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You might think that a 4th of July backyard barbecue is pretty much the worst thing that can happen to your weight loss plan this summer. You know what? You could be right. Giant bowls of chips and dip, burgers, brats and dogs piled onto white bread buns, “salads” that start with great big gob of mayonnaise, the traditional red, white and blue sheet cake slathered in cream cheese frosting and dotted with blueberries and strawberries, plus ice cream … yeah, that’s a real problem, alright. But the minefield that is the backyard barbecue can be easily defused by just a few simple hacks. Here are seven tips for a healthy 4th of July food ideas and tips! 1. Build a better burger. BYOM (bring your own meat) if you’re a guest and pre-make your lean beef (or even ultra-lean bison!) patty into a reasonable, two-ouncer. Don’t eyeball it. Fast-food restaurant portion sizes have grown over the last few decades. So what you consider a “small” burger might actually be super-sized. Rule of th

The season of pasta salad is here! This picnic or barbeque staple is always a favorite, but it’s not always the healthiest choice. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! While many traditional pasta salad recipes have mayonnaise-based dressings and are loaded with bacon and cheese, we’ve lightened things up by packing in the veggies and using healthier dressing options. Here are eight pasta salad recipes that are healthy, delicious, and best of all, easy to whip up! 1. Creamy Pasta Salad Traditional creamy pasta salads are usually full of fat because of heavy dollops of mayonnaise. But our version uses only a teaspoon of light mayonnaise and instead uses nonfat Greek yogurt for its creaminess. Chopped broccoli, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add color, crunch and antioxidant power to this delicious Creamy Pasta Salad . 2. Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad This Simple Spring Green Pasta Salad is all about the greens—green peas, asparagus tips and watercress add some fres

This Fourth of July, give these healthy dessert recipes featuring a red, white and blue twist a try. Each one features fresh, seasonal fruit and a few other easy ingredients. And while they make a perfectly themed treat to bring to patriotic parties and barbecues, these healthy dessert recipes are way too good to be confined to just one day of the year! Try these healthy dessert recipes any day you’re craving a little All-American treat: 1. American Flag Fruit Tray > This patriotic platter might look like an ordinary fruit tray. However, there are few small details that make this simple recipe special. From white chocolate dipped bananas to the five different types of fruit, our American Flag Fruit Tray is the perfect addition to your Fourth of July festivities. Click here for the recipe > 2. 5-Ingredient Patriotic Cheesecake > Celebrate freedom free of guilt! Fourth of July is right around the corner and light and fluffy cheesecake is on the menu. Using just five simp

You don’t have to turn down cool, summery cocktails when you’re trying to lose weight. With the right ingredients and proper portion sizes, you can indulge in delicious mixed drinks without sabotaging your healthy diet. The truth is, we all know that alcohol isn’t always a dieter’s best friend. According to Health Economics , alcohol is a “high-calorie beverage that can interfere with metabolic function and cognitive processes.” It can also stimulate the appetite and lead to overeating. Most alcoholic drinks are also fairly high in calories. “A 12-ounce can of regular beer contains approximately 145 calories; a 5-ounce glass of wine, approximately 135; and a 1.5-ounce serving of spirits, approximately 130,” says Health Economics . Throw in some sugar, muddled fruit, simple syrup, juice or pre-made drink mixes—or add seconds and thirds—and you’re looking at serious damage to your diet. All of this aside, you can still enjoy alcohol and tasty summer cocktails on your Nutrisystem weig