One Simple Thing: It's a Holiday... Keep it Light!

As certain holidays approach here in our little pocket of suburbia, I always think it's entertaining to watch everyone buzzing around making fancy travel and party plans. Every time, I find myself thinking that these people, in their mission to outdo their neighbors and/or themselves, are missing the very point of the holiday. It's easy to lose sight of, but holidays are a time to enjoy the company of friends and family. Sometimes we get caught up in all the preparation that we forget that simple fact. So, if you get nothing else from this article, at the very least try to lighten up a bit this 4th of July and go in with a relaxed attitude. 

Now of course the other "lighten up" I am referring to is the food you eat. We also tend to think that holidays give us some sort of unlimited license to prepare, serve, and indulge in fat-laden dips and decadent treats.  And unfortunately, it doesn't just stop at the food we eat. That license typically includes sugary cocktails loaded with calories or a non-stop flow of beer. Is this sounding all too familar? If so, here are some easy ways to lighten up your holiday without sacrificing fun.

Dip 2.0

If you're ready to take your dipping to a whole new level, listen closely. I'll bet you are carrying around the latest and greatest in gadgets, yet you're still dipping into the same seas of sour cream and mayonnaise that your grandparents did. It's high time for an update by intoducing you to what I consider to be a modern kitchen staple, greek yogurt.  0% Greek yogurt has a similar texture and tangy taste like sour cream, but it contains less fat and far more protein.  Translation: mindless dipping can now be considered a nutrition-absorbing event! Try substituting greek yogurt in some of your favorite dip recipes.  

Cocktails, Remixed

Listen, I enjoy indulging in a cocktail at a party just as much as the next gal. But what I don't enjoy is drinking more calories than I eat. It's easier to do than you might think. So if you're reaching for a mixed drink, mix wisely. Switch out soda for seltzer water to avoid extra calories. My favorite lighter cocktail version is the skinny margarita. Combine 1 oz. clear tequila, 1/2 oz. triple sec, juice of half a lime, and 1 tsp. agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Prepare a glass with 1/2 cup of seltzer water. Pour shaker contents into glass over seltzer.

Light & Festive Treats

It's berry season, which means it's all too easy to make festive treats without loading up on calories. Red, white & blue popsicles are a huge hit with the kids, and the best part is that you're also sneaking in a little nutrition, too! To make, put 1 tbsp of chopped strawberries into each popsicle mold. Add just enough water to cover the strawberries and freeze for an hour. Spoon 1/2 tbsp plain or vanilla yogurt on top of stawberry layer. Freeze for another hour.  Repeat steps one and two and insert popsicle sticks. Fill the rest of the mold with blueberries and water. Return to freezer until completely frozen. You can also use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make watermelon slices into a fun treat for both kids and adults.