July 4th means fireworks, cookouts, and for some the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Every year on July 4th, Coney Island holds Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest where participants eat as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes. On Wednesday, Joey Chestnut won the hot dog eating contest for the sixth consecutive year. The man ate 68 hot dogs… sounds appetizing right?

I could barely finish the five BBQ chicken wings I had last night at our family’s Fourth of July cookout. I can only imagine where this man puts his food!

Well, fortunately this morning on the TODAY show Joey offered his secrets to scarfing down 68 hotdogs and buns. Joey’s girlfriend makes him 70 hotdogs and he tries to eat as much as he can within 10 minutes. And he tries to eat a little more each day than his previous attempt. Three days before the big hot dog eating contest Joey does not eat anything to prepare himself for all the hot dogs he will devour.
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More than 200 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence we still celebrate with parades on Main Street and decorate with the red, white, and blue. From hot dogs and potato salad to roasted marshmallows around the campfire, Americans do not take the Fourth lightly. As dusk appears, the boom of fireworks and the dazzling spectacle of illuminated ash will light up the faces of generations of people who are proud to call America their home.

With current fire dangers in parts of the southwest, incidences of obesity on the rise, and an environment that desperately needs tender loving care, it might be of interest to those who truly love America to evolve their celebratory behaviors.

We’ve got just a few suggestions to help keep America the beautiful, healthy and vibrant country that we all love so dearly.
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Happy Fourth of July! If you haven’t lit a sparkler and stocked up on watermelon, you’re just not doing it right.

Watermelon is so hydrating and so filling that it might be summer’s most perfect food. That bold red hue is a sign that each bite is full of cancer-fighting lycopene, the most of any fruit. Each chin-drowning juicy bite of watermelon also boasts generous amounts of vitamins A, C, and B6. As well, watermelon is a rich source of potassium, an important electrolyte especially during these hottest days of summer.

The best way to enjoy watermelon, one of three super-healing summer melons, is to refrigerate and make thick slices for everyone to eat as-is. However, watermelon’s unique flavor, stunning color, and wide availability make it simple to incorporate in to a number of recipes.

If you’ve got more watermelon on your hands than you know what to do with this summer, start checking off these recipes:

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Honeydew Kabobs
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Fourth of July is tomorrow and everyone is looking forward to having their Wednesday off! I’ve always loved Fourth of July because my big family gets together for one day to enjoy each other’s company. And who doesn’t love getting together to eat? Everyone is just happy for one day. However, after the holiday, like a lot of people, I’m not so happy because I tend to overeat at the family BBQ.

Yes, I could have eaten less… or my family could have put more healthy plates on the table. Don’t regret the holiday food this year. We can help you ditch the regret and enjoy the holiday with these healthy cookout recipes developed by our team of foodies.

 Picnic Perfect Red and Sweet Potato Salad

The Red and Sweet Potato Salad is light and tasty, and healthier than a traditional potato salad with only 92 calories.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers

Go meatless for the Fourth this year. If most of the people at your party are vegans or vegetarians, or just reducing meat, then the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers won’t disappoint.

Red, White, and Blueberry Turkey Burger Sliders

Nothing says Fourth of July like red, white, and blue. These turkey burger sliders are inspired by the patriotic colors of summer. Instead of ground beef the recipe calls for turkey, red bell peppers, and feta crumbles all topped with a blueberry balsamic reduction.

A Simple Red, White, and Blue Sangria Recipe

What’s Fourth of July without a little cocktail? The berries sweetened the wine and will make anyone want more than one glass of sangria. This sangria is simple and easy to make, and it’s going to wow any crowd at the cookout!

Triple Berry Sparkers are the Perfect Cool Down This 4th of July 

For the non-drinkers, and especially the little ones, these sparkling, colorful drinks are hydrating, nutritious, and low in calories. Puree berries for ice cubes and add to your choice of ice cold Perrier.

Chocolate Banana Popsicles

Ditch those stale popsicles from the store and whip up a batch of Chocolate Banana Popsicles. They are half the calories and scrumptious as well, plus loaded with good-for-you nutrients that a traditional frozen treat can’t offer. There are 11 more summer popsicle ideas over at Care2.com.

all images by Dana Shultz

By Stephanie Mansour with Dana Shultz 

If you’re on the road this Fourth of July, that doesn’t mean your healthy ways should go out of town, too. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little indulgence in the way of food and decadent desserts, there something to be said about keeping things in moderation as to not totally blow your diet. Below you’ll find five simple solutions from fitness guru Stephanie Mansour, that will help you keep your waistline intact while navigating this holiday the healthy way.

How much of eating healthy on the road is mentality and how much is actual choices? 

Eating healthy on the road starts with a mentality. If you intend to eat healthy and even plan ahead, you will set yourself up for successful healthy eating. But if you don’t plan or have an intention to eat healthy, you’ll probably end up eating a fattening alternative. Make sure you are eating every 3-4 hours, including a serving of protein and fruit or vegetables. Even if you stop at McDonalds or Taco Bell – get a small portion of protein and load it with a side of veggies. Think outside of the box and always remember the protein plus fruit/veggie rule! 
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