Your July 4th BBQ Guide | Time Saver by mygofer

Holidays are notorious for being a time to eat a lot, spend too much and forget about the day to day healthy responsibilities to yourself, such as working out and eating right. Between grilling and snacking, July 4th can throw you off track in no time.

Still, you can enjoy the holiday without tossing all previous notions of health to the wayside. By putting a plan into place beforehand, and making a few changes to your usual BBQ choices, you can be sure to stay on track and on budget. Find out how you can make your own healthy contributions, stay fit and don’t forget to check out our top 5 healthy eating tips.

Healthy Contributions

Most holiday parties require you to bring your own dish – and even if they don’t, offer anyway. If you can be in control of one dish served, you can be sure that you’ll get at least one healthy option to choose from at the BBQ.

Bring a salad – It’s simple and wallet friendly. Have a whole plate of your salad before diving into the other entrees to be sure you’re getting a healthy dose of veggies for the day.
Offer to do the vegetarian dish – This can be as simple as throwing together a light pasta dish: Consider doing pasta salad with left-over veggies you have sitting in your fridge. Add a touch of olive oil and apple cider vinegar and you have a budget friendly option that’s in line with your healthy eating habits.
Contribute to the grill – Bring turkey or veggie burgers – Though you may not believe it, many people are looking for healthy options as well, but don’t think to bring their own.

Fit-Influenced Activities

Take advantage of the holiday time off and get in some workouts while you’re at it. Whether you enjoy running, or playing lawn games with your friends, there are plenty of options to keep your fitness routine in place despite the holiday temptations.

Holiday race – There are a slew of July 4^th themed races to participate in for the holiday. Find a local 5k or 10k and see if there are any last minute spots.
Swim – If it’s too hot to get in a quick run, do a few laps in the pool before heading out to the party.
Fireworks – Not only are fireworks shows usually free, but there is often time for walking around and socializing with local friends; save money, and stay active.
Lawn games – Instead of sticking to the snack table, get everyone involved in a game of volley ball, bocce or badminton.

Top 5 Independence Day Eating Tips

Eat before the BBQ – Fill up on good for you food from your own kitchen so you’re less likely to stick by the chips table and snack all afternoon.
Focus on the food – being at a party or group event means you’re often talking while eating. Take a few moments to enjoy your lunch or dinner, without chatting, so you’ll recognize when you’re full.
Don’t forget plate balance – At every meal you want to have a protein, vegetable, carb and healthy fat. If you want to sample a little bit of everything, be sure it’s all in balance.
Use the small plates – While you’ll find a variety of paper plates to choose from, dessert plates are usually smaller than entrée plates. Use the same small plate for all your meals – regardless of the size your mind believes you are full when finishing the entire plate.
Stay hydrated – Not only should you be drinking water to stay hydrated in the sun, but staying full on H2O will help curb your desire to snack.