Summertime joy!
Are you a fan Independence Day? Maybe it's the smell of something on the grill, kids running barefoot through the yard, fireworks after sunset, or simply having an extra day to slow down with the people we love, we really enjoy the holiday.
Summer always seems to move a little too fast, and holidays like this remind us to pause and enjoy it. This year, why not lean into vibrant, feel-good choices that leave you energized and not sluggish by the end of the day?
A few simple swaps can make your meal both delicious and nourishing.
Choose quality protein
* 100% grass-fed steak
* 100% grass-fed beef burgers
* Grilled chicken thighs
* Wild-caught salmon
Fresh summer sides
* Roasted sweet potato fries
* Watermelon with fresh mint
* Cucumber and tomato salad
* Grilled zucchini, peppers, onions, and asparagus
* Fresh berries with A2 cream
Better burger toppings
* Avocado
* Grass-fed cheese
* Fried Egg
* Caramelized onions
* Tomato slices
* Homemade Pickles
* Lettuce wraps or sourdough buns if tolerated
Instead of chips loaded with seed oils, try:
* Fresh fruit
* Homemade potato wedges cooked in tallow
* Baked sweet potato with butter
And don't forget to stay hydrated. Water with fresh lemon, mineral water, homemade electrolyte drinks, or iced herbal tea are refreshing alternatives to sugary sodas.
🍉 Watermelon Wonder
Watermelon is summer’s hydration hero. It's hydrating, rich in antioxidants, and naturally sweet. Slice it up or cube it with mint and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing side.
🔥 Grill with Simplicity
Skip the mystery marinades and season your meats simply with sea salt and butter. Whether you’re grilling grass-fed burgers, steaks, or chicken thighs, this combo enhances flavor without any junk.
🥔 Crispy Potatoes, the Clean Way
Air-fry some chopped potatoes in beef tallow for the crispiest, most flavorful "fries" around. Tallow is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and much more stable for high-heat cooking than seed oils.
🫐 All-American Blueberry Pie
Make a classic blueberry pie using an all-butter crust and real fruit filling. Skip the corn syrup—let the berries shine!
🍦Superfood Homemade Ice Cream
This one’s the star of the show! With nourishing fats, protein, and minerals, this is ice cream that loves you back.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Best with raw milk, cream, and eggs from a farm you trust (Angel Acres!)
Ingredients:
5 egg yolks
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp sea salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks with maple syrup until thick and pale yellow. Scrape down the sides, add vanilla and salt, and blend again.
Slowly pour in the cream and milk while mixing on low. Once fully combined, increase to medium for a final blend.
Pour into your ice cream machine and churn!
We love the Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker for its consistency and ease.
One of the best parts of this season is how much daylight we get. Instead of spending every free moment indoors scrolling or catching up on another show, take advantage of the sunshine while it's here.
Here are a few simple ways to enjoy the holiday weekend:
* Go for an early morning walk before the heat sets in.
* Visit your local farmers market for seasonal produce.
* Pack a picnic at a nearby park or lake.
* Take the kids (or the dogs!) on a hiking trail.
* Spend an evening gardening while the sun begins to set.
* Read a book on the porch with a glass of iced tea.
* Play yard games with family
* Stay outside and watch the fireflies come out.
🛒 Quick Links
Breville Smart Scoop
We love it for its consistency and ease
MASA Tortilla Chips
Cooked in Tallow and Free of Seed Oils.
Use code ‘SARAH92535’
for $10 off! →
See More Healthy Food and Snacks Here!
Happy 4th from Excel & Thrive!
As we celebrate Independence Day, I'm also reminded how grateful I am for the freedom to gather with family, enjoy God's creation, and build healthy lives.
Choose nourishing foods when you can. Move your body. Get outside. Watch the fireworks. Hug your people a little longer.
From our family to yours, we hope you have a safe, joyful, and healthy Fourth of July.
📌 Save these recipes and share it with someone who loves eating to feel good!