Fire Up Your 4th of July Celebration with Red, White and Blue (Foods!)

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I simply just love the 4^th of July!  It is really one of my favorite holidays of the year.  I mean really, who does not like relaxing and catching up with family and friends and enjoying a gooey cheeseburger hot off the grill?  And seeing those beautiful firework displays light up the night sky is just awesome! Oh, and you get an extra day off work – NICE!

Any which way you look at it, the 4^th of July is a time of celebration and a time where you see seas of red, white and blue.  Here are some super red, white and blue foods that you should sneak into your diet, especially while going to all those barbeques and picnics over the holiday weekend.

Super Red Foods

Red fruits and vegetables contain many health benefits.  Of course, most are high in fiber and have antioxidants, which help you maintain a healthy a body.  It is in these antioxidants, which are found in red foods that help reduce the risk of various types of cancer.  Here are a few red foods that you may see more while celebrating the 4^th of July  – just don’t forget to eat them and  enjoy them – remember, they are good for you!

• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Red Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Red Grapes
• Pepperoni
• Salmon

Super White Foods

Many white foods contain compounds, which are linked to help lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of certain types of cancer. Typically, these foods contain high amounts of vitamin C and are high in fiber.  Antioxidants found in white foods also help keep your immune system healthy.

• Cauliflower – great raw and dipped in hummus!
• Northern white beans – think vinaigrette bean salad . . .
• Bananas – try making your own banana ice cream!
• Coconut – yes, this special fruit has many other health benefits, such as anti-aging abilities and assists with weight loss as well
• Pears (peeled)
• Apples (peeled)
• Cottage Cheese
• Plain Yogurt
• Tortillas

Super Blue Foods

Just like their red counterparts, blue foods also contain strong antioxidants properties, which are linked with lowering the risk for both heart disease and types of cancer.  Antioxidants found in blue foods, especially in blueberries, are linked to preventing brain and cell damage, which cause conditions such as Alzheimer’s.  So, go ahead and pile on those blueberries!  Here are some other healthy “blue” foods, you could choose from:

• Beets (okay, I know, so they may look a little purple, just go with me here) – try them grilled!
• Blue Potatoes
• Bleu Cheese
• Try substituting blue corn meal in place of regular corn meal to add the festive spark to your recipe
• Blueberries
• Blue Cornchips

A Few Sweet Treats

Let’s face it. It’ll be almost impossible to eat healthy all weekend so here are a few treats and beverages to satisfy your sweet tooth craving!

• Colored Jell-O with a smidge of whipped topping
• Flavored Martinis or Daiquiris (think berries and also pomegranate)
• Cupcakes!
• Rice Krispie treats with red, white and blue sprinkles
• Bomb Pops (red, white and blue popsicles)
• Frozen yogurt with berries
• Red Wine
• White Wine
• Cranberry Juice
• Marshmallows
• Colored Jelly Beans or M&Ms