The big game is coming up, it’s time to take out the jerseys and lucky socks and watch your team win the Superbowl! While being a football fan is a lot of fun, it can also be tough on your health.
It’s hard to control your stress levels while watching the game, but at least you can control what you’re putting in your body. Your Superbowl Sunday spread usually features fried or fatty foods that are washed down with sugary soft drinks. When it comes to your snacking, follow these do’s and don’ts!
The Do’s:
- Do choose your sides in moderation. Try to make sure your plate is colorful, with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Do drink lots of water. You may think you’re feeling hungry, but you may actually just be dehydrated.
- Do reach for sparkling water with fruit wedges instead of sugar-sweetened sodas.
- Do choose lean or extra-lean beef burgers, and keep the patties to the size of a deck of cards. Or try turkey burgers or salmon burgers, which are tasty and give you the essential omega-3 fatty acids your body needs.
The Don’ts:
- Don’t eat if you’re not hungry, just for something to do at the game.
- Don’t grab fried wings. Try replacing them with grilled chicken breast strips tossed in a small amount of your favorite sauce.
- Don’t keep chips, nachos and other high-calorie snacks around. For a crunchy snack, try cut veggies with hummus, salsa or other low-fat dip.
- Don’t overindulge on alcoholic beverages. Too much beer, wine or liquor impairs judgment and can cause us to eat more.
For more tips, please visit www.heart.org/healthyforgood.