Healthy advice to tame your gameday cravings
Loss of twenty? AWESOME!
For many of us, the best part of football season is the socializing that goes on before the game. Whether you are in the parking lot outside the stadium, or in someone’s back yard with every TV in the house turned to the same station, there’s fun to be had in sharing all the chips and dips and delectable NOT-NOWS that everyone is sure to bring to the party.
You ask yourself: how can I possibly maintain my new healthy lifestyle without sacrificing gameday fun?
Well, I am here to be your quarterback. Okay everyone, huddle up let’s have a pep talk……….
First down:
Remember your Main Meal Planner? That will be your coach throughout the coming months – adhere to the portion suggestions and that will go a long way to keeping you in shape for the playoffs. The goal is to continue pursuing our healthy lifestyle while still having fun on the field. You are my star player, so I hand off the main meal planner to you. Now go!!!!! NO GAIN! In this game, that’s as good as a touchdown.
Second down:
Huddle up. Okay let’s take this one play at a time. Get your Main Meal Planner – (download it here) – Step one says to choose some vegetables, so select some that will work well with tailgating. Let’s fill a bowl with strips of jicama, red/green pepper, and yellow squash (choose your team’s colors if possible!). These vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked on the grill. Fabulous, Great choices!! Okay now you are the wide receiver – go deep! Get yourself open: open to snacking on veggies whenever possible – avoid the dip. Great play!
Third down:
Alright team what is our favorite grilling meat? You can make a huge difference in the final score just by choosing leaner meats. How about lean buffalo burger – any Bills fans paying attention? Pile seasoned grilled vegetables on top of the meat. Opt out and leave the buns behind, because, remember, we have to stay light on our feet. Okay, be ready here we go – Hey!!!! Interception! our meal looked so good the other team grabbed it.
Defense, quick, huddle up!!!
Let’s get our focus back. I have faith in you I know you can do it. Let’s talk about healthy fat: how about sprinkling one serving of cheese on top of those vegetables and meat? When selecting a cheese opt for the ones with strong flavor – Asiago, Feta, Parmesan, Sharp Cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda – just to name a few. When it comes to snacking? Grab some nuts (any of your choice). Throw small amounts on that hot skillet on the grill and while heating them sprinkle them with Cajun or Chipotle pepper seasoning. Yummmm!!!! (Remember only take about quarter cup as a serving.)
See that! The opponent fumbled! Light on your feet, you seize the day and run for a TOUCHDOWN!!!!!
Tomorrow I’ll have a recipe that combines all the ingredients I’ve discussed above… and we’ll have more recipes all week from Coach Katie.
GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! OurTeam!!!!!!!
Georgianna Broadwell, MPH, RD, LD
Ourlife’s Registered Dietitian (and sports fan)