Better Living With Whole Foods

While 4th of July cookouts are a great opportunity to relax and visit with friends and family did you know that the average barbecue meal exceeds 1500 calories? That’s almost an entire day’s worth of calories in one meal.

That can really added unwanted inches to your waist line.

The good news is that the Fourth of July doesn’t have to be fattening. In fact, with a few small changes to your barbecue menu you can turn your Independence Day into the perfect opportunity for health.

So before you slather on the sun screen and fire up your grill, read the following tips to have a happy healthy 4th of July:

1. Use leaner cuts of meat, ground turkey or wild Pacific salmon.
2. Cut the bread. Lettuce wrap your burgers instead.
3. Grill vegetables or vegetable kabobs
4. Use mustard instead of mayonnaise.
5. Prepare fresh green salads and fruit salad instead of macaroni salad, creamy coleslaw, and potato salad.
6. Eat your corn on the cob or baked potato plain. Enjoy their natural flavors.
7. Put out a veggie tray and use mashed up avocado for dipping instead of ranch dressing.
8. Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary soft drinks and fruit drinks.
9. Eat until you are satisfied and not over full. The 4th of July is a social experience, not a food orgy.
10. Add fun activities into the mix. Think sack race, three legged race, and balloon toss. These activities are an excellent way to burn calories while having fun.

By following a few of the tips outlined above, you will stop holiday weight gain and have a happy healthy 4th of July. Enjoy!

Do you have any suggestions for a healthy happy Fourth of July?

I would love to hear any input that you may have.

Committed to your success,

Alexander Morentin, C.E.S.
Whole Foods Evangelist
My Fit Life

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