To millions of Americans, football is like religion and Superbowl Sunday is the most sacred of all sports-related holidays. Even if you're not a huge football fan, there is a very strong possibility that you're going to a party - that is if you're not hosting one of your own. Here are a few healthy food tips to get you throw Super Bowl weekend!
Stick With Healthy Food All Super Bowl Weekend Long
How many times have you been on track with eating great and working out regularly until you hit a bump in the road that throws you way off, only to get back in action days, if not weeks later? Don't let this Sunday be an exception.
Make a Healthy Morning Routine
- Wake up & Drink up: 12oz warm water (with a little bit of lemon juice if you have it) at least 15 minutes before eating.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast: no added sugar, no refined foods.
*Like smoothies in the morning? Check these out.
*Planning breakfast around breakfast? Here are a few suggestions. - Drink at least one cup of water before every meal or snack.
- Go easy on the caffeine. Coffee especially has a tendency to throw off blood sugar levels triggering hunger sooner - leading to belly fat.
- Get active early. Walk, run, or do one of my no excuses at-home workouts, or maybe one better suited for the gym.
Develop a Strong Afternoon Ritual
- Keep drinking water.
- Eat a normal-size lunch. Don't "go light" because you know you'll be eating more later. That's not the plan!
*Enjoy a healthy lunch, avoiding unneeded starches. - Snack healthy on plenty of fruits, vegetables, or even a homemade trail mix.
*If you're just cutting out refined sugar, you'll probably crave it. Stay strong, my friends!
Don't Overdo It At Night
- Keep drinking water.
- If it's Friday or Saturday evening, eat a normal/healthy dinner. Don't splurge just because it's the weekend.
- Try not to eat after 8pm, and definitely don't eat after dinner.
*I've got a few recipes on my blog that you might like. Check them out, or go to a couple of my fave food blogs: Nourished Kitchen and My Farmers Market Meals.
Follow These Super Bowl Party Rules
- If you're not going to a party, you just had a really healthy weekend. If you're going to a party, here are a few tips to keep you on track.
- Fill Your Tank Before You Hit the Road:Don’t arrive to a party hungry. When you get hungry, the easiest thing to do is to reach for something refined and sugary to jack up your blood sugar levels (candy, crackers, pretzels, etc). Instead, grab a healthy snack before you leave the house. It’s more likely that you’ll be able to control your eating when you see a spread of amazing food.
- Water, Alcohol, Water: While I’m not encouraging alcohol consumption, let’s face it – the beer industry advertises like crazy this time of year for a reason. If you’re not the designated driver and will be enjoying a drink or two, have a glass of water first, and then again in between every drink. You’ll stay hydrated and will feel fuller longer.
- Avoid Mindless Eating: When you’re standing around talking, and a big bowl of chips is arms-reach from you, it’s easy to just grab a handful here and a handful there. Grabbing one or two chips will not kill you, but four, five or six handfuls could easily add up to several hundred calories.
- Keep it in Perspective: Know that 3500 calories is equivalent to a pound. It’s not difficult to pack down an additional 1000+ calories without making an effort. A couple drinks (soda, beer or wine), a savory side dish, a dessert and a couple handfuls of something else – and you’re nearly there.
