Since many of us will be celebrating the big game this Sunday, whether or not we are football fans (what teams are playing anyway?), I thought I’d share some tips to enjoy it mindfully. Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest food-focused holiday (next to Thanksgiving) and the second largest grilling holiday (next to Fourth of July)? It’s estimated that 1.25 billion chicken wings, 8 million pounds of popcorn and 28 million pounds of potato chips will be consumed….and, not surprisingly, there is a 20% increase in antacid sales the day after the Super Bowl. Thank you forbes.com for those fun facts! But never fear, there are ways to enjoy it all, mindfully and without guilt:
- Prepare some healthy, nutrient-rich options (or offer to bring some if you’ll be a party guest) to balance the not-so-nutrient dense options. Think veggies and hummus or fruit platters, veggie chili, a festive salad, or get more creative by making a roasted beet dip, spicy stuffed peppers, or air fried buffalo cauliflower bites.
- Allow yourself to thoroughly and mindfully enjoy any and all foods (yes, even chicken wings, pizza and/or chips and dip). What I mean is, fill a small plate with food (remember the balance), sit down, eat slowly, really chew it and taste it and wait at least 20 minutes before going back for more (oh and drink a glass of water….it’ll keep you hydrated and may keep you from over doing it with the food…as well as other drinks). Then, if you’re feeling satisfied, great!….but if you desire more, go for it! Listen to your body! You just want to avoid standing over the food table and grazing for 4-5 hours straight. The goal is to focus on your food while you’re eating and focus on the game while you’re watching. Go teams….and GO YOU!!