8 Tips For A Healthier & Happier 4th of July Cookout

8 Tips For A Healthier & Happier 4th of July Cookout without sacrificing any taste or enjoyment:


1. Choose water over traditional cookout favorite's like sugary sodas and juices. Add sugar free Crystal Light for a boost of flavor or lemons and or limes. Staying well hydrated is essential when celebrating outdoors in the summer heat and can prevent overeating. One of the symptoms often associated with dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger.


2. Choose fresh vegetables, green salads, vinegar dressed coleslaw and baked beans over the traditional potato and macaroni salads or french fries.


3. If using barbeque sauce, choose a brand that is vinegar-based. It has half the fat, lower in calories and less sugar or just put it on the side and dip your fork into the sauce prior to taking a bite.


4. Stick with heart healthy proteins like grilled fish or chicken or even lean steak choices like filet mignons or sirloins. If Ribs are a must have then stick w/ leaner ribs or baby back ribs which have half the fat of regular ribs, are much lower in calories and are higher in protein.


5. If a burger is what you crave then use a whole wheat, multi grain or even sourgough bun due to it's lower gycemic index and higher fiber content or even wrap it in lettuce or just toss the bun all together. If you're the chef then choose leaner ground beefs or sirloin to make the make the patties.


6. If celebrating with alcohol then stick w/ heart healthy wines, clear liquors or light beers. Avoid mixing your cocktails with high calorie, sugary sodas and juices. Stick with club or diet sodas, 1/2 serving of Ocean Spray light cranberry juice or even Crystal Light for a burst of flavor without the added guilt. Please make sure to drink RESPONSIBLY!

7. Choose fresh fruits in combination with cool whip, sugar free flavored puddings or jellos over traditional higher calorie and sugar rich desserts.


8. Eat slowly! It takes your stomach about 20 minutes to produce the hormones that tell your brain that you are full. Eating slower also gives your stomach more time to start working on digesting the food and helps avoid the discomfort of associated w/ overeating and indigestion.