Healthy Ways to Celebrate the 4th (Holiday Healthy)

Independence is coming soon. Time for a BBQ and Fireworks. Traditionally. we (most time just G & I) watch the fireworks display at the Fair Park from our porch (we live that close) while eating a few popsicles.

Our whole street does it. Only times I've missed "The Fireworks & Popsicles on the Porch" were the years I lived in Beaumont. Well, this year I will buy my brother, G the treats but I'll be absent. I'll be a few miles away at a wedding rehearsal BBQ for my close friend, Intellectual Diva. She getting married the next day. But I'll be on the porch in spirit.

I know we all love a good BBQ or cookout but we don't the pounds from eat so much of that good food. Well, here are a couple of recipes to help keep some of those extra lbs away. Starting with a refreshing beverage to help cool you off while enjoying yourself with your loved ones.

Lemonade Spritzers with Berry Ice Cubes (Recipe Found Here )

6-8 Servings 

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups classic lemonade (your favorite recipe), plus more for ice cubes
• 2 cups soda water, chilled
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

Directions:

1. The night before you’re planning to serve this, make your ice cubes. Put some raspberries and blueberries into each well of an ice cube tray, and then fill each well with lemonade. Freeze overnight.
2. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade and chilled soda water. Stir to mix, and then chill until you're ready to serve.
3. To serve, put a few of your berry ice cubes into each glass, then pour lemonade/soda water mixture over the ice cubes.
4. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

** If you want, you can put the rest of your berries in the lemonade to soak. They'll infuse the lemonade with extra fruity flavor, and give it some extra color. 

I love a great tasting pasta salad.

Unless you overcook the noodles or put tofu in it (true story), you can't disappoint me with that dish. Matter of fact I just made one recently with a poppy seed dressing that was delicious. But the white pasta and all those dressings like ranch, poppy seed, mayonnaise etc are not exactly the best for us. So, if you're on for the pasta salad this year, here is a recipe that tells guests you care about their waistlines & their tastebuds.

Garden Pasta Salad (The inspiration for this recipe is found Here)

6 servings, 1 cup each

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-wheat rotini, (6 ounces)
• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar, or lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced yellow or red bell pepper, (1 small)
• 1 cup grated carrots, (2-4 carrots)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions, (4 scallions)
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold running water.
2. Whisk yogurt, oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Add the pasta and toss to coat. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, spinach, scallions, olives; toss to coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Can't leave you guys without a few tips! 

Eating at a Cookout Tips:

• Practice portion control: There are a variety of strategies for cutting back at the grill. For example, eat 1/4-lb. burgers instead of 1/3- or 1/2-lb. patties, or split a steak with your friend
• Put the sauce on the side or leave it off. A sign of good BBQ is if can be eaten sauceless.
• Load up on grilled veggies: Fill half your plate with veggies so you won't be overdoing it on the higher-calorie options. And if you want seconds, be sure to fill your plate the same way.
• Don't skip meals to try to “save” calories for later: This can lead to overeating and lead you to make poor choices due to hunger and low blood sugar.
• Oh, this is what I call a "Red Solo Cup" holiday (Refer to this Song). If you are going to drink alcohol, Drink Responsibly!!! Don't Drink & Drive!!! Don't Drink & Fight!!!

So, have fun celebrating our country's freedom. Let Freedom Ring All Around the Land!

Congratulations & Welcome to anyone taking an oath of naturalization on that day! 

Happy 4th of July!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms