4 Tips for Healthy Super Bowl Snacking
The big game is near, but Super Bowl Sunday is also a time when many people completely overdo it on food and drink.
Is it possible to enjoy yourself while staying healthy? Of course. Just make sure you plan ahead, stay (somewhat) sober, and indulge in moderation. Here are a few tips for healthy Super Bowl snacking:
Don't Get Sidetracked
The excitement of the day may keep you from having your regular meals, but don't fall into a hunger trap. Make sure to eat regularly throughout the day so you don't binge out of extreme hunger later on. Stick with high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods that will keep your blood sugar balanced and your cravings in check. It's also a good idea to eat something filling before you go to a party – that way you're not as tempted to snack when you get there.
Reinvent a Classic
If you're tasked with bringing a dish to a Super Bowl party, try reinventing a staple dish into something more healthy. Fried chicken can become baked chicken strips, potato chips can become homemade veggie chips, and creamy dips can become healthier by using yogurt or low-fat cheese.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol interferes with satiety cues – those helpful signals that alert you when you're full. So don't overdo the booze if you can help it, as you'll most likely end up eating more. If you do drink, sip a glass of water between alcoholic beverages and pair your drinks with food to slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Skip the Dips
Creamy, cheesy dips are a Super Bowl staple, but they pack shocking amounts of salt, carbohydrates and fat. If you want to indulge, you're better off choosing something that is high in protein, like chicken wings (consider it the lesser of two evils). If you do eat dips, measure a bit out in a small bowl (a serving size for an average dip is usually just a few tablespoons) so you don't mindlessly eat more.
Source: American Diabetes Association