Now that the weather is getting nicer, why not take in the scenery while enjoying a monster post-workout feast? No longer do you have to choose between dem gains and dat sun! When the outdoors calls your name, go on and answer. Get your guns some sun while you feast on these muscle-building recipes that come alongside an added dose of Vitamin D.
FITMENCOOK EPIC PICNIC RECIPES
Meal 1: Arugula, Watermelon, Feta and KIND Bar Salad
Every good meal should be kicked off with salad. Salad brings color and nutrients to the table and whets your palate for dishes to come. With that said, salads don't have to be wimpy! This power-packed salad is good enough to be a standalone dish.
One of my new favorite ways to spice up salads is to add crushed KIND Strong & Kind bars to the mix. The all-natural ingredients and whole nuts and grains make for a fantastic topping, and the bars are an easy ingredient to boost the content of healthy fats and protein, like croutons with added nutritional value.
Plus, funky flavors like honey mustard create a flavor explosion in your mouth. Toss them with fresh summer fruit like watermelon, add some feta cheese, and you create a salad that's sure to be a hit!
Meal 2: Spicy Tex-Mex Lime Chicken Kabobs
Add a little Tex-Mex flair to the barbecue with this easy chicken kabob recipe that's sure to impress. Just make sure you have enough on hand—these highly addictive skewers are sure to leave your guests coming back for more.
Meal 3: Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Salad
Being from Texas, me showing up to a picnic or cookout without some form of potato salad is like showing up to the gym without headphones—it's a necessary tool to get you in the proper mood. Here's my #FitMenCook take on a Southern classic that will leave your taste buds screaming and your muscles pumped. Seriously: You'll grow after eating this.
Meal 4: Amino Vitamin Water
When the outside temperature starts to creep into triple-digits, hydration is paramount. Make sure you have something to quench your thirst and wash down your four-course meal!
Kick classic water up a notch by adding your favorite aminos and fresh fruit into the mix. You'll stay hydrated while feeding your muscles with natural vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Meal 5: Chocolate Protein Cheesecake Dixie Cup Popsicles
If there's any room left for dessert—and, believe me, you'll want there to be—whip out these chocolate cheesecake pops. You really can't go wrong with cheesecake, especially when it contains protein and chocolate. These frozen treats are perfect to help you beat the heat and cool down from working on the grill. Sit back and enjoy!
Grocery List
Meats/Poultry
- 18-36 oz chicken breast
- 1 package turkey bacon (natural, nitrate-free, uncured)
Dairy
- 1 16 oz tub 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 small tub goat cheese
- 1 bag reduced-fat mozzarella
- 1 small carton crumbled feta cheese
- 8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 carton unsweetened almond milk
Produce
- 3-4 large sweet potatoes or yams
- 1 can low-sodium black beans
- 1 bundle mint leaves
- 1 large bundle arugula
- 1 small bag kale
- 1 bag steamed corn
- 1 small bundle green onions
- 2 jalapenos
- 5 limes
- 1 bundle cilantro
- 3 blood oranges
- 1 small carton blueberries
- 1 small watermelon
Fats and sundry goods
- Coconut oil
- Carob chips or dark chocolate chips
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Milled flax seed (optional)
- Tapatio hot sauce
Supplements
- 2-3 KIND Strong and Kind Bars
- Flavored BCAA powder
- Chocolate protein powder
Supplies
- Paper plates and cups
- Dinnerware
- Wooden skewers
- Dixie cups
- Popsicle sticks
- Jar or carafe for fruit infused amino vitamin water