Easy entertaining is the name of the game on July 4th. Whether you watch the fireworks, listen to the town band or just relax in the backyard, chances are you’ll share a meal with family and friends this Independence Day. Put a fresh twist to your classic American fare with this selection of easy, healthy July 4th recipes, grilling recipes and potluck recipes from our Test Kitchen. Happy Fourth of July to everyone from TBFC!
No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. The 4th of July wouldnt be complete without WATERMELON!
Use foods that are in season! 🙂
This corn salad is a sure win to bring to any 4th of July Party!
This is so simple to make and it’s a salad everyone will love. ❤ ———————————
TBFC Corn Salad
4-6 ears corn, raw
3 pickling cucumbers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 sweet red onion, diced
1 handful cilantro, minced
1 small jalapeño, diced
1/3 cup cold pressed organic olive oil
1/2 cup lime juice, fresh
Sea salt to taste
1 avocado
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tbs cumin
Mix together in a large bowl. Serve and enjoy!
If you’re going to grill make the most of it by adding vegetables! Adding grilled fish or chicken to any salad or if you’re a vegetarian, bring your own veggie kabobs! 🙂
For more great ways to stay healthy this summer check out these great tips!
6 Healthy Eating Tips For Your 4th of July BBQ
1. Use small plates
Research clearly shows that people who choose smaller plates and utensils eat less without even noticing it. The difference can be as substantial as 50% fewer calories consumed, yet everyone reports the same level of fullness and satisfaction. Try borrowing a plate from the kids table or the dessert tray.
2. Eat slowly and mindfully
People who eat more slowly eat fewer calories over the course of a meal. BBQs are a perfect opportunity to pace yourself as you mix and mingle with friends and family. The more you’re chatting, the less you’re eating.
3. Eat healthiest foods first
If you are eating slowly and off small plates, you may as well fill up on the healthiest stuff first. Salads are a great place to start because watery vegetables slow digestion and have very few calories. Try to choose something with oil and protein as well, because these will help you feel full sooner.
4. Skip the chips, crackers and bread
Refined carbohydrates are the worst things you can eat because they offer little satisfaction, loads of calories and dangerous insulin spikes. BBQs are filled with wonderful food, so do yourself a favor and save your calories for the really good stuff.
You don’t have to eat your burger without a bun, but pass on the pointless chips and other snacks that lure you when you’re not thinking. If you’re feeling bored, grab a Frisbee instead.
5. Keep dessert small
The difference between a large slice of cake and a smaller slice of cake can literally be hundreds of calories. And to reiterate, sugar and refined carbohydrates are the most dangerous foods. You don’t have to pass on dessert completely, but keep your portion sizes in check for this course.
6. Think before you drink
There is a place for alcohol in a healthy lifestyle, but making smart choices can be the difference between losing or gaining weight (not to mention your self-control). One sugary margarita can have 600-800 calories. That means 3 margaritas is more food than you should be consuming in an entire day. Is that really worth it? Stick with wine or beer, drink plenty of water and remember to pace yourself.
Small tricks can save you hundreds and potentially thousands of wasted calories that you will never notice or miss. Why sacrifice a good time when you can just upgrade your healthstyle?
Happy Healthy Holiday! 
