This weekend is America’s 250th birthday, so it’s time to celebrate! Between backyard barbecues, alcoholic beverages, and red, white and blue dishes, the Fourth of July can quickly become a calorie-laden day. One day of indulgence doesn’t have to undo months of progress, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away those healthy habits you’ve so carefully built.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, getting a morning workout in before the festivities, or spending the weekend at the beach, a few simple choices can help you enjoy all the coveted holiday fun while feeling your best and staying on track with your fitness goals.
RELATED: Why Reviewers Say This Stimulant-Free Blend Is Actually Better Than Most Caffeinated Pre-Workouts
1. Fuel up your workout with Patriotic Energy Shot
courtesy image
If you’re kicking off your Fourth of July with a local 5K or heading to the gym for a quick pump, 5 hour energy Firework Freeze-Flavored Energy Shots are the perfect holiday cheer to kick off America’s 250th birthday. Inspired by the iconic red, white and blue Freezer Pop, this limited-edition flavor delivers all the nostalgia without any of the sugar or calories. Each shot also contains 230 mg of caffeine, B-vitamins and essential nutrients for fast energy.
2. Use High-Volume Watermelon for Muscle Pumps

Getty Images/Arinahabich
When you think of the Fourth of July, it’s hard not to imagine cool, refreshing watermelon slices. And not only is it delicious, but it is considered a natural pre-workout due to its high water and citrulline content. Citrulline is an amino acid that can Help Increase blood flow and muscle pump during training. One Study Investigating watermelon juice as a functional exercise beverage for muscle soreness, performance, and recovery found that it may support individuals engaged in regular training by optimizing post-exercise repair and hypertrophic responses.
3. Build a Muscle-First Burger Bar

Getty Images/Adam Hester
Burgers may have a sticky reputation, but they can also be a delicious source of high-quality protein. With a few simple upgrades, you can take advantage of the Fourth of July burger bar. For starters, use a lean protein source, like 90/10 ground beef, ground turkey, or bison, to increase protein while keeping saturated fat in check.
Chef Joel GamoranA virtue health Partners recommends replacing the traditional bread bun with a two-leaf lettuce wrap to cut down on calories and refined carbohydrates. And instead of ketchup, which has about 4 grams of sugar per tablespoon, Chef Gamoran suggests making a quick homemade romesco sauce by combining roasted red peppers, almonds, olive oil, and vinegar.
4. Satisfy Cravings With High-Protein Parfait Pops
The Fourth of July is not complete without sweets. in your weekly NewsletterSix time Mr. Olympia chris bumstead Share a healthy way to cool off with your Red, White and Blue Protein Parfait Pops. The recipe below yields 6 to 8 pops, each of which has about 120 calories, 12 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of sugar.

Getty Images/Jenifoto
Material
red layer
- 1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 scoop vanilla or strawberry whey or plant protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
white layer
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Optional: splash of vanilla extract
blue layer
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
Instruction
- Blend each layer separately until smooth. Add more liquid if necessary to smooth the mixture, but keep each layer thick so they set well.
- Pour layers into popsicle mold. Start with red, then white, then blue. Gently tap the mold to settle each layer before adding the next layer.
- Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours, ideally overnight.
- To remove, run hot water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds and enjoy!
5. Trade the heavy potato salad for a higher protein option
Dense bean salad has quickly become a summer favorite. They’re the perfect choice when you need to get vegetables but don’t feel like cooking. It’s also a secret pot for increasing fiber intake, which Americans are notoriously low on. The beans provide a boost of plant-based protein, making this side dish both nutritious and delicious. Set out a bowl with your Fourth of July spread and let guests enjoy it as a dip with whole-grain crackers or tortilla chips, spooned over grilled chicken or burgers, or on its own. Try the recipe below, originally shared by Divya Sharma Instagram.
Material
- 400 grams gram
- 400 grams black beans
- 200 grams edamame
- 200 grams corn
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 red chilli
- 3 tomatoes
- big handful coriander
- Dressing: Juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
guidance
- Finely chop all the salad ingredients. Wash and drain the beans.
- Make the dressing by mixing the ingredients together
- Add all the salad to the bowl and mix in the dressing.
RELATED: Your Grill Is Disgusting—Here’s How to Deep Clean It Before Summer
