7 Healthier Ways to Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and whether you are a football fan or not, chances are you plan on gathering around the TV with friends and indulging in one of America’s favorite past times – gorging yourself with unhealthy snacks and downing drinks while rooting for your favorite team.
Traditional Super Bowl snacks are not typically on the list of foods one should regularly eat when trying to maintain a healthy diet, but it is important to remember that while maintaining a healthy diet is a good thing, it is okay to occasionally indulge a little.
Rather than dismissing those tempting snacks come Sunday, here are seven super ways to enjoy yourself while staying conscious and confident in your nutritional choices.
Drink plenty of water
We know that beer and other adult beverages will be readily available during a Super Bowl party but it’s important to pair any alcoholic beverage with a glass of water to stay hydrated. This is a good rule to follow any time you’re drinking.
Use a plate
It is easier to lose track of the amount of food you have eaten if you are reaching right into that bowl of chips. Using a plate to portion out your snacks will allow you to be more conscious of the amount of food you’re eating.
Exercise in the morning
Combat your couch time with an active morning. Go to the gym, take a walk, or check out Bootique’s Cardio Hip Hop Dance class before heading to the party. You can also use timeouts, commercial breaks, or halftime to stand up, walk around and stretch your legs.
Prioritize your favorite snacks
There is no need to deprive yourself of your favorite comfort foods. Again, it is only one day. If you love buffalo wings, have some. Just don’t load your plate up with everything else just because it is there. And try not to sit right next to the food as you will be more likely to munch on whatever is right in front of you.
Make a healthy alternative for the party
Whether you’re hosting or coming as a guest, it is always a good idea to have one or two healthy snacks available. Try this Prosciutto Melon Pesto Popper recipe or these Bacon Scallop Stackers instead of wings. Chances are, you won’t be the only one trying to stay healthy, and other guests will appreciate having options.
Eat throughout the day
Don’t show up to the Super Bowl party starving. One of the best things you can do for yourself is eat light, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day. Starving yourself beforehand will make you more tempted to dive into the chip bowl.
Think about replacements
Instead of sour cream, try plain Greek yogurt in your recipe, or skip the salt and use salt-free herbs and spices for amped up flavor. Ground beef can be substituted by ground turkey, black beans or tofu. Dip can be paired with celery, carrot sticks, or sugar snap peas instead of chips, and salsa is a healthy alternative to heavy, creamy dips.
Staying healthy during one of the many food-centered events can be challenging, but not impossible. It is great to keep your health-conscious habits in mind, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Happy Super Bowl!
Question: What’s your healthy go-to dish at parties?
