Getting Prepared for the Big Game

With the big game fast approaching,  and parties being planned,  you're probably wondering how on earth you are going to stick to your diet with all the tempting snacks and beverages on display.  Like last year, this year will be just as challenging, but hopefully with a few tips and recipe ideas, you can be successful at sticking to your diet.

Here are a few tips that stood out to me:

1. Get your workout in before the game.  Most likely, you're not going to feel like exercising after the game and working out will reduce your cravings and decrease your appetite.
2. Eat before you go to the party.  If you show up starving, you're more likely to eat everything in sight.  
3. Bring a veggie tray w/dip or fruit platter.  Try using nonfat sour cream or yogurt instead of regular sour cream.  This gives you at least one healthy option to choose from the array of party snacks.
4. Use the 5-to-1 veggie trick.  For every 5 bites of vegetables, allow yourself one full-fat snack bite, such as a meatball or chicken wing.  
5. Skip the beer.  I know, I know. The beer will probably be flowing, but if you have the option to choose wine instead, you will be much better off calorie wise.  And red wine is better for you than white.  If you absolutely must have a beer (or two) try to stick to light beer.
6. Finally, eat during halftime only.  If you are snacking constantly throughout the game you will lose track of how much you've eaten and are more likely to consume more than you would in an ordinary meal. The calories will really rack up.

These are the tips that have really got me thinking.  I will definitely try to put these to use on Sunday.  If you want more tips or recipe ideas, check out the following links.

8 Tips for Surviving the Football Season

The 5 Best and 5 Worst Cocktails

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes   Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to see main dish, appetizer and dessert ideas.

Good luck!