Why I Always Pack a Picnic

If there's one thing I've learnt over the years, it's that being prepared makes all the difference.

As someone who lives with food allergies and intolerances, including wheat and gluten, heading out for the day without taking food can quickly turn what should be an enjoyable trip into a stressful experience.

While awareness and availability of gluten-free options have improved enormously over the years, it's still not always easy to find somewhere that caters well, particularly if you're visiting smaller towns, beaches or rural attractions.

More often than not, if I haven't planned ahead, my choices are incredibly limited.

Sometimes the only thing available is a portion of chips, and whilst there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying chips occasionally, they don't exactly provide the balanced meal or sustained energy I need for a full day of walking, exploring or keeping up with the children!

I've found myself in situations where everyone else is happily eating while I'm reading menus, asking questions about ingredients, or simply deciding it's easier not to eat until I get home. If you've ever experienced food allergies, coeliac disease or intolerances, you'll probably understand that feeling all too well.

That's one of the reasons I've become such a fan of taking a homemade picnic.

Not only does it save money, but it gives me complete confidence that I have food I can safely enjoy without worrying about hidden ingredients, cross-contamination or whether there will be anything suitable available.

It also means everyone else gets to enjoy food they love too. Rather than compromising, I simply pack a selection that works for the whole family. Homemade wraps using gluten-free tortillas, salads, fruit, homemade oat and or seed bars, vegetable sticks, dips and leftovers from the night before often make up our picnic spread.

The result?

More energy, less stress and far more time enjoying the day instead of searching for somewhere to eat.

Whether you have allergies, food intolerances, dietary preferences or simply want to eat a little healthier while saving money, taking your own food can completely transform your day out.

Sometimes a little planning before you leave home is the difference between spending the day feeling hungry and frustrated, or feeling nourished, relaxed and free to enjoy every moment.