Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you stick to these guidelines {or something similar} there’s no doubt that your 4th of July is going to go off with a BANG and you’ll have a much easier time coming home afterward and transitioning back into your regularly scheduled health/fitness routines.
With the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s high time to start planning the week/weekend {really US calendar… a Wednesday???} to make sure that in the midst of your holiday shenanigans, you don’t stray too far from your overall goals for yourself. I’m not saying that you have to only drink water and eat green veggies all throughout your mini vacation {because hello chardonnay and fireside s’mores} BUT I am saying that you can indulge in these delicious and fun experiences with your loved ones without completely falling off the wagon. The absolute worst thing that can happen after what’s meant to be a relaxing time away equipped with boating, sunshine and American pride is that you come back to your {real life} with an incredible sense of guilt and shamefulness.
And that’s why I’m here to share my top 8 tips for enjoying a happy and healthy 4th of July this year!
Balance your meals: The same rules/guidelines that apply at home, still apply when away from home. Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean proteins and limit processed foods and extra treats.
Choose drinks wisely: And yes, I’m talking alcoholic drinks. Pay attention to how much sugar is in your beverages, what you’re using to mix your drinks with AND your alcohol to water ratio throughout the holiday weekend.
Be a bunless grillmaster: Ditch the wonder bread {do you know what’s in that} and opt for a bunless burger or brat with low sugar toppings like mustard, raw sauerkraut or grass-fed cheese.
Veggie vs pasta salads: Pasta can be a very heavy food so sometimes it’s nice to have the option to sneak in some extra vegetables rather than loading up on processed carbohydrates. Especially when you’re probably not looking to feel extra inflamed or bloated in the heat.
Limit dessert: Increased sugar intake will only increase the amount of inflammation in your body and make you crave more unhealthy foods. If you want a sweet treat think about packing things like dark chocolate, energy balls or fresh/frozen fruit to indulge in instead.
Increase water intake: Just like in your usual day to day life, carry around a water bottle with you constantly and keep those {non-alcholic} fluids flowing more than the alcoholic ones;)
MOVE daily: A morning workout, afternoon walk, skiing, paddleboard yoga… the options are endless, but if you stay consistent with your workout regimen you will be much less likely to stray from your eating habits as well.
Bring your own healthy snacks: Snacking if part of a vacation {if you ask me} but that doesn’t have to mean it’s bad. There are many brands of chips that steer clear of highly inflammatory oils and instead use avocado or coconut oil, potatoes and salt as there only ingredients making them a-ok to enjoy.
If you stick to these guidelines {or something similar} there’s no doubt that your 4th of July is going to go off with a BANG and you’ll have a much easier time coming home afterward and transitioning back into your regularly scheduled health/fitness routines.
And to give you a little bit of inspiration so that you can bring this healthful, patriotic, summertime holiday to life, I’m sharing my recent summertime salad favorite! This Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad has literally 2 steps and is so damn good! Show up with this and you’re sure to turn some heads!
SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD
Ingredients:
6 Hard Boiled Eggs, sliced
1 ½ - 2c. Homemade Paleo Mayo
1 ½ lbs. Shredded Brussels Sprouts
1 ½ Lemons, juiced
⅓ c. Pumpkin Seeds
⅓ c. Parmesan Cheese
¼ c. Red Onion, diced
2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. S + P
Methods:
Add everything to a large bowl and mix well
Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours prior to serving
ENJOY!
Chat with me!
What are your plans for the 4th this year? Do you have a favorite dish to bring to backyard BBQ's? What is your go-to boat drink?
P.S. Interested in more summertime recipes that are paleo-friendly? Check out my Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps, Paleo-Style Shrimp Ceviche or my Delicious Paleo Salsa!
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