Make your Pigskin Party a Healthy One

My biggest game day opponent: the food. And I know I’m not alone. Super Bowl Sunday’s calorie consumption is only outdone by the annual Thanksgiving feast. 

The Super Bowl is a day of football, but also a big day for foodie favorites. With the TV on and snacks galore, mindless eating is at its peak. At the end of game day you want to be applauding for the winning team and not screaming out to bring on the sweatpants.

Here are tips on how to keep your game day bash from being an all-out splurge-fest.

Get your Workout in Before Plopping on the Couch: Watching the boys run around the field isn’t a substitute for your own sweat session. With kickoff being at 6:29 EST you should have sufficient time to go to the gym before the football frenzy begins. Make it a good one!

Prepare a Meal Game Plan: Your evening eats may be heavier than you’re used to so take the time to adjust your meals accordingly so you don’t overindulge after the whistle blows. This may be having a lighter lunch and keeping your midday snack low in calories and filling like a piece of fruit or a Chobani yogurt. Whether you are hosting the party or celebrating elsewhere be sure to have a snack before the festivities begin that is protein rich.

Mental Preparation is Key: Before kick-off give yourself a mental pep talk that will prepare you to overcome game day treats and temptations. Chant in your head something like “my health is a priorty” and repeat as needed.

Party Like a Health Star: Whether you are playing host or guest, you can control the smorgasbord in front of you.

• If you’re the host: Your party means your rules! Or at least it means you have the liberty of throwing healthy options into the mix. I have “snuck” plenty of hidden health foods on the table without anyone blinking an eye. For example, making turkey chili or pizza on bagel thins is just as good as the “normal” recipe. Definitely provide plenty of fruits and vegetables intermingled with more common snack foods. Salsa, guacamole and hummus are great dipper options. Another winner: shrimp with cocktail sauce.
• If you’re heading out: Offer to bring something no matter what. Inquire if a vegetable tray will be available. My Super Bowl responsibilities will be the delicious Buffalo Chicken Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms from Food, Fitness and Family (tested and approved!) and NaCHO Cheese Dip from Little Bitty Bakes. I’m going to bake my own corn tortilla chips to avoid the hand-in-bag syndrome. If you are heading to a bar, try to pick greens! A large salad with your favorite toppings is eye appealing and filling. I always sneak just a couple french fries from my husband’s plate, but keeping them off mine helps with portion control. Just in case, pack a healthy snack. A granola bar or a small bag of almonds are easily transported options.

Be a Drink Master: Let’s face it, when you drink more than usual you tend to overeat. If you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages go in with a specific number in mind that you will not exceed. Always have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink and stick to lighter options whenever possible such as light beer or Skinny Girl Cocktails. I’m sure no one will complain if you provide homemade sangria and overdo it on ice and fruit!

Take a Stop at Moderation Station: With so much variety laid out in front of you it may be difficult to avoid every “junk food.” One hot wing or a slice of pizza isn’t the end all be all to your healthy lifestyle. If you are mindful of your choices and you keep your portions in control you will tactfully outdo your (calorie-ridden) opponent. Beware of the bites, licks and tastes that add up overtime!

Be in Tune to your Body: Judge if your hunger is environmental or real by deciding if you would eat an apple or carrot sticks. If yes, have a bite. If no, then you may be victim to the Super Bowl food effect. If you’re itching for a little off the couch activity a quick outburst of cheering, jumping and chanting will do the trick (just try to save it for an meaningful game moment unless you want to look like a complete bafoon).

With a bit of planning and being conscious, your Super Bowl get-together can still be a party with sans the guilt. A healthy touchdown for you!

Who are you rooting for? Giants or Patriots?

Football photo courtesy of supercolor via sxc.hu 

NaCHO Cheese Dip image via Little Bitty Bakes 

Photo 3 courtesy of Triple Tri via Flickr (CC BY 3.0)