Take your pick:

• Wait in line for a restaurant meal on a sunny sidewalk.
• Lounge in a park with a picnic in the shade.

The North End’s Italian restaurants are delicious, but there’s nothing like a picnic on a hot summer day.

For this morning’s FOX25 Zip Trip at the North End’s Christopher Columbus Park, I showed viewers how easy and healthy an Italian picnic can be. My neighborhood has numerous delis and boutique grocery stores filled with freshly-made pasta, bread, and cheese – stores that are often overlooked.

Watch the video here!

Visiting the Area? Buy Your Supplies.

Italian food wins big with its smart portion sizes, variety, and a slow way of eating. So relax, pick a street, and pick up the following:

• Picnic Plate: Fresh whole-wheat baguette, roasted turkey, marinated vegetables and beans, and fresh cheese.
• Iced latte made with low-fat milk.
• Fresh fruit like strawberries, figs, and melon.
• Mini cannoli (it’s the North End!).

Live Nearby? Prepare Your Dishes.

If you live in the area and have access to a kitchen, take advantage of the variety of fresh pasta and cheese offered.

The cold pasta salad I made included:

• Fresh pasta, cooked al dente
• Bocconcini cheese, quartered
• Cherry tomatoes, washed and halved
• Basil leaves, washed and chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Black pepper

Lastly, I topped a bowl of low-fat ricotta cheese with blueberries, slivered almonds, and honey.

Wait. An Italian Picnic Is… Healthy?

As a registered dietitian, you’re probably wondering why I chose what I did. Here’s the inside scoop:

• Ricotta cheese packs protein: About as much as Greek yogurt!
• Iced lattes beat dehydration: Low-fat dairy pairs fluid with potassium.
• Fill up with fiber: Nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, beans, and bread provide fiber to keep you feeling full.
• Roasted meat has less sodium: Choose turkey, chicken, or beef.
• Olive oil and basil are flavor agents: Swap creamy Alfredo for a light, heart-healthy sauce.

The Secret’s Out!

I’ll leave you with a local’s secret: My top picnic spots are Christopher Columbus and Langone Parks.