You Can No Longer Legally Use Styrofoam Food Containers In NYC

Bad news for food carts; good news for planet Earth. Back in January, we reported that Mayor DeBlasio decided to ban plastic foam containers in New York City, after foam lobbyists failed to prove...

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Got The Blues? Take A Walk In The Park Right Now

Many people go on walks to clear their heads, but apparently, walks are only effective when they're out in nature. Like, real, green nature — not the kind surrounded by skyscrapers. Using brain...

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Could A Burger King Veggie Burger Be Coming To America?

Since a large percentage of Indians are vegetarians, it's no surprise that the Burger Kings in India have many vegetarian options on their menu. But could a Burger King veggie burger make its way...

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A Quick Breathing Exercise To Tune Out Stress At Work

Work will always be a source of stress. It's unavoidable. The trick, then, is finding ways to deal with it so that it doesn't overwhelm you and turn you into an unhealthy, frazzled mess. Dr. Robin...

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What I Tell My Patients About Belly Fat + How To Get Rid Of It

Belly fat impacts more than just how you look in a swimsuit. Today, about 69% of American adults are overweight — leading to an increased risk for numerous chronic illnesses, including heart disease,...

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Want To Manifest Your Dream Life? 3 Steps To Get You There

I'm a recovering perfectionist. I used to spent most of my time religiously ensuring that everything I said and did matched some fantasy expectation of what the "ideal me" should say and do....

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Why I Desperately Want My City To Have A Soda Ban

Earlier this month, San Francisco lawmakers voted to approve health warnings on advertisements for sugary drinks. The labels would read: WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar leads to...

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7 Strategies For Smoothie Success (With Recipe)

Smoothies are a great way to pack nutrients and flavor into your day. They are easy to make and transport; the only limitation is your imagination! To ensure that you sip on a deliciously smooth...

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How To Fall In Love With Anyone

When you think of love, you probably think about big moments like marriage, births, budding romances and grand romantic gestures. But new research emerging from the lab of Professor Barbara...

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How To Turn Boring Moments Into Life-Altering Mindfulness Exercises

I recently watched Oprah interview author Michael Pollan. During the interview, Pollan explained one of his life rules: "When chopping onions, just chop onions." It's kind of funny, but also highly...

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Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage With These 4 Tricks

There's way more to the hair on our heads than just adorning our physical appearance. It helps insulate our bodies when it's cold, and it keeps us cool and regulated when temperatures are sweltering....

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8 Signs You're Abusing Exercise

I’ve found that exercise abuse among “fit” people is almost as bad as the lack of exercise among the general public. Misusing exercise can lead to exhaustion, stress, fat storage, overuse injuries,...

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How I Learned To Be Vulnerable After A Childhood Of Neglect

By the time I was a junior in high school, both my father and sister had died, leaving my mother and me in a state of depression. Neither of us knew how to handle the emotions swirling inside us, so...

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A Quick Meditation To Balance Your Root Chakra & Ground You (Video)

The chakra system describes the energy centers that exist along the spinal column, each holding a specific kind of energy, emotion, color and sound. We can use our yoga and meditation practices in...

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Why You Should Start Trail Running + 7 Tips To Make It Work For You

There’s nothing quite like working out in the wilderness. The beautiful surroundings, crisp air and sense of adventure make it easy to forget that you're actually exercising. Trail running is one of...

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3 Simple Steps To Start Eating Clean

We all deserve to feel our best every day, and while "feeling our best" is different for everyone, some basic, practical ways to get there are to eat more vegetables, drink more water and eat less...

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Why We Should All Focus On Giving, Rather Than Receiving

Upon waking each day we often start with thoughts of what we have to accomplish or acquire, quickly spinning us into action mode. But what if we spent the first few golden moments of the morning...

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Why The Pursuit Of Happiness Ain't So Hot + What To Pursue Instead

I work at “being happy.” I meditate. I listen to affirmations. I focus on the positives. And yet, I often still find myself frustrated, discouraged, or disappointed. Yes, the lifestyle I’m...

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13 Photos That Will Get You Fired Up About Love

Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a legal right on Friday, there's been a nonstop celebration across the country. Gay marriage no longer needs a qualifier — it's just...

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This Is One Of The Main Reasons Men Lie

We may have a better understanding of gender nowadays, but men's urge to feel like men is still alive and well. Chest-puffing is far from being a thing of the past, and a new study suggests that men...

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6 Ways To Take Your Lunch To The Next Level

We're feeling inspired by all the beautiful and healthy lunch ideas we spotted on #mindbodygram on Instagram this week. Lots of fresh seasonal vegetables graced your plates, bowls and wraps. Below...

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7 Reasons You’re Exhausted All the Time

Last week I was exhausted. My routine was off, and while I had fun (date nights, wellness events, and a random afternoon excursion), I was exhausted. Then, while searching the Internet one night, I...

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A Mini-Guide To Dancer's Pose

Editor's note: When yoga rebel Tara Stiles found some time between running her busy Manhattan studio, Strala, and teaching her style of yoga around the globe, she stopped by mindbodygreen and talked...

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5 Foods To Add More Healthy Fats To Your Diet

My diet is 40-60 percent fat depending on my energy requirements for the day. This may sound shocking coming from someone who’s known for guzzling organic green juice, but I am a strong believer in...

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How I Finally Became A Mother At 42 ... Without IVF

In her early 40s, Diane decided she wanted to have a baby. But her clinical tests showed a natural conception would be nearly impossible. Discouraged, Diane picked up my book “WomanCode” and was...

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Want Glowing Skin? 5 Easy Steps That Start With Your Gut

It's easy to overlook our gut as the source of skin troubles. But if the well-being of our internal organs and energy levels are determined by what we put in our mouths, why shouldn't the same be...

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How To Find Joy Even When You're At Rock Bottom

Are you confronting a divorce? A lay-off from your job? An IRS tax audit and the loss of a loved one? All in the same week? Is your life as you know it crumbling in front of your eyes? If so, I know...

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6 Areas Of Life That Guide Your Spiritual, Physical & Mental Well-Being

Spiritual and physical health are equally important because in order to take care of the whole, we must take care of the sum of our parts first — our mind, body and soul. When we do not care for...

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Why Some Professional Athletes Die Young: A Cardiologist Explains

I had the pleasure of attending mindbodygreen's revitalize a few weeks ago, and a highlight was hanging with John Salley, the 7-foot NBA great who owns four championship rings. I met John years ago...

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9 Ways To Create A Better Relationship With Your Body (Starting Now!)

Have you dutifully been repeating I am beautiful and my skin is glowing (or whatever other affirmations and mantras you like) to the mirror each morning? And if so, do you feel like you still...

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2 Powerful Healing Plants That Can Be Found In Your Backyard

Most of us know that herbs are weeds. Similar to the fact that we're all human and simply temporary visitors on the planet, we're also fierce, powerful healers — and so are herbs. Every therapeutic...

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10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Mold

Toxic mold doesn’t get much time in the spotlight, but it’s a big deal. Exposure can often quietly lead to sinusitis — one of the most common diseases in the country — as well as a number of other...

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Will Your Relationship Last? 3 Things Your Spirit Guides Want You To Know

I’m a medium who communicates with Spirit Guides and one of the questions I'm asked most is: “Will my relationship last?” After helping thousands of people with their relationships, I’ve learned...

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How To Feel Like You're Getting A Personal Workout In A Group Fitness Class

Signing up for a group fitness class is a great way to make sure you actually get a workout in. It's scheduled, it's structured and you'll be held accountable. To make sure you get the most out of a...

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Goldie Hawn’s 5 Simple Tips To Get (And Stay) Happy

Goldie Hawn's first book, 10 Mindful Minutes, focuses on teaching simple techniques for breathing, sensing, and thinking with intention. Here, Goldie has adapted easy-to-act-on tips from her writing...

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Yoga In Central Park: 25 Photos That Capture The Magic Of NYC

I love working in Central Park when I'm in New York. Each time I visit, the landscape is dramatically different. In the spring, the skies were a vivid shade of blue, and pink flowers decorated the...

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A Simple Breathing Practice To Reset Your Emotional State

You've probably experienced those moments when you feel out of whack, like your emotions are controlling you rather than the other way around. Even if you know it's happening, it can be tough to turn...

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Impress Your Friends With This No-Bake (And Vegan!) Dessert

Raw desserts might evoke a feeling of anxiety to less savvy cooks, but I promise this recipe is an easy one. It also offers endless flavor options — if you’re not a huge blackberry person or are...

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How To Wake Up To Your Divine Potential Every Single Day

The word “God” means different things to different people. For me, the relationship I had with the G-word wasn’t so great for a long time. I grew up Southern Baptist, and was always curious why I was...

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6 Kid-Friendly Summer Snacks That Take 5 Minutes To Make

Despite our loftiest summer intentions — whether to finally dig into that juicy novel, spend more time at the beach, or sign up for that new class we’ve been dying to try — the gritty details of...

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9 Tips To Stay Inspired, Exuberant & Energetic At Age 40 (And Beyond)

Hitting "middle age" certainly has its challenges, from feeling like we no longer have the youthful glow of our younger years to examining what the next half of our lives will look like. For women,...

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Does Working Out Matter If You’re Not Eating Right?

No matter how many calories you burn working out, it’s hard to burn off a bad diet. Exercise does burn off tons of calories — on average, an hour of vigorous yoga burns around 287 calories, biking burns 487 calories, and jogging burns 391 calories. And while that seems like a lot of calories, if you eat a crappy diet, just one slip up like a candy bar, scoop of ice cream, or hamburger and fries can send you in the wrong direction, negating your workout.

According to an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, you (literally) can’t run away from a bad diet. If your goal is to lose weight, your diet should be your number one focus. In fact, the article even says that a bad diet is worse than physical inactivity, alcohol, and smoking combined. That’s why even those with a normal body mass index (BMI) can suffer from metabolic abnormalities like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

What sort of a diet is the most effective for those trying to drop the pounds? Lean protein with tons of veggies is your best option. While sugar and other white carbs are the most detrimental to your overall health.

According to Dr. Michael W. Smith (also a personal trainer), “research has shown that cutting carbohydrates in your diet is the most effective thing you can do to reduce problems including high blood pressure and high cholesterol and manage diabetes, the editorial notes. Those benefits are seen even if you don’t lose weight.”

Exercise and working out are still critical to managing a healthy life. In fact, I wrote recently that those who exercised the most reduced their risk of premature death by 39 percent. They exercised for an average hour per day. Exercise is still critical to reducing problems with heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and some cancers.

Focus less on cutting calories and focus more on the quality of the foods that you’re eating. My best advice in terms of losing weight and keeping it off is to eat whole foods. Hit the farmers market every week and then plan meals according to all the fabulous veggies that you picked up. Eat high quality lean proteins like eggs, tofu, tempeh, beans, nuts, and if you’re not a vegetarian, fish, chicken, and beef. Cut out the sugar and when you do eat sugar choose a touch of honey, brown rice syrup, or maple syrup. But the key is to avoid processed foods with all their added sugar, saturated fats, and chemical additives.

This way, you won’t be wasting your time at the gym, rather, you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck. It’s not that you can never have foods like pasta, bread, ice cream, and baked goods, but they should be a treat rather than an everyday occurrence.

Related on Organic Authority

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Image of a women preparing a healthy meal from Shuttershock

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6 Tips for Establishing Good Habits (And Sticking to Them!)

At the very beginning of this year my husband and I decided that we wanted to start saving more money. We wanted to enjoy the freedom that goes along with living within our means. We also wanted to eat out less and travel more with our savings. It hasn’t been easy, but over the past 6 months we’ve drastically changed the way we spend money and established some really good habits. Here’s how you can do the same:

1. Set small and large goals.

In order to accomplish goals you have to be able to look at both the large and small picture. This means that you need to set monthly goals but you also need to set five year goals. For example, in terms of budgeting, we’ve outlined a precise budget and how much money we can spend in each category. At the same time, we’ve chosen how much we need to save and what we want to do with our savings in the next five years. Make your goals reachable so you don’t get thrown off by missed achievements.

2. Choose one habit at a time.

Don’t try and change your life all at once. Be realistic and choose one goal at a time that you’d like to achieve. Don’t decide that you want to lose weight, budget, and work out everyday all at one time. When you have too many goals, you’re sure to water down your intention.

3. Eliminate slip up moments.

In order to establish good habits you have to eliminate slip up moments. One realistic way of doing this is envisioning your long term goal and truly and completely knowing why you want to achieve it. If you make the goal truly worth your while you’re a lot more likely to want to meet it. Additionally, by being focused on just one good habit at a time, you’re much less likely to have such moments.

4. Remove temptation.

Know your triggers and remove them when you can. For example, if you tend to snack and you want to lose weight, stop buying snacks. If you’re trying to budget, and window shopping causes you to spend money, stop window shopping.

5. Get your partner on board.

It’s much easier to stick to a good habit when you’re both on board. It’s nearly impossible to stick to a morning workout routine if you stay up late with your husband and it’s difficult to diet if your partner keeps chocolate bars in the fridge. It’s much easier to accomplish the task at hand when you’re both working toward similar goals. If you don’t live with someone, then it’s a little simpler, but if you live together, work with your partner to establish and maintain the habits you want to keep in your life. Then you’ll enjoy the since of accomplishment that comes with meeting goals.

Related on Organic Authority

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Image of a couple jogging from Shuttershock

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Clif Bar Pledges $10 Million to Organic Agricultural Research

Two major organic food brands, Clif Bar & Company and Organic Valley, have named the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the recipient of the nation’s first endowed chair focused on plant breeding for organic crops. The companies have contributed a $1 million gift, which is being matched by $1 million from UW graduates John and Tashia Morgridge. The funds will help to develop crops designed specifically to be grown in organic farming systems.

“Today’s first endowed chair is an investment in our national organic legacy and serves as an assurance that organic agriculture will play a critical role in feeding a healthy America into the future,” Kit Crawford, owner and co-visionary officer for Clif Bar said in a statement. “We’re grateful for Organic Valley and the University of Wisconsin’s partnership in this first-of-its-kind commitment, and look forward to working with other organizations to make more organic research a reality.”

The UW-Madison Clif Bar and Organic Valley Chair in Plant Breeding for Organic Agriculture is the first of five organic research chairs to be led by Clif Bar. And Clif says it’s currently working with other organizations to raise an estimated $10 million by 2020 in order to fund chairs committed to organic plant breeding.

According to Clif Bar, organic agricultural research receives less than one percent of public tax dollars, even though the public demand for organic food is at an all time high. The snack bar company says 84 percent of American consumers purchased organic food in 2014. “As such, public funding for organic crop research has not kept up with consumer demand, and has hindered organic agricultural innovation, slowing the growth of organic production in the United States,” the company said.

“We can no longer depend on an agricultural system that is reliant on toxic chemicals,” said Kevin Cleary, CEO of Clif Bar. “We must instead invest in our organic future by spurring innovation and diversifying away from these temporary spray-on solutions. Today’s endowed chair is an important first step toward this goal.”

“On behalf of our 1,800 farmer-owners across the country, Organic Valley is pleased to work with Clif Bar to gain this foothold in one of the United States’ most important agricultural education systems. With this grant, and the creation of this chair, students will have an opportunity to learn about this organic model of agriculture,” said George Siemon, CEO of Organic Valley. “It is critically important that our young people know the benefits of organics and leverage them to develop solutions for all of agriculture. We deeply believe that healthy seeds and healthy soils are key to healthy plants and animals. This is an exciting start right here in our home state of Wisconsin, with the promise of national impact.”

Clif Bar, which manufactures snack and energy bars for adults and children, and Organic Valley, the leading cooperative of organic dairy and egg farmers, say they chose UW-Madison for its history as a land-grant public university with a commitment to rural communities and serving the public good.

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Organic sign image via Shutterstock

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Antibiotics in Our Food Supply Suck: Meet the Farmers Who Ditched Them Forever [Video]

Yes, there is a way out of the gross industrial food complex. Just have a look at these farmers who took antibiotics out of their animals.

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Cow image via Shutterstock 

 

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How to Make Sangria for 4th of July: A Red, Blue and White Wine Recipe

Learn how to make sangria for the perfect summer drink. It’s easy and does the double duty of both looking amazing in a glass and tasting delicious. The concept is extremely simple: add fruit to wine and chill. There are hundreds of ways to customize your sangria but I find that simple is best. Simply add fresh blueberries, strawberries and apples to white wine with a squeeze of lemon, chill and serve with a splash of sparkling water.

The pretty combination of red strawberries, blue blueberries and white apples makes this a must-serve at your 4th of July barbecue. And the best part: it’s easy to transport if you’re not the one doing the hosting. Simply pour the wine and fruit into a large jar with a lid or use plastic 32-ounce soup containers. A bottle of wine  usually contains 25 ounces so figure 5 ounces per person.

White wine sangria is best with a bright and light wine, something like chardonnay or pinot grigio. Adding a few dashes of bitters just before serving makes this wine cocktail less sweet. This sangria is best enjoyed VERY cold. So make sure you keep it in the fridge or in a cooler and have plenty of ice to serve with it. Use dainty cocktail glasses or champagne flutes to serve smaller drinks that guests can enjoy before it warms up.

4th of July Red, White and Blue Sangria

Serves 8

Ingredients
2 bottles of chilled white wine (chardonnay or pinot grigio)
1 cup blueberries
10 strawberries, thinly sliced
1 apple (Gala or Honeycrisp is best), peeled and thinly sliced
1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
4 ounces sparkling water
Angostura bitters (optional)

Directions
Pour the wine into a large bowl or jar. Add the blueberries, strawberries and apples and use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the fruit (only slightly, for about 15 seconds). Cut the lemon in half and squeeze in the juice.

Chill in fridge overnight. Serve with ice in wine glasses with a splash of sparkling water and a dash of bitters.

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Photos by Ally-Jane

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17 Fresh 4th of July Recipes for a Tasty Independence Day!

Still scrambling for ideas for a 4th of July menu to be reckoned with? Don’t worry — we can help!

Our goal in choosing 4th of July recipes is to select items that can either be made in advance or be thrown on the grill, so even the cook can take full advantage of the party. Our recipes are fresh, fast and colorful, perfect for playing up the hues and flavors of the season.

Patriotic Main Courses and Sides

When it comes to mains, most people have only one criteria: dishes have to be prepared on the grill. And why not? Even the grillmaster can participate in the party when it’s celebrated al fresco. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite mains and sides, most of which can be prepared entirely on the grill or in advance.

1. Grilled Shishito Peppers

Photo by Ally-Jane

Mild grilled shishito peppers make an awesome appetizer or side. A nice crunchy salt like sea salt or Maldon salt will make all the difference with these two-bite appetizers, which are lightly sweet but mostly charred and savory in taste. But perhaps what we love most of all about these peppers are how easy they are to get right!

2. Baja Ceviche (2 for 1 recipe!)

Photography by Poland Persson

We also love these baja ceviches as a somewhat cooler appetizer or main. No cooking involved! Just two flavorful marinades — one more classic, with lime, jalapeñ0 and cilantro, the other a bit more modern with cucumber and herby salsa. Choose a fresh, sushi-grade, sustainable fish, and you’ll be ready to enjoy in no time!

3. Grilled Whole Chicken with Chipotle Sauce

Photography by Asa Dahlgren

We bet you never even thought of grilling a whole chicken — until now, that is. What could be more perfect as a special occasion summer meal than a whole chicken, slathered with a rich, spicy chipotle sauce and grilled to perfection? The answer? Not much.

4. Barbecue Chicken “Legs of Fire”

Photography by Poland Persson

Can’t be bothered to grill a whole chicken? These legs are just as tasty but a whole lot quicker to make — and for fans of heat, these “legs of fire” couldn’t be better — a hot, sticky, slightly sweet sauce coats the legs to perfection.

5. Grilled Pizza

Pizza on the grill image via Shutterstock

Have some vegetarians at your 4th of July bash? No big deal — these grilled pizzas will have everyone clambering for more. The base recipe is purposefully simple, allowing you to supply all sorts of toppings so that everyone has the pizza they were hoping for.

6. Chimichurri Sauce

Photo by Ally-Jane

Whatever you’re grilling, be sure you have some tasty chimichurri sauce to go with it. While the Argentinian herb sauce is most traditionally served as an accompaniment for meat, it’s just as good with char-grilled veggies or even as a topping for corn on the cob.

Speaking of which — have you decided how you’re serving your corn?

7. 4 Compound Corn Butters for the Price of 1

Photo by North Charleston Farmers Market

After all, that’s the real question when it comes to the 4th — not if, but how the corn on the cob is going to be served up. We’ve got a few suggestions for you, including 4 delicious, flavorful compound butters perfect for corn, like maple, bacon and jalapeño, cilantro and lime, peach, honey and cinnamon or buffalo bleu cheese. Choose just one or two, or mix up all four and let your guests choose! They’re just as good on warm rolls.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Image: anathea

And as for the corn itself, you can either go the traditional route and boil it, or you can grill it. We’ve got two different ways to get the job done.

9. Fresh Southern Corn Succotash

Image: Laura Klein

But corn doesn’t have to be served whole on the cob. If you are looking for something a bit different, this sweet corn summer succotash is a good option, filled with the flavors of sweet corn, a touch of garlic, cherry tomatoes and basil — plus a touch of pecorino cheese. While it is cooked over the stove, it goes so fast your guests will hardly have time to notice you’re gone!

Red, White, and Blue Desserts

Desserts at the 4th of July can be tough, if you want to move past flag cake. Luckily, we’ve found one to fulfill all your wildest 4th of July dessert dreams.

10. 4th of July Cupcakes

Photos by Ally-Jane

These 4th of July cupcakes take the idea of a red, white and blue cake to the next level, with red velvet cake, fresh whipped cream and fresh berries. You can’t get more festive!

11. Rainbow Superfruit Popsicles

Photography by Oliver Barth

But if you also want something to beat the heat, these rainbow superfood popsicles are a great make-ahead choice. While they’re filled with color — and may even resemble some of those fake popsicles you find at the store — they’re actually chock-a-block with superfoods.

12. Mini Red, White and Blue Pies

Image: Emily Monaco

If you want an even simpler individually sized dessert for the 4th, nothing beats these mini red, white and blue tarts. The crust is actually just a sugar cookie dough, so there’s no pesky rolling or worrying about keeping your butter cold. After that, it’s just a matter of whipping some cream and choosing some fresh fruits to decorate.

13. Panna Cotta Pie

Photography by Asa Dahlgren

This beautiful pie is an impressive dessert for any summer cookout, but especially for 4th of July. Pick whatever fresh berries you can find near you for the beautiful topping to this creamy panna cotta pie, made in the spirit of the Italian dessert but complete with a flaky, buttery crust.

Creative, Colorful Cocktails

14. Spicy Sangria Popsicles

Image: LifeSupercharger

It’s hard to know whether these spicy sangria popsicles count as a cocktail or a dessert — we’ll let you choose! As a cocktail, they’re the perfect way to cool down after a long day, filled with just the right hint of spice. As a dessert, they’re sweet and full of seasonal fruit, and a virgin version for kiddies means everyone can partake!

Top fruit image via Shutterstock: Elena Shashkina

15. Red, Blue and White Wine Sangria

Image: Ally Jane Grossan

Sangria is a typical summer beverage, but we love this white wine version, perfect for the 4th thanks to its color scheme. Pick fresh, organic berries to float in the glasses for a colorful, flavorful punch!

16. Sparkling Blueberry-Basil Lemonade

Image: culinarycara

This sparkling blueberry-basil lemonade recipe is just as tasty virgin as it is spiked with a touch of vodka. Whichever version you pick, be sure you opt for the freshest blueberries and basil you can find.

17. Watermelon Cooler Cocktail

Image by Sheri Giblin

Watermelon is definitely a 4th of July standby — we love serving it fresh, but consider adding some to this cooling watermelon cocktail too. Club soda, lime juice and ice is all it needs to shine, but a little vodka never hurt — for the over 21s only, please!

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