Fourth of July

America's birthday is upon us; fireworks, BBQ and beer. We celebrate the rights and freedoms we have and enjoy all the benefits of summer. Whether it is a day at the beach, soaking up the sun; an old-fashioned cookout with hamburgers, coleslaw, chips and jello-salad; laying in the grass watching fireworks explode above. July brings the heart of the summer, the best this land has to offer so make the most of it. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

4th of July can mean sun, fun and good times or it can be a sad, sweaty, bloated mess. We've all been to the family get together, ran into that red faced, bug bitten, beer swilling uncle who doesn't seem to realize his sunburned gut is hanging out of his too small flag t-shirt and expanding by the minute. Nobody wants to be that guy. That guy doesn't want to be that guy. So what can you do to avoid being an embarrassment? The key is to plan ahead, here are some helpful tips for 4th of July and the rest of summer:

• If you're going to dress patriotically, that's great but there is a wrong and right way to do it. Don't be the one in bad cut-offs, a screaming eagle t-shirt and star spangled visor...that will make people want to avoid you. Start simple, choose American designers and wear something classic. Blue jeans are the true American classic, pair them with a simple red or blue polo and you show your spirit without going overboard. Alternatively a nice crisp white shirt looks great paid with red or blue plaid shorts.
  


• Many of us workout rigorously for weeks (months!) before summer to get in swimsuit shape. If you've taken the time to watch what your eat, run the few extra miles and find more time for crunches don't blow it on one BBQ. Stay away from anything labeled "salad" that is really just code for "covered in fatty, high caloric mayonnaise based dressing". Go for something meaty and then fresh fruits and veggies, chips and salsa are also a healthy snack. Not to go all Atkins on you but steak or steak & veggie kabob are better than a burger with bun, cheese, ketchup, mustard.


• If you're starting your day early, start it off right. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before leaving the house. Have a bottle of water, these holidays can get long so start hydrated and you'll benefit later on. Pack an extra shirt to take with you, just in case of emergencies there's nothing worse than having to wear a wine or Kool-Aid stain all day.

• Throwing up your Samuel Adams isn't exactly the best way to remember our forefathers, be classy and pace yourself.

Have fun, be safe, be fabulous