The fourth of July is arguably one of the UN-healthiest holidays that Americans celebrate. Beer, barbecues, appetizers, and parties are mainstays of a happy Fourth.
With America's ever-expanding waistline, it's important not to fall too far off the wagon even on this kind of holiday. Here are five tips to help you have a happy and healthy (or healthiER...) Fourth of July:
- Put a little color in it - Just like any other day, your meal plate should be at least half full of fruits and vegetables. A summertime barbecue makes this easy - veggie skewers are a great crowd pleaser and can include many healthy varieties like peppers, zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatos, and onions. Get creative!
- Serve something lean - Lean meat options can taste just as good as the full fat versions (if you've befriended a master griller!) without loading you down with tons of calories and saturated fats. Choose 90%+ lean meat for your burgers and substitute chicken sausage for Italian sausage to make sure you look great in your bathing suit for Independence Day!
- Grill healthy - While grilling foods is one of the healthiest preparations out there, cooking fatty meats at high temperatures can cause the fat to drip onto the coals, releasing potentially cancerous compounds. This can be avoided by cooking lean meats (less fat to drip) and fruits and veggies. Tasty and cancer preventative all in one!
- Presentation and Positioning - Never underestimate the impact that beautiful food can have on your guests. Make sure the fruit and veggie trays are arranged in a way that makes them look appealing and tasty - they'll be eaten before you know it!
- Get moving - Include games and physical activity as a part of your celebration - basketball, volleyball, bean bag toss, kickball, frisbee, and swimming are all great summer options that your guests will love.
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