Did you know that the average person consumes around 6,000 calories on Super Bowl Sunday? That’s almost two pounds of additional body-weight in one day! So what can we do?
Healthy living is all about moderation, so let’s make sure that we have some strategies in place for you to enjoy the game time munchies without going overboard.
Eat well leading up to the game
This way, you won’t be famished. Enjoy breakfast with protein, healthy fat, whole grains, and fiber. A lunch packed with veggies, protein and healthy fat, and maybe even a small salad, or a cup of veggie or lentil soup, before the festivities begin.
Sweat at some point
Get to the Y before the game and move your body. Take a class, ride a bike, walk, or swim laps. Just move and start to perspire a bit.
Drink water
Hydrate throughout the day and have a glass of water after any other beverage during the big game.
Plan in advance
Do you love nachos and pizza? Are wings your favorite? Decide ahead of time which snacks you will enjoy (in moderation) and which you can have another time.
Anticipate the temptation and strategize
If certain drinks give you the munchies, make a deal to only have that drink when you are away from food, or after you have served yourself a portion of your favorite snack.
Use a plate
This seems simple, but grazing without a plate does not give you the visual cue of how much you have consumed.
Envision success
Imagine how it feels to wake up the day after high sodium, high-fat meal. Bloated, sluggish, sometimes even irritable. Do you want to wake up on Monday feeling that way? Or would you prefer the satisfaction of success after indulging in favorite snacks, but not overdoing it? The choices you make on Sunday will determine your post-game day success!
Regroup periodically
Every commercial, find your glass of water and take 30 seconds to come back to your ultimate goal of living a healthy lifestyle. At halftime, dance along with the halftime show, or take a look at the stars outside and imagine how good you will feel knowing that you had a plan and made it happen.
Add in healthier choices
Serve, or bring fresh veggies with hummus, fresh fruit, and choose baked over fried whenever possible.
Enjoy wisely
It’s the big game! Want hot wings? Go ahead! But be calculated and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) about your choices.
Game on!