With the summer months here, Canadians are  hitting the road for lots of outdoor family fun. But, too often, time away from home results in eating lots of convenient fast foods loaded with ingredients that sabotage healthy eating. With a little bit of planning you and your family can pack a picnic basket of healthy and delicious foods.

Below are some great tips for packing your heart healthy summer picnic basket:

• Avocados are a great source of good fat. Quick and easy guacamole can be packed with home made baked pita crisps for a tasty snack that a large group can enjoy.

• Instead of buying fatty street-meat bring along a delicious wrap filled with chicken, veggies and a light dressing as your lunchtime meal. Quick and delicious recipes like the Chunky Chicken Wrap can be found at www.knowyourratio.ca.

• Bringing along a small salad can take away that nagging urge to nibble at cholesterol pitfalls like chips and cookies. Pack an oil-based dressing on the side so that your salad stays crisp and fresh.

• While a moderate amount of alcohol may increase good cholesterol levels the high calories in alcohol can add unwanted pounds. Choose equally refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea over that third alcoholic drink.

• Your sweet tooth doesn’t need to be ignored just because you are eating healthy. Canada has some of the tastiest strawberries, peaches and raspberries in the world. Take advantage!

- News Canada