Game Plan For A Healthier Super Bowl Sunday
Healthy and Super Bowl Sunday in the same sentence… you might ask if this is possible. I came up with a game plan for a healthier Super Bowl Sunday. I promise you after reading this you’ll be a believer. Everyone knows that the Super Bowl, is one of the biggest eating days in North America! Even those who don’t watch football tend to partake in the eating festivities. Most Super Bowl foods are not typically found on a list of foods you should eat regularly when trying to maintain a healthy diet. However, there ARE ways to feel eat healthy and participate in the festivities. Instead of forgoing the snacks this Sunday, here are some ways to enjoy yourself while also staying aware of and happy with your nutritional choices.
Drink Plenty of Water
At most Super Bowl parties, beer and other alcoholic beverages are everywhere. If you plan on drinking this weekend I recommend pairing every drink with a glass of water. This will allow you to stay hydrated and will also help you to be more aware of how much you are drinking. Water is also good as it helps with digestion and is especially important when consuming sodium rich foods.
Prioritize your Favourites
Be honest with yourself! Decide which foods bring you the most joy and enjoy them! But don’t fill your plate with everything else just because it’s available. Also, you may have noticed that I said fill your plate. This is a PRO TIP: It’s much easier to keep track of what and how much you are consuming if you’re eating off a plate vs grazing off a communal spread or eating straight out of the bag. Something simple can make a big difference!
Bring a Healthy Alternative
Whether you’re hosting the party or attending the party, it’s always nice to have a few healthier alternatives to choose from. Other guests will likely be thankful to have something to lighten up all the creamy, salty and/or starchy foods. Some health swaps include rice paper spring rolls vs deep fried, buffalo cauliflower “wings” vs normal wings and turkey sliders with a sweet potato “bun” vs beef sliders.
Eat Throughout the Day
DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT show up to a Super Bowl party hungry. Try your best to eat lighter, nutritious foods throughout the day to keep you feeling satisfied. Showing up hungry will make it that much more tempting to gorge on the first, easiest thing you see.
Exercise in the Morning
If you know you will be eating a few more calories and spending some extra time that night on the couch combat that by having an active rest of the day. Wake up a little earlier and hit up the gym for a fasted workout. Follow that up with an afternoon walk with your dog or family!
Use Healthier Alternatives
Whether you’re hosting or bringing your favourite dish to the party this tip will go a LONG way. Subtle healthier changes to recipes can make a significant difference in terms of the nutritional breakdown of the food! You can click here for some examples of easy substitutions. It is really easy to try things like:
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Turkey, black beans or tofu as a protein source instead of beef or pork
- Salsa instead of heavier, cream based dips
- Vegetables like celery, carrots, super snap peas and peppers with dip as opposed to chips
There it is folks, my game plan for a healthier Super Bowl Sunday! Remember that even when you are eating healthy, it is still okay to indulge every once in a while! Balance is key! It’s what makes habits sustainable! Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone! If you’re a fan of my “game plan” and are looking for some other health and fitness tips, check out my post on how to stay motivated on your fitness journey by clicking here.
