Healthy eating isn’t something you should only do on “normal” days. Holidays count too! Here are some simple holiday healthy eating tips to help you have a healthier 4th:

• Instead of regular burgers, switch to some homemade veggie burgers or grab some Sunshine burgers from your health food store for ease. (When I’m short on time, I believe I personally keep that company in business! If only they hadn’t discontinued their no-added-salt burgers …) I don’t recommend Boca burgers and the like because they contain very little nutrition. Check labels carefully.
• If you insist on having hot dogs, at least switch to a brand that contains no added nitrites and other preservatives or to a vegetarian option. (Try the health food store. I haven’t shopped for these in well over a decade, but I know that some stores such as Whole Foods won’t stock foods containing scary preservatives linked to various diseases (including several common cancers — I know that doesn’t sound festive, but that’s why I want you to choose the healthiest option you can find!).
• Have potato salad made with a low- or no-oil vinaigrette or other healthful dressing instead of the typical mayo- or cream-based type. See my Healthy Ranch-style Dressing recipe for a good substitute.
• Veggie kabobs are *always* a great addition to any barbecue. We just bought a small gas grill for precisely that reason! Marinate with a little balsamic vinegar, freshly cracked black pepper and garlic (or just balsamic!) and grill till done to your liking.
• In a word (or 4), corn on the cob (minus the butter).
• Serve a big salad of mixed greens (always go for the darker greens) topped with cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower.
• Bake sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a big beta carotene boost.
• Desserts can be challenging, and who wants to heat up the kitchen baking something?! The solution is to focus on fruit. There’re plenty of seasonal options available right now that are delicious by themselves or served up in a fruit salad. Bananas, strawberries and blueberries make a lovely combination. Add a bit of freshly squeezed orange juice as a dressing if you wish.
• Fruit sorbet made in a Vita-Mix is delicious and a fantastic replacement for ice cream.