{"id":8498,"date":"2020-07-01T08:01:48","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T12:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eatrightpa.org\/?p=8498"},"modified":"2021-10-30T03:37:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T03:37:31","slug":"how-to-have-a-healthier-4th-of-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eatrightpa.org\/blog\/2020\/07\/01\/how-to-have-a-healthier-4th-of-july\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Have a Healthier 4th of July"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Lyndi Wieand, RDN, LDN<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Independence Day is a celebration of our nation\u2019s freedom and is often seen as the biggest and most lucrative party of the summer. Family and friends gather to watch fireworks, create memories and eat their favorite summertime meals. According to Wallethub.com, 61% of Americans will attend a picnic, and $6.8 Billion will be spent on food, drinks and supplies for 4<\/span>th<\/span> of July parties, and over $1 Billion will be spend on over 16,000 fireworks displays across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Most Americans use holidays as an excuse to indulge on many types of less healthy foods, but then feel guilty about it later. An interview with a dietitian with Forbes.com shared that Americans eat an average of 3,500-4,400 calories during the 4<\/span>th<\/span> of July holiday.<\/span>2<\/span> Although just one day of eating like this won\u2019t contribute to much weight gain, it is important to be mindful of our choices and savor our favorite foods in moderate amounts. Whether you are hosting or attending a party, here are some tips that you can implement that will allow you to feel more self-confident in your choices, and still enjoy the festivities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Start your day with a balanced breakfast<\/b>: Many people skip meals the day of a major holiday so that they can have a larger appetite for the celebratory meal. This often leads to overeating and unbalanced blood sugar throughout the day. Instead, try having breakfast that includes whole grains, lean protein, fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and healthy fats to keep your appetite in check and stabilize your blood sugar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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