Here in the United States it is Independents Day, a day to celebrate. It was July 4th, 1776 that we became independent from the Briton. On the news this morning a poll had been taken on how many Americans know what year we became independent, and from who. Sadly, 42% did not know the year of our independence, or who we became independent from. I was shocked.
Obviously, those 42% either did not attend our school system, or were not paying attention while they were there. You can hardly get through grammar school without learning what the 4th of July is about, let alone Junior high and High school. The 4th of July celebration for many Americans has become mostly about barbeque's, and picnics, and not about the creation of our country.
As in most of our holiday's, the 4th is pretty much all about food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, chips and dip, ice cream, and watermelon, are the foundation for a 4th of July feast. It is a day of fun in the sun, and lots of eating. Some of us choose to do some kind of exercise during this holiday to balance out the extra calories that we are taking in.....and that is a good idea to do so.
Whether it is swimming, volleyball, bike riding, rollerblading, hiking, or just taking a walk, adding in some exercise is a good plan. You could be eating an extra 1,000 calories on a day like today with all of the holiday food options, and exercise will help to balance out that. Ninety minutes of focused bike riding can burn up most, if not all of that extra 1,000 calories.
It is helpful to have "tastes" of things, rather than eat a whole portion of any fattening item such as potato salad, macaroni salad, and garlic bread. Eat more fresh fruit instead of cookies, cakes, and ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth. Lose the hamburger bun if you can stand to, and you will lose a few hundred calories by doing so. Being mindful of how much you are eating is a big help to not falling to far off your plan to be and stay lean.
Of course most of us will be out in the sun on a holiday like today's. Don't forget to put on your sunblock. I went for a run yesterday on the beach and forgot to sunblock my chest, and the difference between my chest and the rest of my body that got sun is very significant. I just added to the aging of the skin on my chest, and was mad at myself for forgetting to sunblock it.
Many of us will watch the fireworks show right after sun set tonight. Brilliant colors, loud pops and bangs, and patriotic songs will be a part of these shows. These are difficult times for many of us, but we will still be out there celebrating our country with family, friends, food, sun, and fun. America is the Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave, and this is our day to remember and celebrate that!
Wishing You Health and Happiness!
Queenie
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