It’s the 4^th!  And, quite possibly my most favorite time all summer. 

I love everything about summer in general, but I’ve always had a particular fondness for the 4^th.  From BBQ’s to picnics to fireworks, nothing screams all-American better than Independence Day! 

Yet there’s the inevitable crash and burn factor when you blow your diet by loading up on burgers with all the fixings, chips and dip or extra helpings of summertime treats like push-up pops and snow cones. 

Who can blame you?  It’s all so good!  But to keep you in check, I created a 4^th of July Smart-Eating Pocket Guide to help you stay on track and easily navigate through the festivities without blowing it altogether!

1. Get to grilling.  As long as you don’t overdo it on oil, grilled food makes everything taste better and keeps fat at bay.  It’s a great way to watch what you’re eating and eat flavorfully too!  My picks?  Veggie skewers, veggie burgers – even fruit!
    
2. Eat treats – smartly.  Speaking of fruit, [bctt tweet=”instead of fatty frozen snacks like ice cream sandwiches or drumsticks, stick with fruit pops”] or fruit bars. You’ll cool down minus the fat, just make sure each serving contains no more than 2-4 grams of sugar.
    
3. Bring your own dish!  I love this one, because not only are bringing your requisite contribution to the party, you get to make it your way too!  Plus, this way you know there will be at least one healthy choice to fill up on.  Try a fresh fruit salad or a veggie bean dip!
    
4. Stay hydrated!  You never want to overdo it in hot weather and then forget to replenish with water, but it’s true too that often times thirst gets mistaken for hunger.  Also, when you’re dehydrated, you’ll likely make less-than-optimal food choices.  Although you hear it all the time, the bottom line is water is the way to go when it comes to staying hydrated, especially in summer!
    
5. Pass on the potato salad (or at least use portion control).  No doubt a summertime favorite, potato salad is also chock full of fatty mayo.  I’m not one to demonize any particular food, but this one is way up there in fat and calories!  So please, eat sparingly if at all.  A ½ a cup or less is about right.

One last tip: Don’t forget your sunscreen!  I recommend a natural sunscreen that you find online or in any health food store or an essential oil combination with lavender or patchouli over chemical-filled products that only add to your misery if you’re sunburned.  Getting in on a game of volleyball, Frisbee or a good game of tag will help keep your diet – and weight – in check too.

Lastly, remember, it’s the 4^th, so have fun!  In fact, enjoying yourself is the healthiest tip of all. 🙂

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Angela

Angela Minelli is an author, speaker and founder of Angela Minelli International, a heart-based global business serving purpose-driven everyday women and entrepreneurs whose self-image and weight issues are inhibiting their confidence and blocking them from pursuing their life’s passion. 

Angela's joy is in taking a stand for women who are living less than ideal lives, stopped by fear and doubt, which prevents them from stepping into their innate power and delivering their God-given genius to the world. Her coaching programs and products are designed for women with busy lifestyles yet allow for powerful transformation to take place within a small segment of time.  

As a natural health practitioner and digestive health specialist, Angela specializes in helping people overcome weight and energy issues through holistic, non-invasive protocols that address the root cause of their conditions, including adrenal fatigue, candida, thyroid disorders, and more.  

Explore the ideals that are the cornerstone of her work at angelaminelli.com.