The great thing about the weather getting better is that it makes for the perfect day out for a picnic. An age old tradition, going out with your sweetheart or the family to a fun picnic can become a fun event everyone will look forward to. But you’ll want to do right by your health and your family’s by planning and preparing a picnic that is healthy as well as delicious.

Picnics aren’t quite the same as prepping for a special dinner or even a fancy brunch, but when thought through, you can have a great picnic experience each time. First plan what you want to pack to eat. This may be determined by the people that will be at the picnic. If your family will be there, then plan to bring food items you know they’ll enjoy. If your picnic is for a romantic date between you and your special someone, then your food choices will more than likely be drastically different.

Picnics are all about being practical. It goes without saying that fancy, messy foods should be avoided. Food items that can be eaten with your hands are best. Think about how you’ll pack your items and how large of a picnic basket you need. A helpful way to think about the food you’ll take is to think in terms of what you’ll bring as an appetizer, the main course, and dessert. When choosing these meals, make sure to pick foods that are healthy and exercise portion control. Examples of great appetizers include fresh fruit and crackers with slices of cheese or thinly shaved deli meat. Because most picnics take place during lunchtime or early evening, opt for serving hearty sandwiches for the main course. Be sure to take orders from the people attending the picnic ahead of time so each person will have his/her own special sandwich. Or you can make things fun by having your picnic goers serve themselves by putting together their own sandwiches. This will involve packing everything separately in baggies, such as the bread, lettuce, tomatoes, deli meat, cheese, and condiments. Choose lean meats and opt for low-fat cheese for your sandwiches. Dessert can be served in the form of low-fat yogurt, which can be combined with your fresh fruit to create your own picnic parfait dessert dish. If you plan on cooking your food on the picnic grounds, make sure to carry just enough hot dogs or hamburger patties for everyone. Portion control is key. While people may want seconds, remind them that after factoring in appetizers and dessert afterwards, chances are that will be more than enough food. For parents of younger children, be sure to give them fresh fruit if they have a sweet tooth instead of sugary, artificially flavored candies or fruit snacks.

One mistake many people make when it comes to picnics is lack of organization. Even when you’ve chosen what foods you want to bring, packing them the right way is also essential. How many times have you gone on a picnic and spent time emptying your entire picnic basket out in the effort to find certain food items? An easy way to think about how to pack your picnic essentials is to keep the dessert at the bottom (where it can stay cool), your main course in the middle, your appetizers at the top and your plastic utensils and napkins on the top. Also pack water for your picnic instead of soda or sugary fruit juice. If needed, you can include flavored water.

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