With Independence Day just around the corner, here are some ideas and tips to keep your day healthy, festive and fun for this year’s summer celebration!

• Jump-start your day of activities by eating breakfast – quick healthy options consist of scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, peanut butter banana toast or a fruit/veggie smoothie
• Keep the water flowing – stay hydrated all day long, especially in the heat of the summer
• Keep snacking at a minimum – try baked chips instead of fried and guacamole or hummus instead of old fashioned chip dip
• Beef burgers aren’t your only option – other healthy alternatives could be turkey or veggie burgers
• Look for the leaner cuts of meat – this they have much less fat but tend to be drier so add a little moisture and watch your cooking time
• Stay light and fresh – watch for ingredients in side dishes that are heavy in fat such as mayo or sour cream by replacing them with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or balsamic vinaigrette
• Proper sun protection starts with three simple things – hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Mosquito and tick protection – this is the time of the year to use your bug spray and check for bites after a day in grassy or wooded areas
• Enjoy the sunshine and get outside – walk, run, bicycle, rollerblade, swim or kayak
• Sit back and enjoy the show – leave the fireworks to the experts

Remember these tips during your 4^th of July festivities to have a safe, fun and healthy holiday!

Tess Zasuwa | Health Solution Intern
tess.zasuwa@kapnick.com