4th of July barbecues are a summer staple. That’s why every barbecue you attend this Independence Day is going to be filled with unhealthy, yet delicious and tempting food. Here are the absolute DO and DON’T eats this holiday. If you’re still tempted, click HERE to read some tips and tricks about how to indulge while still staying healthy!

DO EAT

Baked beans
Guacamole
Raw vegetables
Watermelon
Fish
Corn on the cob
Whole wheat buns
Ice cream sandwich
Festive fruit platters

DON’T EAT

Potato salad
Macaroni salad
Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Apple pie
Fruit punch
Jell-o with whipped cream
Ranch chip dip
Margaritas

Happy 4th!

xx, Arielle Sobov

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“You look like the 4th of July! Makes me want a hot dog real bad!” is a famous line from Legally Blonde 2.  We’re about to experience that feeling this weekend. Something about the combination of red, white and blue that makes us crave hot dogs, potato salad and ice cream.  Sure, it’s nice to splurge every holiday. But there are so many ways to keep that diet and still enjoy Independence Day the true way it should be celebrated- by eating delicious food!  Here are some tips and tricks to indulge while staying healthy.

• Before you dig into the meats, eat a huge salad and vegetables. It’ll fill you up with antioxidants, and make you less hungry when you indulge, which will reduce calorie intake.
• If you absolutely must eat either, have a hot dog over a burger. Try eating it the hot dog without the bun, or at least eat it with a whole wheat bun. If you’re a burger queen, though, try eating it open-faced for fewer calories and don’t finish the whole thing. Save some room for that delicious dessert you know is coming!
• Always drink cold water over soda or fruit punch. It’s much healthier, fewer calories, and will quench your thirst and keep you hydrated.
• Try to avoid nibbling. We all know what barbecue parties are like, with tons of appetizers and socializing while nibbling. Have a little bit to start, but save your room for the main course. Stand far away from the table so the food is not tempting you, and once you’re finished eating move away from the table completely.
• Keep yourself moving! After all, it is a day filled with outdoor fun. Run around, swim in the pool, play some Frisbee; do whatever it takes to keep your body moving!

Happy 4th!

xx, Arielle Sobov

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Since the dawn of time, women have gone through long, arduous, painful processes for the sake of beauty. But none is more controversial than the bikini wax. Though the results seem cleaner and more sanitary than the alternative, bikini waxes are sort of hazardous. Because you’re ripping the hair out of the follicle, you are exposing your open pores to the environment. Also, waxing causes little tears in the skin that are also unprotected and exposed. Because it’s your pubic region, there is much more bacteria that can infect and cause serious problems. Cellulitis, a bacterial infection that has affected some bikini waxed women, causes swelling, fevers, extreme pain, and if left untreated could result in lower limb amputation or death.

Other incidences of infection are the spreading of herpes or other STDs. In one extreme case, an Australian woman with Type-1 Diabetes got infected with a flesh eating virus. Time to start taking precautions when scheduling your next appointment.

1. Triple Check the Cleanliness of the Salon

Some people think it’s rude to look around or ask if the salon is sanitary, but it’s better to ask and risk offense, than to possibly risk infection that would wind up closing the salon down.  Ask detailed questions about the procedure, get a friend’s recommendation, and observe yourself whether or not the place looks clean.

2. Ask for Hard Wax

Hard wax is much gentler as it only adheres to the hair. Some estheticians say using hard wax means more tweezing to removal of the hair, but soft wax will be more painful and cause more irritation. It’s a toss up.

3. No Double Dipping

No one likes it when you double dipped in the salsa. It’s grosser when it’s in the salon. Dipping the tool used on your skin back in the wax is a huge no-no. Germs from your skin would then contaminate the wax meaning the next person will get your cooties…and you’ll probably get someone else’s as well!

4. Baby Bottle Test

Hot wax is well… hot, as it should be—though wax can get to an unsafe temperature. The esthetician should test the temperature on their wrist like a mother does with baby bottles. If the wax is too hot, you will be burned in the worst place possible. Ouch!

5. Do Not DIY

Although there are several do it yourself bikini waxing products, it is a very sensitive and meticulous process that it’s probably best left to the professionals.

6. Post Wax Procedures

After your wax, make sure to apply an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory cream, as infection and slight swelling can ensue rather quickly. For those prone to ingrown hairs, this roll-on gel is a liquid exfoliator that keeps all wax-related bumps at bay.

Pick up PFB Vanish at PFBVanish.com for $19.95.

xx, Ashley Morgan

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There’s something about passing a Starbucks on every corner in Manhattan that makes us crave cuddling up with a hot cup of coffee and a warm, delicious treat. Beginning just yesterday, Starbucks unveiled a new approach to the food they serve. They have simplified past recipes and changed them using only the best ingredients. No more artificial flavors, dyes, trans-fat, or high-fructose corn syrup. The new and improved Starbucks now serves food with only real ingredients, like Washington apples and Michigan cherries. You no longer have to feel guilty eating their delicious Blueberry Streusel Muffin, which is now made with real, plump Oregon blueberries, or their Blueberry Oat Bar, made with organic berries. Try their Reduced-fat Very Berry Coffee Cake and indulge in the real blackberries, blueberries and raspberries it’s filled with! Their Banana Walnut Bread is now made with 25% real banana, and their new Gluten-free Valencia Orange Cake is made with just 10 or fewer ingredients.  Indulge guilt-free into your nearest Starbucks, you know it can’t be too far away, and enjoy all the real ingredients. After all, a healthier morning at Starbucks equals a healthier you!

Visit Starbucks.com for more information!

xx, Arielle Sobov

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