Fourth of July Healthy Hacks

It’s the first week of the month which means you get a chance for a fresh new start to hit your weight loss goals. However, with the Fourth of July coming up, you might be hesitant to even kick start this journey since you know, in the next several days, there will be tasty temptations at all the BBQ's you'll be going to. What to do? Follow these 4 steps for the Fourth to not only have a great time celebrating but also to stay on course towards your goals!

1) Stick with the grilled goods

Fill up your plate with lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. Grab a turkey or beef patty and add some vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or tomatoes from the grill! Finally, use whole wheat or grain buns to complete your burger. Usually, the grilled foods have less sauce and fat content to help you avoid unnecessary calories (you can save those for dessert later).

2) Get outside!

Get off the couch and go outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. If you're already hanging out in the backyard, stay standing to burn 30% more calories while chatting with your family and friends. After lunch or dinner, take a stroll to get your steps in. If you’re on the beach, play some Frisbee, volleyball, or go for a swim! Go out for a hike and explore a little. There are many ways to get your active time in without having to do an actual workout. If you know you'll be inactive for most the day, wake up a little bit earlier than usual and crush a 30 minute workout before your day starts.

3) Stay hydrated with infused fruits

Are you hosting a BBQ and want to avoid sugary drinks? Cut up some strawberries, blueberries, lemons and/or cucumbers and add them to water to create delicious fruit infused water. You can leave the drink in the refrigerator to chill and really let the flavor infuse. If you're attending a party, stick with water or sparkling water to stay hydrated and avoid empty calories.

4) Portion Control

Do you tend to over eat at parties? Focus on portion control. If you’re wondering how much to eat, palm sized protein portion, fist sized complex carbs, and two handfuls of vegetables should do the trick for a perfect meal!

Staying on track with your health goals can be easy! Just follow these 4 steps on the Fourth to have a successful celebration while you crush your goals!

If you want to learn more tips and tricks to get healthy and lose weight, follow me on Instagram @stephaniegiang

Have a safe 4th of July!

Coach StephG