Not sure about you, but I am SO ready for the holiday! And no matter what day of the week it falls, it always comes at the perfect time to help me get through the mid-summer burnout.
Staying on Track
So, here’s the deal, we all know what happens over a holiday weekend (especially a long one), we let loose, relax and we over-indulge. It’s okay, we all do it. And we only get a few holiday weekends like this during the year. Maybe the difference between July 4th and Christmas is clothes. I’m certainly more motivated to eat a little less when I have to get into a swim suit than my sweatpants. Ha!
All kidding aside, I fully plan to enjoy the holiday, and I am totally willing to keep it on the lighter side. So, if you’re in the same state of mind I am, here are a few food and drink ideas to allow you to still enjoy yourself, but with a few less calories and a lot less guilt come July 5th when you’re ready to get back on the wagon!
Drink up!
Lighten up your beverage with sparkling water! I was never into sparkling water until I did the Shift Shop and have since become a fan. Especially when I’m trying not to over do it in the alcohol department (or when I know I’ll be drinking more than one). Here’s my go-to!
Ruby Red Sparkling Skinny Cocktail
- 2oz Deep Eddy’s Ruby Red handmade vodka (this is also great with Deep Eddy’s orange)
- 6oz sparkling water (I love using a citrus or lime flavor)
- 1 ice rock (or crushed ice)
- Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 grapefruit or lime – optional
Stir and enjoy!
Tropical Flare
As we all know, coconut water has become quite popular in the past few years. I’ll admit, up until about a year ago I really wasn’t a fan myself. However, I know the electrolyte properties are awesome for helping to recover from workouts faster (and healthier) than Gatorade. So, why not try it as an adult beverage too. We all know alcohol makes us dehydrated, so maybe if we pair it with coconut water we won’t feel as hungover? Well, it’s worth testing out… 😉
Coconut Gin & Tonics from the Minimalist Baker
Tropical, light and refreshing is the name of the game. Here’s what you need:
- 2oz gin
- 2oz coconut water
- 2oz tonic water
- juice of 1/2 lime (1-2 Tbsp)
- optional: fresh mint or basil
Pour all ingredients over ice and enjoy. I’d definitely suggest playing around with this one. Maybe mix it up with mango or pineapple coconut water!
Food!
One of my all time favorite summer foods is ceviche! Probably because it combines two of my food loves; limes and seafood. Give me a hearty shrimp ceviche with a few salty chips and a light beer and I’m a happy camper. I may even pay the bill! While this may not be the best 4th of
This Healthy Shrimp Ceviche from Christina Carlye will rock your world, but not your waistline. Get the full recipe here!
YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 pound pre-cooked, peeled, shrimp, thawed rinsed and chopped (WILD CAUGHT, NOT FARMED)
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced (2 Roma tomatoes would work, too)
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, diced (want to stop onion/eye burn? Soak the onion in a bowl full of ice water for 10 minutes prior to cutting it)
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Juice from half a lemon
- Juice from 1 lime
- Add salt and pepper to taste
Lastly, the majority of us will be on the road at some point this weekend, so having an arsenal of healthy, but tasty snacks is a must. Here are a few to have handy, and if you have time, make ahead. Just click the pics to get the deets and enjoy the road!
Roasted Chickpeas
Dark Chocolate Energy Bites
No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
Alright gang, there you have it! A few fun foods and drinks to enjoy this weekend and beyond! Have a safe holiday with your friends and family!
xo, Tiff