4 Tips for a Festive and Fit Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is all about celebrating our nation’s independence and founding fathers (with fireworks and corn on the cob, of course). But at Cali’Flour Foods, we’re advocates of freedom as it applies to food, too. This means enjoying your favorite foods without experiencing guilt or unwanted side effects. After all, celebrating isn’t just about participating in Fourth of July customs like putting up a flag, setting off fireworks, and wearing red, white, and blue. It’s also about indulging in the holiday’s food rituals, whether that’s a Firecracker ice cream pop (remember those?) or hot dog slathered in ketchup.
We’ve got your back (and your annual BBQ): By keeping the following four tips and ideas in mind, you’ll honor both the occasion (and the treats that comes along with it) and your health.
A patriotic pizza
Whether you’re a host or guest, putting pizza on the picnic table is always a crowd pleaser. Instead of ordering delivery, why not crank up the oven? Cali’Flour Foods crusts are made with cauliflower, so they’re gluten-free, low-calorie, low-carb, and plant-based. When topped with pepperoni (or tomatoes), mozzarella cheese, and black olives (or figs, eggplant, or blue corn), you’ve got a red, white, and blue sensation that will satisfy your craving without compromising nutrition.
Let there be lawn games
Rather than asking guests to bring a side dish, request they bring their favorite lawn game. (If you’re attending, see if the host is open to you bringing a lawn game — we doubt they’ll mind.) Nothing makes a summer soiree more fun than flag football, cornhole, bocce ball, spike ball, croquet, or badminton. Instead of making trips to the buffet or lounging by the pool, you’ll elevate your heart rate and work up a sweat by serving an ace, hula-hooping with your niece, or scoring the next point.
Stay festive (and hydrated) with sparkling water and fruit
After that game of croquet, you’re bound to be thirsty. Downing a tall glass of water helps you determine if you’re hungry, digest your food, consume less calories, stay energized, and hydrate in hot temperatures. But we get it: No one wants to drink plain water at a party. Pour some sparkling water or La Croix in your glass for some festive bubbles — people will think you’re enjoying a vodka soda. Toss raspberries, grapes, blueberries, or strawberries in your cup to make it a true Fourth of July “spirit.”
Suns out, buns...optional
Our fourth and final tip for the Fourth: Go crazy with the all the toppings on your hot dog or hamburger (we personally love grilled onions, mustard, and pickles), but skip the bun. You’ll enjoy all that juicy goodness from the grill sans the blood sugar spike. We totally understand that going bun-less isn’t for everyone. If this sounds like you, just give yourself a wedgie. (No — not that kind.) Grab of wedge of lettuce and wrap it around your burger or dog for a healthy dose of fiber and crunch.