How I Plan to Enjoy My 4th of July Weekend and Still Eat Healthy

For me, one of the biggest challenges I face during the holidays or family gatherings is sticking to my healthy diet. I know I can't force my family to eat the same as I do, nor would I expect them to create special dishes just for me.

So, how can we enjoy our 4th of July weekend and still satisfy our healthy lifestyle? Here are a few tips I've learned.

1. Eat before you go - It can be something as simple as a salad, a few carrot and celery sticks, an apple, a green smoothie, any raw plant food to help you curb cravings so you don't attack the chips and dip when you arrive! Eating something raw before eating cooked foods also helps your digestive system work more efficiently as well.
2. Bring your own healthy dish - If you have the time (and money), it's a great way to ensure that you have at least something you know is going to be good for you. Even if it's just watermelon, a veggie platter, or some homemade guacamole or hummus. 
3. Focus on veggies first - By filling up on veggie dishes, you're ensuring that you are getting lots of health and beauty promoting nutrients, as well as fiber, so you may find that you don't really need both the hot dog and the hamburger!
4. Don't worry if you can't be perfect - Sometimes it's not possible to resist eating some less than healthy food now and then. The thing is, it's ok to cheat once in a while. I'm not saying go ahead and eat 5 hotdogs and 3 hamburgers kind of cheating, but if you really can't resist them, have one! Ideally, for me, I'd prefer a veggie burger or even a grilled "carrot dog", but I'm not going to deny myself a burger if I want it. :-)

The most important thing is to enjoy your time with your friends and family, to have fun and not stress over what you are or are not eating. You can always "be good" the next day. ;-)

Happy 4th of July!

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina