The summer air is hot and the 4th of July brings on BBQ, friends, food, and fireworks but often it comes at the price of sabotaging your diet. While I’m all about a good party (hello I am from the South), there are a few things you can do to safeguard your wellness plan.

Remember you don’t have to deprive yourself just don’t overindulge!! You and your bikini will thank me later!

 9 Tips for Not Regretting your 4th of July

1- Watch your munchies

There will likely be appetizers out throughout the day/weekend. When you are eating directly from the bowl of mixed nuts or chip & dip tray you eat far more than you think. If you want to know exactly what you are eating grab a plate and put the appetizers on it first.

2- Use a small plate

You know when you go to a buffet your eyes are likely bigger than your stomach. You feel like you want to get a little bit of everything. If they have plates for the dessert table, use them! That way if you fill your plate it’s only a third of the food.

3- Know your meat

The 4th of July is all about the meat and BBQ, and often it’s the cuts that have a higher fat content. Remember toxins are stored in fat and your conventional meat isn’t the route you want to go with the antibiotics, hormones, and grain-feed beef. Try to avoid the processed meats, like hot dogs, unless you know what brand they are using or the butcher it came from. Better yet, let the meat be the thing you contribute to the BBQ.

4- Skip the extras – or Substitute

If you can do without the hamburger bun, skip it! If you have an options between sweet potato fries and potato chips go with the better option, sweet potato fries! BBQ sauce is usually packed with sugar, so go light on the sauce.  You have plenty of choices so with each “better” choice or “extra” eliminated it all adds up.

5- Think before you drink

While I’m all about moderation and balance in your life, alcohol can easily sabotage all your hard work in the kitchen and the gym. Some daiquiris and margaritas can pack over 600 calories in a single drink, so if you have 2-3 you are already up to your daily calorie intake!! Yikes!! My suggestion is to stick with wine (preferably organic) or using sparkling water and lime as a mixer, as opposed to your sugar-laden options. Remember to limit yourself, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

6 -Have a salad first

If you eat some greens first, you won’t look at all the junk with raging hunger. This allows you to be a bit more rational with your choices at the BBQ!

7- Pack a snack

You know there is going to be a lot of junk throughout the weekend, so coming to the party armed with backup is key. You might not have to open it up, but if you have a few bars, or snacks in your bag at least you have some approved snacks for in-between meals if your host doesn’t share the same views on food as you do.

8- Indulge in natural sweetness

You will likely find a fruit tray at your 4th of July festivities. Filling your plate with delicious fresh strawberries, watermelon, and other fruits will help curb your sweet tooth.

9 -Stay Hydrated

You don’t want to confuse thirst for hunger. Plus, it’s hot outside!! Drink water for health and beauty, add some lemon, cucumber, or grapefruit to your water to freshen it up. Or check out my Drink Yourself Skinny Recipe.