Make July 4th Healthier With These BBQ Ideas
10 
June 28, 2012
I think that July 4th is the most American of our holidays. A terrifying time for vegans, we get our grills fired up!
As with many of our holidays, it is a food fest of epic proportions. You know what I am talking about: hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, coleslaw, ice cream, s’mores, and (the one super healthy food) watermelon.
My children will participate in a parade that serves ice cream, and THEN they will go to a parade where candy is tossed from police cars. I can’t make this stuff up.
My first suggestion for a healthier July 4th is to leave the country. In Canada, for example, it will be just a regular Wednesday :) If you don’t have money or time to leave, here are some other ideas:
1. Change up your hamburgers. Last year, I made this hamburger with a hole in it and I put salsa in the hole see: How To Eat Less Red Meat & Still LOVE Your Burger.
If you are ready to make a big change, you can also try a portobello mushroom burger for a meat free experience that many patriots would admire.
2. Buy smaller hot dogs. There are a bunch of lower calorie hot dogs in the supermarket. My favorite are the most expensive but at 110 calories each, they are a great option. See: Applegate Farms Organic Hot Dog. The other brands such as Oscar Mayer or Hebrew National have made smaller hot dogs - which I think is a good thing.
3. Try baked or reduced fat potato chips. I happen to LOVE Cape Cod Reduced Fat Potato Chips. I can’t tell the difference between these and the real thing. They use less oil and the potato taste is exceptional. If you can’t find these, Baked Lays are an okay option.
4. Serve a lot of salad, watermelon, cherries, grapes, tomatoes, etc. with all the BBQ meats you are inhaling. This is the season of fresh produce for less money so take advantage of it. For example, you don’t have to do ANYTHING to cherry tomatoes to enjoy them.
5. Use fruit for your dessert. Grill some peaches, make my healthier strawberry shortcake, or just serve a bowl of fresh cherries for a lighter dessert than ice cream.
Please share your ideas for a healthier Fourth of July BBQ.
Other posts you might like:
 | Top 10 Healthy Super Bowl Party Snacks Even if you aren't a football fan, you will probably know when the Super Bowl is being played. The parties are a fun way to celebrate SOMETHING while the weather is cold.... read more |
 | A Seriously Cool Appetizer Featuring Watermelon I don’t know about you, but I am hot! The heat wave here in Massachusetts made me feel like the Wicked Witch of The West.... read more |
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10 Comments:
Ohhhh, you make me want to have a party! Everything sounds so good!!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers on June 28, 2012
Great ideas as usual snack-girl. Another tip I like to use is Very cold water in a clear pitcher. People tend to gravitate towards it than something hot right off the grill especially down here in Texas where its 103. Also I will serve Fruits before lunch.
Christina on June 28, 2012
And if you can't get away from the Icecream on the 4th, replace it with frozen yogurt!! It's only 100 cal per 1/2 cup, and in my opinion, tastes better than Icecream.
Emily on June 28, 2012
Freedom Cocktails! Local blueberries are finally here, just in time for fireworks. Frozen blueberries make great ice cubes. Add to the drink or cocktail of your choice for a beautiful and healthy holiday hit. Freeze on a cookie sheet to prevent clumping and use as needed. They will keep in your freezer for a year. I still have some from the last Fourth of July!
ValleyLocavore on June 28, 2012
We have our Canada Day holiday on July 1st.
Marion on June 28, 2012
BallPark Franks makes all white smoked turkey hot dogs that are only 45 calories each and they taste great (and they are normal sized). Nature's Own makes 120 calorie 100% whole wheat hot dog buns to go along with the turkey dogs.
Jason on June 28, 2012
I like Trader Joe's uncured chicken hot dogs. Nitrate free, 10% sodium and 60 calories. They are normal sized and taste really good. Nice snap to the bite.
I am making a quinoa salad for 4th of July. Veggies, protein and fiber plus it tastes refreshing on a hot day.
Nina on June 28, 2012
Check with the Canadians for July 1st holiday menu suggestions!
Nancy Lipscomb on June 28, 2012
A BBQ is not complete with out chips, and what better chips than ones that are also good for you? If you have the chance, please check out and review snackette chips. They are a new vegan and kosher product available online at Amazon.com.
Greg C Starr on June 29, 2012
Stephanie G on June 28, 2012