Did you know that Superbowl Sunday is as big a “food feast” as Thanksgiving?I know that since your New Year’s Resolutions, you have been working hard to get in shape and feel good. So, why blow it now on game day?!!?
If you are a football fan, or just like to hang out with friends and family to watch the commercials and half-time show, it is a Sunday evening of eating.
But, why does it have to be over-eating? It can be healthy, and it’s not as difficult as you may think.
Just like the players have a “game plan”, so must you! Only it’s a “healthy eating plan”.
Here are some tips to eating smart on game day:
#1) Eat before you go
Whether you are hosting the party or going out, make sure you have a snack that is rich in protein. This way you are not too tempted by pre-game snacking.
#2) Don’t over drink
If you are going to drink, limit yourself to 1-2 glasses (beer, drink light beer, wine, add ice cubes, hard liquor without fruit juice). If you ask me, if you are trying to loose weight, alcohol is not a good thing. If you drink too much, your judgment becomes impaired and you eat more than you should.
#3) Make sure there is a veggie platter
If you are going to someone’s house, you can offer to bring a tray of veggies and clean healthy dip.
#4) Have a healthy main course
Nachos can be the real deal- substitute ground meat for lean turkey, grilled chicken or shrimp. Skip the sour cream and load up on beans, salsa, and some guacamole.
Turkey chilli is a great main dish. Can be made with light cheese and low fat sour cream. Also, can be made veggie style. For those that aren’t in the mood for your typical Superbowl fare, what about sushi platters made with brown rice or naruto style (cucumber wrap on the outside in place of rice).
#5) Be Mindful of your choices
Eat until you are full. Don’t over eat! Enjoy the game, the commercials, the half-time entertainment, and those around you. Make smart choices. If you want a chicken wing, have it. The same goes for the warm brownies and cookies. Just don’t over do it!
Remember, the players have protective padding for a reason-you don’t need it!
Healthy White Bean Dip
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) white (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained
8 garlic cloves, roasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
8 garlic cloves, roasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
In a blender or food processor, add the beans, roasted garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Serve on top of thin slices of toasted French bread or pita triangles. This is also excellent placed on top of red (sweet) bell peppers cut into squares.
(to roast garlic, cut off the tops of several heads of garlic exposing the cloves. Spray the garlic generously with cooking spray. Wrap in aluminum foil also sprayed with cooking spray. Heat the oven to 350 F and roast about 30 minutes)
Serve with baked pita chips and cut raw veggies.
Creamy Salsa Dip
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup bottled salsa (nonchunky)
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
- 1 finely chopped green onion (white and light-green parts only)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well together. Serve with baked tortilla chips and cut raw veggies.
