4 ways to have a flat belly 4th!

It's here: a weekend packed with burgers, beer, and junk food of all kinds. Fun, sure, and certainly patriotic; but if you're not careful, you could end up bloated, dehydrated, and less-than-thrilled about how you look in your bathing suit. Here's my four-part plan to beat Independence Day pooch, and still have an all-American good time.

Hydrate with Sassy water This do-it-yourself infused H20 keeps you hydrated, soothes your belly from the inside out (thanks to calming ginger and mint), and makes staving off dehydration, which can make you feel tired and puffy, a whole lot tastier than drinking plain old water.

Make a Flat Belly burger Try my new favorite combo: lean ground turkey on a whole wheat bun with grilled red onions and a slice of MUFA-rich avocado. (MUFAs are monounsaturated fats that can help reduce belly fat.) You won't miss the cheese, and you'll do your tummy and heart a favor. Plus it tastes great and satisfies the burger itch nicely-sans sat fat. (Or try these other slimming recipes.)

Eat a little of everything Carbs are healthy and an important source of energy, so enjoy-in moderation. Overdoing it (say, heading back to the pasta salad for a third helping) can cause your body to stockpile glycogen, a type of stored energy, which can lead to water retention. Unless you're running or walking a marathon, you just don't need this much fuel to watch fireworks.

Skip the salt This may seem like a no-brainer, but sodium is lurking everywhere, and too much is an express train to bloat city. Making coleslaw? Try celery seed instead of celery salt, and use fresh herbs such as cilantro for added zip.

How are you staying healthy this 4th? What's your can't miss holiday food?


Slim down and look great this summer:
100 Ways to Look Younger
Get Fitness Tips From Real Women
Learn How to Eat to Lose

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Want more from Liz? Check out Flat Belly Diet to slim your tummy.




[photo credit: Getty Images]