Tips for the Perfect 4th of July

Break out the red, white, and blue because tomorrow is the 4th of July! For many, Independence Day kicks off the summer season of fun in the sun celebrating with the ones you love.

Since the pandemic has changed our world, this year’s celebrations may look a little different than in years past, but you can still enjoy a wonderful holiday! There are certain habits you can practice, making sure that you are celebrating the country’s birthday safely.

Many people choose to celebrate this day with great company and yummy food off the barbeque. Before firing up the grill, read over some of my barbecuing tips to make the most of your outdoor meal.

4 Tips for a Healthy 4th of July:

Perhaps you are planning to host a socially distanced celebration or will be attending someone else’s party. Either way, here are some healthful tips to make your holiday even better!

1. Eat the Rainbow – Summer is overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables. You can serve up some delicious appetizers and entrees with these foods. For dessert, you can get creative using red, white, and blue fruits to create a festive dish. Try fruits like strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.

2. Stay Hydrated – Spending time outside in the heat may be fun, but it can leave you dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water. Fill up a pitcher of water with some ice and infuse it with citrus fruits like lemons, lime, or orange for extra flavor.

3. Protect Your Skin – We need sunshine to help our bodies make vitamin D, but this can be a double-edged sword. Too much sunshine can damage the skin, leaving it red, inflamed, and in pain. If you’ll be outside for a while, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You may need to use a higher SPF if your complex is very fair.

4. Get Active – This is the perfect holiday to get outside and move your body! Start a game of frisbee, kickball, or volleyball; walk around the local neighborhood. If you have a pool, go for a swim. When it gets dark outside, enjoy a game of manhunt. Whatever activities you and your family enjoy, go ahead, and engage!

3 Tips for the Perfect Barbecue:

A hallmark of Independence Day celebrations is barbecuing. It’s a chance to catch some rays of sunshine outside and enjoy the warm weather of the season. Many people enjoy hotdogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables this time of year. Keep reading for some handy BBQ tips.

1. Practice Food Safety – Take care to thoroughly clean your grill and utensils before and after barbecuing. This will allow your grill to work better, last longer, and cook better-tasting food.

2. Choose Lean Meats and Marinate – Fish, chicken, and lean poultry are perfect options for grilling. You can make fish fillets or turkey burgers the whole family will enjoy. Experiment with some marinades for your chosen meat to make the grilling process safer and the end product tastier!

3. Remember the Fiber! – If you’re going to enjoy some burgers or hotdogs, consider using whole-grain buns for some extra fiber on your plate. Include lots of grilled veggies in your sides and try out grilled fruits like pineapple or apple for dessert.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a happy and healthy 4th of July! Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones as you welcome the summer season.

Your Turn to Take Action: How will you celebrate the 4th of July? Let me know in the comments below!