Be Mindful this Super Bowl Sunday!

The Super Bowl is the biggest televised event of the year, with millions of Americans tuning in and hosting parties for the big game.  Aside from football, the main focus of many of these parties tends to be drinking alcohol and eating junk food.  Beer, chips and dip, Buffalo wings, greasy sandwiches and burgers are among the unhealthy foods that seem to be a “must have” at all Super Bowl parties.  It may seem impossible that you can attend and actually have fun on Super Bowl Sunday without throwing your healthy habits out the window.

It should be no surprise that the majority of eating that takes place at a Super Bowl party is totally mindless.  When you are in this kind of social situation that revolves around TV, eating, and drinking it really puts your mindfulness to the test.  It is perfectly OK for you to enjoy yourself on celebratory days like this one and not deny yourself of any of the foods at the party.  However, try and be aware of what foods and how much you are eating.  Avoid eating right out of the big bowl of chips and dip and try not to sit right in front of the tray of Buffalo wings.  Rather, take a plate of a few of each item and sit somewhere that the food isn’t right in front of your face.  Trust me, it will be a lot easier for you to keep what you are eating under control!

Before going back for more, wait a half hour.  It takes 20 minutes to a half hour for your brain to get the signal that you are full.  After waiting, you will likely realize that you are perfectly satisfied and don’t need another helping.  If you know you want to eat a little more than usual on Super Bowl Sunday, try making a healthy alternative to bring with you to the party.  Bringing a fruit salad is a great option because it will give you a nutritious, low calorie snack to snack on throughout the game.  Other ideas include a tray of sautéed vegetables, chicken/turkey sliders on whole wheat buns or homemade fresh guacamole and salsa.

When it comes to alcohol, always choose light beer or wine.  If you want a mixed drink, mix your liquor with seltzer and squeeze in lemons, limes or oranges to add flavor.  Drink slowly and keep the amount of drinks to a minimum.  Alcohol adds on a lot more calories than you think and beer especially tends to make you feel full and bloated.

So whether you are rooting for the Seahawks or the Broncos, you can still have fun cheering on your favorite team while being aware of your health and the foods you put in your body!

Your turn to take action:  How will you practice mindful eating this Super Bowl Sunday?

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