Being based in Texas, Health Fitness Revolution appreciates a good Cinco de Mayo celebration! Sunshine! Barbecues! Fireworks! Who doesn’t love a good Cinco de Mayo celebration? In honor of Mexican heritage and pride, we have made a list of ways to stay healthy and happy while celebrating this holiday:
- Wear Sunscreen: Although being outside in the sun is a great way to absorb some healthy Vitamin D, make sure to use sun protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies show that sunburns increase risk of skin cancer by 12 times!
- Eat Light: No one wants to eat a heavy filling meal when you’re outside in the heat. So make salads and sides the main course. Grill your meal. You will probably be snacking all day, so make healthy snacks like veggie sticks readily available.
- Stay Hydrated with Water: No matter where you are in America, May is warming up! Be sure to drink plenty of water and keep your body from overheating, and stay away from caffeinated and sugary drinks that dehydrate you. Keep plenty of fresh fruit on hand too as fruit is packed with vitamins, fiber and water.
- Start and Active Tradition: Be it an annual family kickball tournament, neighborhood volleyball game or a pre-dinner hike, an annual activity will be a welcome event to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Not only will it get everyone’s blood pumping (and put them in a good mood) but it will also give you stories to share for years to come!
- Wear Some Earplugs: The sounds of summer—such as fireworks and loud music—can actually damage your hearing. In fact, fireworks have a sound decibel of 150, and ear protection is recommended for decibels above 85.
- Make Sure you’re Using a Clean Grill: A dirty grill can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. After you are done grilling, do a quick clean up of any visible debris and food, then turn up the heat and let the grill burn off a bit.
- Keep Hot food Hot and Cold food Cold: Be sure you cook all of your food to the recommended temperature to destroy any harmful bacteria and keep things that should be refrigerated in a cooler over ice. If this is not possible, consider taking such items off the menu so that no one gets sick.
- Play Lawn Games: Encourage your party guests to bring their favorite lawn game instead of yet another dessert. Then you can take turns trying out all the different games. Plus, it encourages everyone to be active and fit!
- Skip Sugary Deserts: This is the season when tons of fresh fruit is available from the grocery, farmers markets, and fruit stands! Cut up strawberries and melon or grill peaches, pineapple or bananas to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding unnecessary processed sugar.
- Make Healthy Drinks: Instead of providing sugar filled sodas to guests, make healthy variations such as home-made iced tea sweetened with agave nectar, or even sparkling cucumber water!
Happy and Healthy Cinco de Mayo from the Health Fitness Revolution Team!
