4 Guilt-Free Picnic Foods

I'm going on a picnic and I'm going to bring... apple pie. I'm going on a picnic and I'm going to bring apple pie and barbecue ribs. If you've ever played that car game with kids you know it goes all the way to "z," with each person reciting. each letter that came before theirs and adding a new item to bring. If you have some trouble coming up with healthier options when you're headed to a real picnic, try these guilt-free picnic foods.

Instead of potato salad have three-bean salad - It will have vinegar instead of mayonnaise, and the beans will keep you feeling satiated without feeling weighed down like a sack of potatoes. Not sure if they'll have some at the picnic? Make your own.

1. Blanch fresh green beans from your garden or the local farmer's market.
2. Add in two kinds of beans, like kidney and white. You could also add edamame beans, lima beans or black beans. Get creative!
3. Flavor with a low-fat Italian dressing, fresh parsley and diced red onion. The other option for dressing is to use equal parts rice vinegar and cider vinegar with a tablespoon of canola oil.
4. For a crunchy and healthy surprise, add slivered almonds.

Toss a better salad - Tired of the same iceberg lettuce, strips of carrots and unidentifiable colored lettuce in the pre-washed bags of lettuce? Build a better and garden-fresh salad.

1. Blanch fresh asparagus and fresh green beans.
2. Create a mix of half baby greens and half baby spinach. Rinse and dry the leaves, removing any extra-long stems or leaves which are past their prime.
3. Add sliced strawberries.
4. Just before serving, toss with balsamic vinegar. For an extra special treat, use balsamic vinegar with pomegranate flavoring.

Whole grain everything - Buy them at the grocery store or make them at home, but whatever you do, don't forget them. Substitute all hamburger and hot dog rolls for whole wheat or whole grain versions. Baking brownies or pies? Find versions with whole wheat flour, and substitute at least half of white flour for whole wheat.

Zucchini and squash slaw - Sure, broccoli slaw has been around for a while, but that doesn't mean everyone can digest it. Serve this one after making it.

1. Peel strips of zucchini and squash into a bowl.
2. Cut up a sweet onion and red pepper.
3. Toss with apple juice concentrated, salt and pepper.