The day after the 4th gets no love at all.....poor thing. I hope each of you had a weekend full of things that made you extra thankful for the blessing it is to be an American. Sometimes I wonder how I was chosen (ultimately, I believe God put me here) to live in this country of freedom and opportunity and wealth when so many others are in different parts of the world leading much different lives. We have more to be thankful for than we know how to be, and it's important to keep perspective that even though America is a great nation, it's not the only nation and there are people and places that we can be involved in outside of our borders!
All that to say, American traditions make me swell with pride and here are a few highlights from yesterday's festivities
Sweat Central
I think this video I posted on instagram (madeline_moves) shares my thoughts better than words would, so here you go--dog filter and all!
40 minute Stairmaster
- (level 12, 13, 14, 10)-each 10 min
Bicep/Tricep workout from @iheartmacros
20 minute incline walk
After that, I quickly hurried home and wanted to eat something before meeting up with friends for a later lunch because going out to eat on an empty, post-workout stomach never sets me up for success. So I made this omelet and shared this breakfast tip for holidays:
Holiday Eating Tip
“KEEP YOUR CARBS AND FATS LOW FOR BREAKFAST. There ya go—chances are that the BBQ, pool party or cookout you are going to will take care of all those you need (and don’t you dare skip that homemade brownie trifle). Just be mindful earlier in the day and you’ll be set! This egg white omelet with all the veggies was a total of 18 carbs/1 fat/32 protein! Ok—that’s all, go enjoy your day!”
Onions, zucchini, peppers, cilantro, egg whites and salsa--the gang's all here :)
Swamp Rabbit Cafe with Friends
Not too long after breakfast, we went over to a local spot along the Swamp Rabbit Trail (long bike/running path popular to Greenvillians) for a special Fourth of July menu to meet up with some good friends. Most of us ended up splitting the burger and ordering a smoothie to go along with it. I tried to give some of my green smoothie to a man who looked homeless (he was kind of slumped over and snoozing, so I left it on the table). A few minutes later I saw it all over the ground so I'm guessing when he woke up he knocked it over accidentally. Its the thought that counts.
We had a great time even though it was a bit hot and even found an overly-enthusiastic man to take a group picture which turned into a small photo shoot and these are 2 of 27 pictures he snapped!
Neighborhood Pool Party
The neighborhood we live in is extremely fun-loving and social. There are events for almost every holiday that people can enjoy with their neighbors and the 4th of July is no different! We have a big pool party with a chili cook-off, bake sale, live music, and my personal favorite: THE BELLY FLOP CONTEST!
We made it just in time to watch the kiddos contest which is always adorable because some chicken out at the last minute and tuck their legs to lessen the impact. This year, my friend, Nancee and I talked our husbands into participating in the men's category! (we are so persuasive) I was just a little too excited on the camera and did a pretty poor job of filming, but I'll let you see anyways!
Our red-bellied boys!
After we finished at the pool we headed to my in-laws house for a small cookout with family and I was introduced to the famous hot dog eating contest that goes on each year (apparently) at Coney Island. It was definitely an experience to watch them dip their hot dog buns in water as a tactic to fit more in their poor stomachs. I opted for a hamburger. that night.....
We finished out the evening with an impressive fireworks show put on by a single man at a small church up the road. I couldn't believe how long and impressive his show was--it rivaled downtown Greenville's show, but none of the crowds and traffic! The parking lot was full of people in law chairs, truck beds, and blankets and he set them off right in front of us! It was so neat (minus the occasional falling debris that we had to keep scooting back to avoid).
Per usual, I brought my nightly snack of choice and enjoyed it even more than normal because it was hot and watching fireworks!! (good2go bars need to be in your life)
What was the best thing you ate on the 4th of July?
-The part of the burger I split with Drew
Would you have participated in the BELLY FLOP COMPETITION?
-No, but I am really good at persuading others and cheering them on! (not videoing)
Did you workout on the 4th or do you like to take the day off?
-I like a sweat, then I am ready for all the goodies and I feel a little better about it!