The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays, for obvious reasons. With the barbeques, beers, beach, and fireworks, you’re guaranteed to have a great day. But with all the food and booze, you’re also guaranteed to not feel so hot the next day. Well I’m here to give you some helpful tips and recipes for a healthy and enjoyable Independence Day that you won’t regret the next day.

Fourth of July is definitely about the hot dogs and burgers, but it’s also involves spending time outdoors and having fun in the sun. Take advantage of the (hopefully) great weather by organizing outdoor activities with your friends and family. How about a game of kickball, Frisbee, or the classic American game of baseball? Or how about bringing it back to old school field days with tug of war or three-legged races? Here are 12 additional ways to stay fit this July 4th.

Stay hydrated! With all of the fun and games outdoors, that sun is sure to drain you completely. (The booze won’t help you either…) Be sure to grab for water when you’re feeling worn out today. Dehydration is definitely a buzzkill and can be easily avoided by fueling up with enough water – guys should aim for 3.7 liters, and girls try and reach 2.7. If pure water bores you, try sprucing it up by adding pieces of fresh fruit like berries and watermelon, or a fresh squeeze of lemon or limes. That’ll add some flavor without any added calories or sugar!

Okay back to the food. In its most traditional (and bland) form, the Fourth of July classics aren’t all that bad. Grilled meats, corn on the cob, and watermelon come together to make a balanced and healthy meal, but of course keeping things bland isn’t really the American style. What get us in trouble are those side dishes, such as potato salad, chips and dips, and coleslaws. Oh and the pies, cobblers, s’mores, etc., don’t help out either. But I’m here to bring you healthified versions of your favorite classics. These patriotic treats will still appeal to the masses with the added bonus of being healthy! (They’re also very pinterest/Instagram worthy, which is all that really matters I hear…)

Healthy Fourth of July Recipes

Starters, Apps, Dips, etc.
  1. Blueberry Tomato Bruschetta
  2. Watermelon and Feta Flag
  3. Grilled Strawberry, Blackberry, and Basil Pizza Crips

Sides And Salads

  1. Red, White, and Blue Potato Salad
  2. The Most Beautiful Patriotic Quinoa Salad
  3. 4th of July Salad

Sweet (and healthy) endings

  1. Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers w/ Cheesecake Dip
  2. Red White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
  3. Festive and Drunk Strawberries

Use this July 4th as an opportunity to make healthy choices as well as getting crafty in the kitchen with these recipes! Any other ideas, let us know below!

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About The Author

Resident Tourist

Born here. Lives here and never leaving. The nicest person to ever not speak in public. Loves New York