MARQUETTE — If you are looking for a healthier alternative for your Fourth of July gathering, there are plenty of options. ABC 10’s Sarah Mac has more about what healthy foods you can eat and where you can get them.

People usually celebrate the Fourth of July with group or backyard barbeques. When you go to the grocery store you may reach for hot–dogs, chips and pop, but just because it’s a holiday, it doesn’t mean you have to take a break from healthy eating. The American Heart Association says that there are plenty of healthy alternatives to make your backyard party a success.

Spokesperson for American Heart Association, Ted O’Dell says, “It’s important to eat healthy when you’re getting together to celebrate the Fourth with friends and family because cardiovascular disease is one of the number one diseases that kills more people than anything else.”

Instead of hot–dogs choose a healthier meat, like good old U.P. lake fish or grilled chicken.

Chips may be your first thought when it comes to grab–and–go sides but fresh raw, veggies are just as easy to serve.

Local food projects coordinator for the Marquette Food Co–Op, Neal Curran says, “I think finding equally kind of filling, gut filling things that are less meet heavy, even something like avocados or hummus as a way to sort substitute the chips, snacky stuff.”

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about those of you with a sweet tooth. You can avoid taking in all the saturated and trans fat that cookies and cakes have by throwing fruits on the grill–like pineapple, peaches and plums. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by replacing soda pop with water, if you still want to splurge try substituting diet pop over regular.

For more information about the Marquette Food Co–Op click here.

For grill recipes from the American Heart Association click here.