Eat Well, Live Well - Enjoy the great outdoors

Mon 28^th Mar

Summer’s officially here, so whether it’s a garden, a back yard or your local park, make the most of those glorious lighter evenings with our tips for enjoying the great outdoors this May.

Have an early bird barbeque
Don’t wait for the one day of the year when the temperature’s in the 90s to fire up the barbecue. As you’ve no doubt discovered during this year’s wonderful April sunshine, any kind of good weather is a great excuse to share your outdoor space with family and friends. And don’t limit yourself to your garden. Many parks, local beauty spots and even beaches now have barbecue areas which you can book in advance. Pick up a cheap gazebo from your local garden centre and you’re ready for anything the weather might throw at you. Or if the weather suddenly turns glorious and you haven’t planned for a barbecue, remember that all you need for a picnic is a blanket, a bag of food and a place to go. For kids, Ryvita Thins are a fantastic outdoor snack. Just grab a packet (try Multi-Seed for kids who love crunch or Sweet Chilli for the more adventurous), a couple of yummy dips like hummus or salsa, and, of course, a teddy. Hey presto - an instant teddy bear’s picnic.

Rediscover old-fashioned fun
Forget the Frisbee - traditional games are making a comeback, as we rediscover the civilised joys of hitting a croquet ball through a hoop, or knocking down six skittles at once. Create a real sense of occasion by announcing a tournament, complete with prizes for the winners. And if you’re lucky enough to have a river or a stream in your local park, or on a favourite walk, then don’t forget the timeless joy of Poohsticks – dropping a stick into the water under a bridge and seeing whose stick emerges first. These go-anywhere games are perfect for children and adults – your only problem will be getting everyone to stop playing in time to eat!

Grow your own
Nothing tastes as good as a strawberry picked straight off the plant, or a rapidly boiled new potato dug out of the earth just moments ago. Growing your own fruit and vegetables may seem daunting – and, if you haven’t got a garden, impossible. But the smallest window box or balcony can be pressed into service to grow gorgeous fresh salad, tomatoes, or herbs. If you’ve got a backyard, just growing in containers can give you a huge yield of everything from courgettes, strawberries, and potatoes. New varieties of dwarf fruit trees such as apple and pear will live happily in a large pot and give you fabulous fruit. And if you’ve got a patch of soil, just a little know-how and planning will see your family supplied with delicious, fresh fruit and veg all summer long. Need some inspiration on what to do with your crop? Just go to our Ryvita Recipe Finder to discover great ways you can enjoy Ryvita with fresh fruit and veg – how about just-picked strawberry and raspberry fool for breakfast, or fresh tomato soup with Ryvita Pumpkin Seeds and Oats Crispbread for lunch? Search by what you've already got in your fridge, or what kind of thing you fancy to find your perfect recipe .

Give your outside space a makeover
During winter, it’s very easy to feel cut off from your outside space – and when we first venture into the garden after the colder months, there’s usually plenty of tidying to do. So to reclaim that space, start thinking of your patio, backyard or balcony as another room. Use cheap and cheerful cushions, bunting and outdoor lights, following a colour scheme just as you would if you were redecorating your living room. And don’t forget plants – fill hanging baskets, window boxes and pots with bedding plants like surfinias, petunias and nasturtiums to add living colour and scent.

Take a sunset walk
There are few sights more beautiful as watching the sun go down on a clear evening – whether it’s dipping below the hills deep in the country, or illuminating a cityscape with the last of its rays. So make the most of the lighter evenings by planning a sunset walk. All you’ll need is a good vantage point, a pair of stout shoes and a blanket to sit on as you watch the sky turn pink – plus a torch to find your way back if you’re in the country! Turn off your phone, take a deep breath, and enjoy one of Nature’s finest light shows.