Don’t Let Fourth of July Party Fare Ruin Your Diet

You know what the Fourth of July means—plenty of parties and backyard barbeques, each one luring you with food and drink from afternoon until well past the last firework display. Of course, you should have fun. After all, this weekend marks one of the nation’s best-loved holidays and it should be spent with loved ones and with an air of celebration. Unfortunately, some of that celebrating could spoil your dieting efforts and your hard-earned weight loss could turn into a few unwanted pounds by Monday morning.

Got July 4th jitters now? Relax. We have some sure-fire ways to help you live it up this Fourth of July without letting temptation rain on your parade.

Drink like a fish. No, we don’t mean load up on the beer or wine. Skip on carbonated soft drinks or calorie-laden fruit punch too. Instead, make sure that you drink plenty of water during the holiday festivities. Stepping up the H2O will not only help to keep you hydrated in the heat, but will also reduce your urge to splurge on other things.

Stand back from the food table. If you put some distance between yourself and the platters of appetizers, snacks and desserts, you’ll be more likely to engage in conversation or another activity instead of slowing strolling past the smorgasbord of treats and popping them in your mouth.

Pay attention to portions. There might be a big spoon in Aunt Jane’s famous picnic potato salad, but that doesn’t mean you have to take a big scoop. The same applies to grilled chicken or steak—use the lovely cutlery provided by your host or hostess to split a piece in two and share it with someone else.

Savor your meal. Eating too quickly can sometimes prompt you to get up for seconds. Instead, take small bites and chew each mouthful thoroughly before taking another. You’ll feel fuller faster.

Ditch the dessert. That classic red, white and blue dessert decorated with colorful fruits might look patriotic, but remember there’s still a layer of cake or pudding underneath harboring unwanted calories and fat. If you do decide to indulge in a piece, make it a small sampling!

Most of all, remember to have fun and enjoy the people you’re with. That’s what’s really worth celebrating.

Happy Fourth of July from our family to yours!