The THB is happy to introduce one our most inspiring guest bloggers, Miss. CiCi who has worked hard at transforming herself and her body over the past few years.  She is such an inspiration to all of our readers and to us at THB.  She is here to give some much needed help right before we hit our July 4th cookouts!

[caption id="attachment_2829" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="https://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miss-cici.jpg"><img src="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/miss-cici.jpg?w=300" alt="Miss CiCi&#039;s before and after!" width="300" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-2829" /></a> Miss CiCi's before and after![/caption]
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The Fourth of July.  Ahhh...It’s a wonderful day filled with freedom, fun, fireworks, food and of course, FAT.  Unfortunately, while we make plans to scarf down, ribs, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, bread(wipes away drool) etc. we must realize that these delicious things can come with a heavy price; for me it’s right usually around the thighs. “What can we do about this?”   you ask?  The "Bobs and Jillian’s” of our world would tell you avoid these things at all cost.  Here, I disagree.  I think that as these holidays come around only once a year, it is difficult to resist.   In compromise I’ve come up with some figure friendly tips to help you enjoy and still be successful.

1.)  Don’t skip the work out - Hopefully you have made a 30 minute workout a part of your weekly (preferably daily) agenda.  If so, do not skip this.  In fact, take this opportunity to push harder, run faster crunch more (…abs not chips.)

2.)  Stick to one plate - KISS…Keep It Simple Shrinkers.  Remember your eyes are always bigger than your stomach.  So go ahead; fix your plate and eat.  If you feel tempted to have more, try drinking a glass of water first.  If you still feel hungry, by all means have a bit more.  

3.)  Go for the leaner meat - I am a Memphis girl so BBQ is in my blood.  I always want ribs.  However, one of my favorite BBQ treats is Chicken.  If you’re not feelin’ that, go for a turkey burger, turkey dog or even lamb.  

4.)  Load up on fruits and veggies - We are often so busy piling on the BBQ that we forget about the veggies.  Don’t miss out on roasted corn, watermelon and green beans.  These are all low cal but also help with digestion, provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support, and are high fiber, respectively.  These healthy options should fill at least half your plate but won’t demolish your waistline. 

Basically, what I want you to remember is one thing.  This day doesn’t have to ruin your progress or be something you dread because you can’t indulge.  Do yourself a favor and go hard in the morning so you can enjoy yourself for lunch/dinner. If you’re like me and you still feel guilty afterwards just drag your family outside for a 30 minute run/walk. Happy fourth and Happy shrinking!  


<a href="https://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/courtni1.jpg"><img src="http://thehappinessbucket.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/courtni1.jpg" alt="Miss CiCi" width="209" height="173" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2848" /></a>

CiCi
Follow me @kixs4u on twitter 
#teamshrinking
