Picnic Perfect
Enjoying the season on NutriSystem: 5 ideas

With summer right around the corner, all those relaxing, seasonal picnics can't be far behind! There's no reason you can't enjoy the fun, even if you're trying to lose a few pounds. You can be right there in the heart of the party, celebrating with everyone else—you just have to be smart about it, and use the "system" to your advantage.

Here are some fresh tips for enjoying all those barbeques and summertime picnics NutriSystem style.

Go All-American
It doesn't get any better than this—hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. So why not go ahead and heat your NutriSystem Turkey Hot Dog over the flames? And don't forget to serve it with mustard and a grilled onion! Or, as far as burgers go, you can prepare your NutriSystem Hamburger Patty as usual, too, and then put it on the grill for a minute or so—just long enough for it to get a little of that char-grilled flavor. It's also great with a little fat-free Thousand Island dressing, a slice of tomato and lettuce. Add a slice of fat-free cheese, and you've got a great sandwich!

As for your buns, why not grab a wholegrain one, and try spraying a little I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (ICBINB) on it, and grill it up, too!

Feeling Chicken?
For a different twist, don't be afraid to take along one of the tasty NutriSystem Chicken Breast patties to your next picnic. They're particularly great if there's a grill on hand, and you don't even need to keep them in a cooler prior to eating. Just throw them in your picnic basket and you're good to go!

Veggie-riffic!
There's nothing more delicious than fresh, grilled vegetables. So how about grilling your corn on the cob? You can have about half an ear as a carbohydrate serving, and maybe, instead of just salting it, try something creative—squeeze a little lime juice over it once it's cooked, and then sprinkle it with a Mexican seasoning. Or mix up a little olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, and brush the mixture on the hot corn.

Not feeling corny? That's okay. How about grilled asparagus? Before you go, just wash it and break off the tough ends, and put it in a long dish. Marinate it in some lemon juice and some lemon zest for about an hour before putting it on the grill. It's fabulous!

Fancy Fruit
Fruit is a great addition to any picnic, and the perfect way to stay on track while enjoying the season's festivities. You could enjoy your fruit serving by joining in the good, old-fashioned picnic fun of a carved watermelon (watch your portion size, though (1-1/4 cup) because it's a higher-sugar fruit and not low-glycemic). Or how about something a little different—make fruit kebobs for grilling! Just skewer a cube of honeydew, another of cantaloupe, a small section of banana, and two cubes of pineapple to make an awesome fruit serving. Let them grill, turning frequently, until the fruit becomes slightly browned. You'll love it!

Dessert Buffet
Just because you're on program doesn't mean you have to miss out on the dessert front. Even if everyone else at your barbeque is diving into the homemade goodies, rest assured you're staying right on track by taking along one of your favorite NutriSystem desserts or snacks. They're perfectly portable, and a great way to hang out with the gang, yet return home with none of the guilt!