Summer is here an in full swing – which means no school, trips to the beach, and of course, the 4th of July! As in true American fashion, we celebrate the birth of our Nation with barbecues filled with plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs and fun in the sun.
Although the day is notorious for the overabundance of food and sunshine, you can still indulge (somewhat) while keeping yourself in check.
Below are some tips on how to stay healthy this Independence Day:
1. Stay Hydrated – Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of H20 throughout the day. Staying hydrated will keep your body cool while being outside in the heat, and will also keep you feeling full so you won’t graze over the snack table and munch on chips all afternoon. If you’re planning on consuming alcohol – alternate water between drinks to stay hydrated and to help prevent a hangover the next morning.
2. Cover Up – Protect yourself throughout the day by wearing protective gear like a hat or sunglasses to avoid the harmful effects of UV rays. Also, be sure to apply and re-apply sunscreen (with at least 30+ SPF) to avoid sunburn.
3. Get Active – To get everybody up and moving, start up an outdoor activity everyone can be a part of; such as kickball or relay races. For an added bonus, go for a walk after meal time to promote digestion and to kick start your metabolism.
4. Be Wise About Food Choices – Choose healthier food options whenever available; such as swapping out white buns for whole wheat, choosing fruit salad over cake, or having veggies with hummus instead of chips and dip. Be conscious about portion sizes, and understand that moderation is key. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite dessert as long as you stick to one serving.
