Fourth of July Low Calorie Recipes and Tips

Independence Day is a chance to watch fireworks, listen to some great music, relax in the backyard, or take in a parade and festival. Chances are you’ll share a meal with friends and family, so why not jazz things up this year with a variety of delicious and healthy American cuisine.

• Use lean cuts of meat and seafood for classic American barbecue.
• Fill up the rest of your plate with summer fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Stay hydrated outdoors with refreshing pitchers of ice water flavored with slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, oranges or strawberries.
• Don’t skip exercising leading up to, and after July 4^th –even walking after your meals can help.
• Do skip eating the leftovers, unless they’re lean meats and fresh produce.
• Lighten up cocktails by choosing recipes that use fresh fruit juice and substitute low-calorie sweeteners for added sugar.
• Choose beer that is 100 calories or less per serving.

Appetizers

•  Patriotic Fruit Pops
• Spiced Maple Cocktail Ribs
• Bean & Tomato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
• Low Calorie Deviled Eggs
  

Drinks

• Rooibos Tea Punch
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Red White and Blue Cocktail (with fresh fruit)
• List of the Best and Worst Beers in America (based on calories)

Main Dishes and Sides

• Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter
• Marjoram-Rubbed Pork & Grilled Potato Salad
• Pork and Sweet Pepper Kebabs
• Roasted Potato Salad with Creamy Dijon Vinaigrette
• Broiled Herb-Marinated Shrimp Skewers
• Beer-Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce
• Simple, Perfect Fresh-Ground Brisket Burgers

 Desserts

• Summer Berry and Buckwheat Galette
• Mixed Berry Cobbler

And in case you still need some fireworks, check out the Boston Pops for their amazing version of the 1812 Overture (with real cannons)!

Happy birthday, America! Long live freedom!