The 4th of July (+celebrations) have always been one of my favorite holidays. I am so proud to be an American. I am thankful for all those who fight to protect our country and our freedoms.
Growing up, I spent every 4th of July on the lake with my huge, extended family. We were out on the water all day. We did bonfires at night. All the memories! All the food! All the fun! These are such fond memories of mine.
1. GET OUTSIDE
Don’t worry about a workout on the 4th of July. Unless, of course, you want to! Don’t feel bad about getting in a workout if it works for you… some of my best vacations included a morning workout with a gorgeous view, so go for it if that’s what you want!
If a traditional workout isn’t in the cards for you, don’t fret! Get outside! Go out on the lake. Splash in the pool. Play bean bags. Chase the kids around. Chase your significant other around lol. Just move and enjoy. There’s no need to think of this as a workout but be active if it means enjoying!
I always like to keep the mindset that a workout doesn’t have to be completed in a gym. Some days, being active and healthy is water skiing. You know what I mean. Get outside and to promote enjoyable activity!
2. FRUIT
So, what about food?! I have 2 approaches to nutrition on holidays/vacations/celebrations. The first is to flat out enjoy. Don’t worry about what you’re eating. Enjoy. Indulge. Remember… one bad day of eating won’t break you just like one good day eating won’t make you.
Still, my 4th of July celebrations are usually a week long. BBQ after BBQ day after day. Personally, I don’t feel my best when I eat junk regularly. I get a gut ache. I bloat. I feel low in energy. Don’t get me wrong… I love a treat or treat day but I like feeling my best better than eating whatever for a week straight.
If you’re looking for a simple little trick to enjoy the food while keeping it a bit healthier, opt for lots of fruit! Fruit is so fresh, sweet and delicious in the summertime. It’s no piece of chocolate cake haha, but fruit in the belly is nutritious and satisfying. This will leave some room for that chocolate cake but maybe not 3 slices. Plus, fruit it full of water, so it will keep you feeling a bit more full.
3. MEMORIES WITHOUT GULIT
Here’s a mindset that I want you to think about taking on. Focus on memories and don’t make space for any guilt! As you know, 12 days ago, I had my sweet baby boy, Leo. For the past almost 2 weeks, I try putting everything in perspective. Am I going to look back and think, “boy I’m happy my house was clean” or will I look back and remember the moment my baby fell asleep on my chest as we snuggled on the couch in a messy home. Okay, I’ll quit it before more tears roll down my face.
Apply it to your life… at your 4th of July celebration (or any party/vacation), focus on making a memory not worrying about how many chips you ate. Of course, you can still make amazing memories while leading a healthy lifestyle! We do all the time. My point is that I don’t want you to spend your time feeling guilty if you didn’t make healthy choices. Do you see the difference?!
Put all your effort into making memories. Make healthy choices if you can. But if you don’t, return your thoughts on the memories you’re creating! It will make you feel a heck of a lot better!
4. JUMP BACK IN
After your celebrations wrap up, jump back into your regular routine. Hit a workout. Go to the grocery store. Prep some meals. BUT… ease back into it! There’s no reason to become superwoman overnight simply because you were celebrating.
Remind yourself that this is the lifestyle you chose. It’s a lifestyle you chose because it makes you feel great NOT because it requires you to be perfect. You’re doing great, girl! Don’t doubt yourself!
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