First off - I wish to tell everyone out there Happy Fourth of July - Today can be a big downfall in anyone diet as today it a big party day. And when it comes to parties - there is plenty of food - From Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Ribs, Steaks, Baked Beans, Creamy Salads, and oh my all the deserts.

What is a person to do that is trying to eat healthier without all the calories.

Well, My plan this year is to not rely on the food that will be at the party - I know the parties I go to and there is just way too much good foot that if full of fat and calories. So, this year I am planning on taking my own food to the party. Yes, I love a good burger but the amount of fat in one of friends burgers is overwelming.

I called ahead and explained my situation to my friend and his wife and asked if I could bring along some of my own food to allow me to enjoy the celebration with out all the fat producing calories. He and his wife agreed without any problem (Didn’t think they would but it is always nice to ask first)

I am taking with me to their house a Bocca Burger (70 Cal - 0.5g Fat - 13g Protein) - He said he would grill this along side there beefy burgers. To top this burger I plan on a nice slice of tomato and a nice slice of onion then spread on a little Gulden’s Spice Brown Mustard and this burger is good to go. I also plan on drinking plenty of water at the party - I know this will keep me pretty full and hydrated which seems to make me less hungry. They always have a nice raw vegtable spread - I plan on having some of that minus the ranch  dip. I am planning ahead on this as well and taking a small portion of some homemade vegtable dip that is lower in calories (Blend the following ingredients until smooth - 1/2 cup no-fat plain youget - 1/2 cup of nofat cottage cheese - 1/2 cup onion (minced) - 1/4 tsp of paprika - 1 tablespoon of Franks Red Hot) (230 Cals .2g Fat 27.3g Proteien for the total) - I will only be taking in a small container 1/2 of this for 165 Calories Plus the Vegtables I eat with it)

I also bought from Costco a nice fresh fruit salad and a carton of non fat cottage cheese to make a nice desert to share with the others and have a small portion of it for my desert. (1 Cup of Fruit 80 Cals and 6oz of Cottage Cheese 108 Cal)

This will be pacing all this food and lots of water through out the day and I will only try to eat when I am truly hungry. And to make sure the time goes faster we will be having the annual horseshoe competition. So, with keeping busy, preparing my food and planning out my day in advance I think I will survive this Fourth of July Party.

Healthy Eathing to all of you on this wonderful day.

Merlin