Well, it’s that time of year, all across the land football fans are preparing for “The Big Game”. That’s right, even if you’re not a sports fan and even if your teams not playing this weekend it’s hard not to know that The Super Bowl is here. It’s hard to pass up the opportunity to have fun and spend time with friends and family which for most fans means a Super Bowl Watching Party.
During the Super Bowl, it is estimated that 30 million pounds of food, of which 4 million is fat, will be consumed across the country. Chips are the most popular snack, with 11.2 million pounds of potato chips sold for the game. Other snacks put up impressive numbers, as well: 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips, 4.3 million pounds of pretzels, 3.8 million pounds of popcorn and 2.5 million pounds of nuts.
To help avoid packing on the pounds during the game, there are a few simple things you can do:
* Eat breakfast or lunch before the party, so you won’t be as hungry and as likely to binge.
* Try and go for a walk/run in the morning before the game and burn off a few extra calories.
* Try drinking diet soda or water to avoid the hundreds of calories that come from drinks alone.
For example:
One 11oz. Milk Shake = 351 calories
One 12oz. can of regular beer = 153 calories
One regular soft drink = 136 calories
One 5oz. serving white wine = 121 calories
One 12oz. serving unsweetened apple juice = 175 calories
* When it comes to snacks, make a low fat/low calorie dip to bring to the party, such as salsa, a bean-based dip or a yogurt dip made with nonfat yogurt.
* Limit your chip consumption by sticking to veggies or lower fat crackers for dipping – especially if you’re planning on chowing down on pizza or buffalo wings.
One slice supreme pizza = 309 calories
Five buffalo wings = 1162 calories
So remember, cheer on the teams but go slow on the snacks.
Play Ball!
