One of the things I love most about summer is that we can get out together on days out; we made a list at the start of summer of places we wanted to go and we have managed most of them over the holidays. Still, we have to be careful and budget our day trips so mostly they are free or National Trust places where we can make the most of our membership. This works out well for us and with some planning we can have some great thrifty days out. As well as finding a fun places to visit we also take a picnic absolutely everywhere! Not only is this a cheaper option for us with a family of five but Lucas is such a fussy eater that a meal out is always so stressful. Even things he will eat at home he will refuse in a restaurant, he always ask if they do peanut butter and jam sandwiches (we haven’t found anywhere that meets that request yet!)
I think the humble picnic has come along way since I was a child, I remember it was always had a ham barm squashed in some clingfilm a bag of crisps and carton of juice with a sausage roll if we were being extravagant. I take so much more than that on our days out; there will usually be a sandwich, malt loaf, fruit, squishy yogurts or fruit pouches, rice cakes, raisins, crisps, cheese, cereal bars and often a treat gingerbread man or cupcake. I have all sorts of little containers squirreled all over the pushchair ready to produce if Lucas is telling me his tummy is rumbling.
As nice as this is for the boys it isn’t always the healthiest option for me; I’ve been following the slimming world diet for over a year now and reached my target a few months ago. Since then I have relaxed a little but I still try to eat healthy, especially on days out as if I have a healthy lunch I can always treat myself later on. I usually make up a big batch of cous cous or quinoa at the beginning of the week and I can just dip into it when we are having a day out. I was recently sent a Sistema plastic lunchbox and it has been perfect for my healthy lunches. I just grab a couple of spoons of quinoa and add some veggies and feta cheese; in the side compartments I can add extra cut vegetables or my ‘treat’ Hi-Fi bar and in the yogurt pot I keep some fresh berries. This fills me up and I don’t feel like I’m missing out when they boys are all having their snacks. If I’ve had a good lunch I’m less likely to cave and go for something unhealthy. I also use the Sistema water bottle so I can take healthy drinks with me.
I have to confess I have a slight Sistema addiction as my Sainsbury’s local sells it and I often pick up a new little pot for our picnics. They are so handy to have in, easy to clean and have a great range to choose from. After having my healthy lunch it means that when we stop for a cake or an ice cream I can enjoy it guilt free – just like Lucas!
Disclosure – I was given this Sistema lunchbox and water bottle. All words and opinions are my own.
3 Comments
Looks fab and what a cute photograph at the end! Ice cream is always a real treat 🙂 Love these. Hope you’ve enjoyed your summer and I can’t believe we are only a week away from the new term. Thinking of you on that first day back xxxx
August 28, 2015 at 11:15 amWe go on a lot of picnics too and I swear by Sistema. Their lunch boxes are amazing. My two love eating in restaurants but there’s something about eating outside that sends them ravenous and willing to try anything and everything. Even if it’s just eating in the back garden 🙂
August 28, 2015 at 10:54 pmThat lunchbox is cute! Do you just eat plain onion normally? Haha that looks crazy!
September 9, 2015 at 4:15 am