Health & Food

Happy Fourth?

I know it’s June 30th, but really quick…..where did 2011 go!? Just think, in 2.5 seconds it will be the 4th of July. That’s how fast time goes by lately. I feel like I was just making new year’s resolutions.

Speaking of resolutions, who is still going strong? I am, for the most part, but I’m still working on a few things:

1) Not eating as much at night. I’m eating less, but I’m still eating more than I should (calories, that is). With my increased intake of beer during the summer (often one-half or one 12-ounce beer) it’s more difficult to control the mindless nighttime snacking. But in reality, nothing I put in my mouth is mindless, which is what helps keep me successful in eating healthy and staying slender.

2) Decreasing my caffeine intake. I’m down to only 300 mg caffeine per day (the max you should consume is about 400mg) . My goal is to get down to 200 mg, but I never want to stop drinking coffee (read this article about coffee and Alzheimers), I’ll just add more decaf and less regular.

3) Stop nagging as much. I’m really working hard on this one. Nick and I have been under some stress lately (as I’m sure most people have), some good, some not so good, and I tend to get more snappy during these times. I’m really trying to just stop, breathe and react with love.

What are you doing to celebrate July 4th?

Grilling?healthy eating 1In our part of town, the Fourth of July starts today, actually. I don’t work today, but will be working Friday and Saturday. Then on Saturday night Nick and I are having our party. On Monday, the actual fourth, Nick and I will relax (clean!) and watch the fireworks at night.

I have been telling my clients that they don’t need to deprive themselves at summer cookouts, but I do believe there is an appropriate way to fill your plate;

Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov

I found this (below) in my photos from last year. Yikes. I surely didn’t practice what I preach (there is a burger under that cheese and tomato)! But hey, I did include a nice slice of tomato on there. One-quarter of a cup, it counts for something, right?! I think that was my first plate, actually. I took a day off from eating plenty of fruits and veggies, and I’ll probably do it again on Saturday. I do know I’ll have some veggies and dip, fruit and baked beans (with Beano), so those have to count for something!healthy eating 2

Random Tips for the Fourth

– Don’t forget to be food safe! Here are ten great summer grilling food safety tools to get you ready for grilling season.

– If you are looking for some great 4th of July recipes, check out AllRecipes.com’s 4th of July recipes

– Looking for some pointers on making your holiday plate a bit healthier? Check out this article with helpful tips form dietitian Ellie Krieger.

– My tip is to make friends with the fruit tray, and eat your beans. Yum.healthy eating 3

QUESTION: What will you do this holiday? What’s your favorite cookout food? I love baked beans and bratwursts.

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Hi, my name is Rebecca Houston and I am a writer. I write about health, healthy food and daily meal plan for various websites.
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