Planning ahead not only helps you eat well, but also frees you to enjoy quality time with family and friends, play with the kids on the grass, and truly feel light, free, and joyful.
Health and Nutrition
A Healthy, Delicious Way to Celebrate Independence Day
Swap out heavy meats and fats for light, nutritious, and flavorful dishes that refresh both body and spirit.
For many, Independence Day evokes images of a grill loaded with meats, heavy sides, and indulgent desserts. But a fun day doesn’t have to end with you feeling weighed down and wondering why you ate “just one more” kebab. With a bit of mindful, advance planning, you can enjoy a healthier meal—and feel great afterward too!
The key is finding the right balance: mix in lean proteins like chicken breast, fish, or even vegetarian kebabs made from legumes. Serve them alongside an array of vibrant salads, such as quinoa tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, or a green salad with nuts and dried fruits.
Wisely chosen side dishes help you feel full without feeling heavy. Instead of fried potatoes, choose sweet potato mash, a white bean salad, or colorful quinoa. These choices add dietary fiber, which research published in Nutrients found contributes to improved satiety and metabolic health.
Your drink choice also affects how you feel overall: chilled water with mint, lemon, or cucumber can pleasantly replace sugary juices. End the meal on a sweet but balanced note with seasonal fruit, yogurt with honey, or frozen melon cubes.
