What Not to Eat on the Fourth of July

It's going to be a soggy July Fourth.

Despite that, Americans will still find their way to grilled hot dogs, tasty desserts and any other food they've been craving.

That meal, however, doesn't have to mean your healthy eating habits go out the window. So, we've compiled a few tips to help you -- help you.

1. Don't Skip Breakfast -- This actually comes from personal stash of dos and don'ts. But, everyone knows this. Skipping meals to "save" calories later for that big Fourth of July meal doesn't help you. You end up overeating, and likely doing more harm than good. And, overeating can lead to extra weight gain.

2. Use Whole Wheat -- I stopped eating white bread a long time ago, a really long time ago. It's been 100 percent whole wheat since forever. Why? Experts say white bread means a lot of sugar, and a lot sugar means a lot of fat stored in your system. Not good. Click here for more reasons why whole grains should not escape your plate.

3. Drink Responsibly -- This one isn't about the calories in alcohol. This one is about not getting dehydrated. You've heard it your entire life: Drink lots of water! Drink lots of water! But, who really follows that rule when there's something -- anything else -- to drink? But, experts say alcohol induces dehydration. So, have plenty of food in your belly, and some non-alcoholic drinks nearby.

4. Eat Slowly -- When you gobble up your food, instead of chewing it slowly, you risk eating more than you should. Experts say slower eating may give your body more time to register it is full. Another con in the eating-fast category is that it increases the chance for bloating.

5. Entertain Veggies -- I've been to a number of cookouts, and a lot of times I see way more meats than vegetables. There are lots of chips, and lots of alcohol and lots of meat... oh, and potato salad if you're in the South. So, if you want to help yourself out, throw more veggies on the grill. There's fiber in vegetables, and experts say that makes you feel fuller.