Happy 4th of July! This long weekend is always a fun time. After all, what’s not to love about food, friends, family and fireworks? Just make sure the hot weather and hot dogs don’t do a number on you this weekend. Use these simple skincare and nutrition suggestions to keep your skin healthy and your diet intact as you celebrate Independence Day.
1. Stick to low-calorie beers and mixers. If you’re drinking beer, stick to low-calorie fare. With all the food you’ll probably be eating, it’s important to minimize calories whenever you can. Can’t stand the taste of low-carb beer? Add a lime – it adds flavor without adding calories. And if you’re sticking to spirits, use low-calorie mixers like club soda and tonic water as opposed to juices and soft drinks.
2. Wear sunscreen. Summer’s well underway, so it’s important to keep your skin well-protected. Using an SPF 30 sunblock for men helps stop damage from UVA and UVB rays so that you can enjoy the holiday without worrying about things like sunburn, wrinkles and dry skin. Also consider using a lip balm for men to avoid lip irritation while outdoors. For more help on sun protection, check out “Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage.”
3. Take it easy on dressings and dips. Adding dressings and dips to your food is an easy way to make even the healthiest of foods unhealthy – they tend to be high in fat, calories and carbs. Skip the dip and opt for spices and other condiments that can drastically improve taste without drastically affecting your waistline. Mayonnaise and barbecue sauce tend to be the biggest diet culprits during these types of celebration.
4. Stay hydrated: This is especially important if you’re drinking alcohol since it dehydrates you. The hot weather doesn’t help matters either. Make sure you’re drinking a glass of water in between drinks to stave off thirst and thwart any chances of heat stroke or hangover. To find out about the negative effects of a hangover on your skin, read “How a Hangover Affect’s Men’s Skin.”
5. Keep dessert small. This is a time for celebrating, so indulge in some cake or pastries if you feel like it. Just don’t go overboard – don’t fill your plate entirely with sweets. A slice of cake won’t kill your diet but 2-3 can really set back your progress. Also look to see if there’s any fruit salad. This is a healthy alternative that may soothe your sweet tooth and is actually good for you.
6. Have Fun. Enjoy every moment with your friends and family. It’s a great time to get together, relax and see some cool fireworks. Go watch one of the city parades or check out the community festival. Savor your day off before it’s back to the grind the next day. Have a great Independence Day!
