You’ve made it through the holiday season. You’re focused on eating healthy… and then the super bowl rolls around the corner. Along with the parties comes a lot of temptation. No need to fear… here’s your sure fire guide to a game plan on the big day! If you’re going to a party or out to a restaurant:
Eat a small snack before heading out. You don’t want to arrive starving and be faced with a buffet of food!
Make modifications where you can. Hold the cheese and mayo and ask for extra vegetables or ask for the salad dressing on the side.
Use a smaller plate or bowl to help reduce portion size.
Choose one or two items that you really want to indulge in and fill the rest of your plate with healthy items.
Drink a glass of water or two for every glass of alcohol.
Study the menu ahead of time, that way you can arrive prepared with a plan!
Skip the appetizer section which is usually full of fried foods and opt for a grilled sandwich or soup and salad.
Enjoy your favorite menu item but cut the portion in half or split the dish with a friend.
Bring a healthy dish to the party.
HYDRATE! The top beverage at a Super Bowl party is BEER! Sugar filled soda is sure to be around as well! These two beverages can kill any diet. Be sure to make beverage calorie free… if you decide to have a beer…. Check out our Beer Survival Guide for the best choice.
SAY NO TO MAYO! Spread your favorite hero sandwich with flavored mustards, oil and vinegar, horseradish, or hummus, instead of high calorie mayo.
BEFRIEND THE VEGGIE TRAY! An easy way to keep your calories on the low side is indulge in veggies. If the host/hostess put out light dip, then dip away. If you’re unsure, stick to plain veggies.
STAY AWAY FROM CHIPS AND DIPS! As much as we love these, they can ruin any diet! Offer to bring veggies, pita chips, and hummus as a low calorie option.
Enjoy your wings in moderation, but skip the blue cheese and ranch dip.
Hosting a Party?
Grill your own burgers using extra lean ground beef, lean turkey burger or veggie burgers. Offer 100 calorie whole wheat buns.
Serve chili made with a variety of beans and fresh vegetables. Serve with reduced-fat cheese and light sour cream.
Serve chicken skewers in place of hot wings. Marinate the chicken in buffalo wing sauce and serve with light blue cheese and ranch dressing.
Serve baked chips and pretzels as a lower fat option to high fat potato chips.
Use lower fat versions of sour cream, mayo and cream cheese in your dips.
Deli trays are the way to go! They are full of lean deli meats such as turkey, ham and roast beef along with fresh veggies are a healthful option to pre-made foot long subs!
Serve hummus and whole wheat pita triangles along with fresh cut veggies.
Offer a variety of lower calorie beverages such as sparkling water, iced-tea and diet soda.
Put together a fruit tray with light yogurt for dipping.
Set out bowls of low-fat microwave popcorn for snacking.
