Plan your healthy summer picnic with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

After spending so much time inside these past few months, Michigan residents are making the most of their patios, backyards and trips to the park. They’re looking for ways to stay active, healthy and connected. And that’s something that Rene Stephan, manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Grosse Pointe Woods location, knows a lot about.

Rene Stephan has managed the Grosse Pointe Woods location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic for 5 years. She’s got some great ideas for making the most of National Summer Picnic Month, too.

Rene Stephan has managed the Grosse Pointe Woods location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic for 5 years. She’s got some great ideas for making the most of National Summer Picnic Month, too.

“Many of my patients who were with us before quarantine were doing very well until that point, and just fell off track,” says Rene. “It can be very challenging for someone to get that motivation back.”

She’s there to help and to remind patients of the reasons they started the program in the first place.

“It’s a great program,” she says. “I see a lot of success when people do it. When they really work on it. It’s rewarding when you see someone lose 230 pounds over a year and a half.”

And there’s never been a more important time to focus on cardiovascular and metabolic health, Rene adds. “They are crucial for preventing and fighting COVID-19.”

It’s also possible to attain those healthy goals, fit into your favorite outfit and thoroughly enjoy summer activities at the same time. Since July is National Picnic Month, she shared some of her favorite tips and quick recipes with us. The best part? It’s all part of the Medical Weight Loss Clinic program.

Stay hydrated in hot weather by mixing up a summer berry punch.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic Wild Berry or Lemon Razzy nutritional protein supplements can be mixed with cold sparkling water or diet caffeine-free 7-Up to make a delicious punch. Use half the amount of water and add crushed ice and you’ve made that Wild Berry Punch into a slushie. And for those really hot days, try freezing it into a frozen fruit pop.

Stick to snacks that are healthy and delicious.

Rene is also a fan of using the Medical Weight Loss Clinic Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Mix to make a craveable taco dip. Just add ground turkey or ground beef and add sides like low or non-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, shred up some lettuce and slice up tomatoes and scallions. Try Cheddar Bites or your favorite Medical Weight Loss Clinic-approved cracker and this might become your favorite summer dip. 

The raw mix can be added to low or non-fat Greek yogurt directly and refrigerated to make a fresh dip for carrots or celery, too.

Pack salads or strike up the grill.

Don’t forget summer salads. A Grilled Watermelon salad or Grilled Watermelon and Pineapple Skewers will bring smiles to any picnic. And Rene suggests grilling up shish kabobs with chicken, onion and pineapple.

“I also like to make a cilantro lime grilled shrimp,” she said. “Summer recipes can be simple, delicious and healthy.”

Choose your picnic spot and get moving.

Once you’ve packed up some healthy treats, it’s time to choose the location. The perfect family picnic can happen anywhere where there is plenty of open space. From your backyard to your neighborhood park.

“I am a big fan of the water,” Rene says, “so being in downtown Detroit on the Detroit Riverwalk works for me.”

Be sure to pack a few fun activities, too. Don’t underestimate old favorites like playing frisbee or flying kites if it’s windy enough, Rene says. Get out that beach ball or hoola hoop.

“Simple things can get you moving,” she says.

Bring along masks and be sure to social distance, but don’t hesitate to plan a summer picnic and get some exercise. Biking and even swimming, if you have access to a safe beach or pool, can really make for a memorable day for the whole family.

Find out more about Medical Weight Loss Clinic and a program customized to help you reach your healthy goals. Book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

*Results may vary. Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be used for online purchases.
When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.