choosemyplateAs the weather gets warmer, many holiday celebrations move outdoors. Here are a few tips on how to have happy, healthy holiday outdoor celebrations.

  • Enjoy healthy options– Incorporate MyPlate into the menu.
    Replace food high in sugar, salt and saturated fat with
    100% whole grain, fruits, vegetables and lean meat and
    seafood options. Try fruit parfaits, grilled vegetable kabobs,
    100% whole wheat buns and salmon patties. Additionally, use smaller plates to help with portion control.
  • Incorporate physical activity into the celebration-After the meal, enjoy the warm weather by going on a brisk walk with family members, have a scavenger hunt, play tug-of-war or have a jump rope competition.
  • Keep water handy-Stay hydrated by sipping on cold water instead of soda or other drinks. Too many caffeinated beverages are high in sugar and calories and can lead to dehydration. Try alternating caffeinated drinks with water.
  • Keep food safe-To reduce the chance of foodborne illness, use the four food safety principles-Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.
    • Clean – Wash hands by using warm water and soap for 20 seconds before rinsing. Also, clean and sanitize surfaces and appliances and thoroughly rinse produce.
    • Separate – Always keep fresh produce and cooked food separate from raw meat, poultry and seafood. Use different cutting boards, utensils and plates for cooked and uncooked foods.
    • Cook – Keep hot food at an internal temperature of 140 F or higher. Use a food thermometer to make sure cooked foods are safe until it’s time to eat. For safe cooking temperatures of meat, poultry and seafood go to: www.fda.gov Safe Cooking Temperatures
    • Chill – Keep cold food at 40 F or below by transporting and storing it in an insulated cooler with ice, dry ice or frozen gel packs. Additionally, Keep food safe and out of the “Danger Zone” (40 F – 140 F) by eating or storing it within food 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is 90 F of higher).

HealthyOutdoorSummerCelebrations

References:
MyPlate Tip Sheet-Be food safe: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet23BeFoodSafe.pdf
MyPlate Tip Sheet-Enjoy your food, but eat less: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet18EnjoyYourFood.pdf
MyPlate Tip Sheet-Make celebrations fun, healthy and active: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet20MakeCelebrations.pdf
MyPlate Tip Sheet-Make healthier holiday choices: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet32MakeHealthierHolidayChoices.pdf

 

 

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