How to Have a Healthy Fourth of July
Did you know Americans are five times more likely to eat potato salad on Fourth of July than any other day of the year? We’re also twice as likely to eat a hot dog. Those and other picnic foods add to up to a lot of extra calories when you’re focused on losing weight with the Lap Band.
So, how do you make it a healthy Independence Day? The answer lies in paying careful attention to food. And then in distracting yourself from it.
When you’re planning your Lap Band friendly Fourth of July celebration this year, don’t think in terms of depriving yourself. Instead, choose healthy, flavorful food substitutions. Here’s a quick reference for some weight-loss friendly meal replacements that don’t skimp on taste.
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Traditional Fourth of July Food |
Healthy Alternative |
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Beef hot dog |
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Fried chicken |
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Hamburger |
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BBQ ribs |
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Deviled eggs |
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Baked beans |
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Potato salad |
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Potato chips and dip |
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Cole slaw with traditional dressing |
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Pasta salad |
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Pie |
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Ice cream |
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Soft drinks, punch or beer |
The other way to make your Fourth of July healthier is to focus on fun activities more than food. Instead of putting all the emphasis on a buffet of food, create a buffet of activities and games. One of the great side effects of losing weight with the Lap Band is having more energy, so enjoy a more active Independence Day celebration this year. Here are a few ways:
- Horseshoes. Divide your guests into two teams and see who can get the most points by getting their horseshoes closest to the stake.
- Hula Hoop Challenge. Put on some music and see who can twist the longest. At less than $5 each, hula hoops are a backyard entertainment bargain.
- Sprinkler Shower. There’s nothing like running through the sprinkler to get you feeling like a kid again. Not to mention you’ll burn calories and stay cool.
- Limbo. How low can you go? All you need is a stick, some music and a few willing dancers and you’ve got this favorite Hawaiian pastime.
- Frisbee. Play a simple game of catch or take turns seeing who can get closest to a target.
- Wiffle Ball. Anyone who can swing a bat can join in on this game that you can play in the backyard or easily take along to the park.
- Croquet. If you have a croquet set, this lawn game is a great distraction, because players can get really competitive.
Got a great backyard game to share? Or a suggestion for healthy Fourth of July picnics? Share them now with your fellow Lap Band-ers. Happy Fourth!
Being active when you’re trying to lose weight doesn’t have to mean running a marathon, pumping iron or taking aerobics every day. But to get started, put on your fuzzy slippers.
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