On the 4th of July we celebrate our country and we’re usually outdoors and grilling while we’re celebrating! This year, take some healthy tips to heart when it comes to your BBQ.
1. Pay close attention to the marinade. Many pre-bottled barbecue sauces are high in sodium and added sugars. Try making a homemade sauce!
2. Add some red, white, blue, and more colors. In-season fresh fruits and vegetables make for great heart healthy sides in the summer when people crave fresh and light foods.
3. Watch your portions. A family cook out is a good time to relax about what we eat, but it’s still not a good idea to overflow your plate with potato chips.
4. Add some games to your cook out! Keeping active is fun when you’re with friends and family! Set up a volleyball net or a basketball hoop to keep moving.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity – or an equal combination of both – each week. Physical activity in combination with a healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish, and nuts and legumes will help keep your heart happy and independent of disease.
For healthy Fourth of July BBQ recipes, please visit heart.org/recipes.