endless – just save all your favorite ideas to a “Just for Kids” board!

Eat well and eat often

Mealtime just got a little easier with the help of Pinterest. You can create different boards for each of your culinary needs – from dish type (salads, summer cooking, dessert) to cooking tool (crock pot, stir fry, grilling) to flavor (savory, sweet, spicy). The Libby’s Table Pinterest boards can help you get started – just repin any of our images to your own boards to create perfectly balanced and delicious meals for your family.

What is your favorite use for Pinterest? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page!