So you hit the ground running working on your weight loss goals in January only to come to a screeching halt on Super Bowl Sunday. It's not that Super Bowl foods are so terrible by themselves, but because the Super Bowl has turned into a day-long event where people tend to eat non-stop for hours. This makes it difficult for those working on weight loss or for those who may be trying to manage their cholesterol or blood pressure. The chances are high that you yourself or one of your guests will have one of these issues with 66% of Americans being overweight, 1 in 3 with high blood pressure, and nearly 100 million with high cholesterol. In my immediate circle alone there are two working on weight loss, two with high cholesterol and 1 with high blood pressure and all of these people are in their 30's.
Don't worry, we won't take the Super Bowl snacks away, but maybe offering a few healthier choices will help people who are working on specific health goals. Here are a few tips for making over your Super Bowl snacks.
1). Baked not Fried- this can go for anything from your chicken wings to chips. Baked products will have much less fat and calories than fried.
2). Offer some substantial snacks- you can eat a bag of chips and not feel like you are eating much but the calories and fat will add up quickly! Offering some heartier appetizers that have some protein and fiber such as bean dips with baked pita corners, or grilled chicken skewers will help you feel satisfied.
3). Don't drink your calories- keep in mind that beer and soda can add up quickly. Two 12-ounce beers or soda will add up to 300 calories. Try to pace yourself with some water between beer and soda rounds.
4). Don't eat out of the chip bowl- it is impossible to know how much you are consuming when you eat out of a bag or chip bowl. Your best bet is to get a plate and take a handful of chips so you have a better idea of how much you are eating.
5). As always, enjoy the foods you are eating. You can indulge a little and manage your health and weight- it is all about balance.
Super Bowl Makeover:
Original Snacks
Snack
5 fried chicken wings - Calories 800; Fat Grams 50
Nachos (6 chips with cheese) - Calories 600; Fat Grams 34
Potato chips (10) with 2 tbsp onion dip- Calories 210; Fat Grams 15
3 beers (12 oz each) - Calories 450; Fat Grams 0
Grand Total: 2060 Calories 99 grams of fat
Now compare to our Superbowl snack makeover
Super Bowl Snack Makeover
Snack
5 Baked Chicken Wings - Calories 375; Fat Grams 23
4 baked pita corners with 1/3rd cup garlic/white bean dip - Calories 175; Fat Grams 5
4 cups non fat air popped popcorn - Calories 110; Fat Grams 0
All the water you want
Grand Total: 660 Calories 28 grams of fat
If you don't want to give up your beer, that's OK. Just try a few small changes so your Superbowl party has healthy options for everyone to pick.
Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She specializes in weight management and offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals. Sign up for free weight loss and wellness tips and healthy recipes at https://www.reallivingnutrition.com/newsletter_signup.htm.
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