July 4th, 1776 is the day our forefathers stood up and said that we would no longer be ruled by outside forces.  It was declared that we would rule ourselves and be a new nation.  However, this declared freedom did not come without a struggle or without a war.   But thanks to the sacrifices of our forefathers, today’s America knows nothing except complete freedom.

How would it feel to have complete freedom in your life over food & fitness?  How would it feel to look around you in a few years and see no one that knows or can remember anything different than a healthy and fit you?  It could happen and it starts with a declaration of independence.

I remember my Independence Day.  I was sitting on the edge of a swimming pool feeling disgusted at the fat rolls bulging in and around my swim suit.  I desperately wanted to be fit and trim.  But no matter how hard I tried or how many times I clicked my ruby red slippers, wishing had not taken the weight off.   It was right there on that hot summer day at the pool that I decided I was no longer going to be this person.  I took a stand, made a commitment to myself and prepared for war.  Battles came daily (won some – lost most) but I refused to live in defeat because I knew it wasn’t about an individual battle.  It was bigger than that.  I had to win the war.  I had to keep fighting until the me I wanted to be was stronger than the me I used to be.

Today I’m at a healthy body weight and maintain a high fitness level.  However, just like our great nation.  I still have to fight a few battles to keep this precious freedom.  I still have to strategize to overcome the enemy (the old me as well as circumstances).  But it’s worth it.  I’m free.  Have you had an Independence Day?  Declaring it is the first step to living it.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  —– 2 Cor 5:17

Holiday gatherings are still a battle.  Do yourself a favor and bring something healthy to the table:

• Watermelon Basket
• Veggie Tray with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus for dipping
• Fresh Fruit or Berry Bowl
• Sliced Garden Fresh Tomatoes or other fresh garden veggies
• Lean ground beef or turkey burgers (mix in some water before making patties to help prevent dryness)
• Whole wheat buns or Arnold brand sandwich thins
• Cowboy Caviar Dip and Baked Whole Wheat Tortillas — see recipe below

Cowboy Caviar Dip

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced Ro-Tel tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (optional)
• ½ cup chopped fresh (or canned) jalapeno peppers
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup low fat zesty Italian dressing
• Juice of 1 lime (can omit and add a touch more dressing if needed)
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• Additional salt, pepper, hot sauce or avocado chunks may be used to taste

Mix beans, peas, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno peppers in a large bowl. Season with garlic salt. Add dressing and lime juice; toss to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until ready to serve.  Best served the same day as prepared.  (Even your non-health-conscience friends will love this dip.)

Baked Whole Wheat Tortilla Chips

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Slice low fat whole wheat tortillas (La Tortilla Factory is my favorite brand) into triangles or wedges.  I use kitchen scissors.
3. Place tortilla pieces in a single layer in a non-stick baking sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
4. Spray the tops of the tortillas with cooking spray and sprinkle with sea salt. (you can experiment with other seasonings such as cayenne pepper or lemon)
5. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned and toasty.
6. They will crisp as they cool.

(These chips are a good substitute for the real thing for those of us looking for healthy alternatives.  However, don’t expect anyone other than that to get too excited about them.  I would bring a bag of chips to share on a larger scale and a small batch of these for a select few fitness friends.)

Happy Independence Day!!!!