When you hear the words “Superbowl party” often what comes to mind is a smorgasbord of food. So much is eaten that it has become one of the biggest feasting days of the year, only second to Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Calorie Control Council Americans have consumed between 1,200 to 2,400 calories on Superbowl Sunday in the past.
Nutrition is not top of mind and party fare usually consists of appetizers like chips, dips, wings, pizza, and sandwiches. These foods are typically loaded with unhealthy fats as well as too much sodium and sugar. Add in a couple of rounds of brews, shots, and cocktails and you will have a recipe for disaster
This excessive consumption can be unhealthy when overindulging in too much junk food. Instead of being satisfied, your body will be tricked into feeling hungrier and continue to graze until you stuffed and can no longer button your pants.
Don’t let this game day be an excuse to throw out your health goals. Read on to learn 8 ways how to have a fun party without compromising taste or your health.
- Eat Before You Party: Be sure to have a meal at least an hour before you hit the party. Going in hungry will make you ravenous and end in overeating. Make sure your snack is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fat.
- Limit Your Alcohol: You may be indulging in some adult beverages and lose track of how much you drank. This can lead to overeating. Sticking to only one or two drinks will help curb your cravings for food. Stay away from sugary mixers like juices and tonic. Try a whiskey or vodka on the rocks with a squeeze of orange or grapefruit. This is a stronger drink and you can sip on it all night. If you do wind up with a hangover tomorrow be sure to get plenty of nutrients back in your body to cure it fast.
- Protein: Superbowl parties are often filled with chips, pretzels, tortillas, and dips. The problem with these foods is that they have little to no protein per serving. so they will leave you empty wanting more. Look for snacks with protein. If you had to choose between chips and wings. Go with the chicken for a more filling snack. Having your own party? Add a protein to your spread. This can consist of meats like chicken, fish, and grass-fed beef or plant proteins like black bean chili, hummus, and veggies or guacamole with edamame or chickpeas.
- Drink more water: Limit your intake of alcohol and food by filling up on water. If you feel like you are hungry have a glass of water and then wait five minutes. If you still feel hungry opt for a snack that has protein and satisfies your hunger.
- Swap in Healthy Alternatives: Give your typical dish a healthy makeover. Instead of sour cream use grass-fed yogurt in your onion or dill dip. Swap out your fried foods for baked goods. Make some kale, carrot, or sweet potato chips. You can get creative and add a sweet or salty seasoning for a taste your guests are sure to love.
- Add some veggies. A lot of people may not think of veggies as a party treat but they can make a great healthy addition to your spread. The easiest way to add more veggies to your game day spread is with a veggie platter. If you don’t like raw veggies you can cook up some easy recipes. Baked kale chips, sweet and spicy potato chips, or baked parsley carrot fries are three easy recipes that can be made in a short time. You can also add them to other dishes to give you extra nutrients. I like putting zucchini in my meatballs for extra nutrients. I have found it is all about seasoning your veggies to make them taste great.
- Reduce the sugar: While we know desserts can be high in sugar, surprisingly there is also a lot of hidden sugar in foods like pizza, pretzels, and chips. Lower your sugar intake this Superbowl by ditching the sugary beverages and opting for unsweetened iced tea, water, and flavored seltzer. Want a lower dessert idea? Try this cacao chia pudding or create a fruit platter. If you are going to a party that will have a ton of dessert options just give yourself a small taste to satisfy your craving.
- Listen to your body: Intuitive eating is important so you do not overeat. Your body will tell you when you are full. This will help you avoid overeating to the point where you feel like you’re about to deliver a food baby. One way to do this is to eat slowly and enjoy your food. Feel like you are still hungry after eating? Wait five minutes and then listen to feel if you are still hungry. Feeling hunger pains? Snack on some protein and veggies to give your body the energy it needs.