The Super Bowl is a huge event in the United States, and is often centered around lots of delicious snacks and food from kickoff to the final seconds of the game. While many of these snacks do not fall into the “healthy” category, it’s important not to cut yourself off from the festivities completely. Instead, follow these six ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend, and find the perfect balance.
6. Prioritize Your Favorite Snacks
Starting the list of ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl Weekend is prioritizing your favorite snacks. Instead of loading your plate up with every food on the table, pick and choose your favorites to indulge in. For instance, if you love buffalo wings or pigs in a blanket, have some. But, it’s important to eat them in moderation, so sit farther away from the food so you’re not as tempted to get food as often.
5. Think About Healthy Replacements
Fifth on the list of ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend is to think about healthy replacements to add to the spread. Instead of sour cream, use non-fat Greek yogurt, or replace salt with salt-free herbs and spices for flavor. As for the staples, ground beef can be switched with ground turkey, and dips can be paired with veggie sticks instead of chips. Just switching a few of your food items to a healthier option can help cut the calories.
4. Use a Plate to Eat With
Next on our list of ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend is using a plate to eat with. While this may seem like an automatic thing to do at a party, many partygoers choose to graze the snack tables instead. However, if you grab a plate, it’s easier to take stock of what you’ve chosen and eaten. That way, you may be less inclined to grab that extra handful of chips.
3. Eat Throughout the Day
Rounding out the top three ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend is eating throughout the day. If you show up to the Super Bowl party starving, you’re more inclined to stuff yourself with unhealthy foods that won’t really fill you up. Ideally, aim for light, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day, so you can enjoy a balance of healthy foods in the morning and unhealthy foods at night.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Second on our list of ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend is drinking lots of water. Beer and other alcoholic beverages may be the staple liquids at a party, but it’s important to pair your adult drinks with a glass of water to stay hydrated. Or, just skip the alcohol altogether and enjoy water or other non-alcoholic beverages. Either way, it keeps you more aware of what you’re drinking and eating during the game.
1. Exercise in the Morning
Last but not least on our list of ways to stay healthy during Super Bowl weekend is exercising in the morning. Combat the snacks and sitting time with a healthy and active start to your day. It doesn’t matter if it’s going to the gym, taking a walk, or doing a home workout; the important part is getting your body moving and burning some calories.