February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, it’s Superbowl XLVl! The New York Giants vs the New England Patriots. For many people the Superbowl is as big a food feast as Thanksgiving day. Whether or not you are a football fan, (or you just enjoy the commercials), most of America is tuned into the big game. Just as the QBs Eli Manning and Tom Brady have a game plan, so can you! A healthy eating game plan for Superbowl Sunday is not as difficult as you might think.
Here are some tips for enjoying the Superbowl without packing on the pounds
Make sure you eat something before the festivities begin
Whether you are hosting the party, or going to a friends house or sports bar, eat a healthy protein rich snack before you leave your house. Have a Greek yogurt with walnuts or almonds, or peanut butter on a crispy apple. That way you won’t be tempted by the chips and dip as soon as the “pre-gaming” begins.
If you drink alcohol, plan on a “specific” number of drinks
For example, if you plan on drinking beer, select light beer. Have a tall glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. And remember, if you drink more than usual, chances are you will eat more than usual. Drinking lowers your ability to make good decisions, and therefore you might overeat as well.
Make sure there is a veggie platter available at the party
Offer to bring one, if you are going to be a guest. Dipping veggies in salsa or hummus (please watch your portions), is a great alternative to chips and sour cream or cheesy dips (which are laden with calories).
Try some turkey chili as a main dish! Chili is always a favorite at football games
This low fat turkey chili is hearty, healthy and easy to prepare. Serve with a dollop of fat-free yogurt or sour cream on top.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 stick of celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 pound 99% fat-free ground turkey
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 14 1/2-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce, no salt added
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 tbsp fat-free sour cream or yogurt
- 4 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Preparation:
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven.
- Add onion, celery, chopped pepper and garlic.
- Cook for 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Crumble the turkey into the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for about 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander and oregano.
- Add in tomatoes and tomato sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans, mix well and cook on low heat for a further 5-10 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls.
- Optional: add a dollop of fat-free sour cream or yogurt on top, plus some fresh chopped cilantro if you have it.
Serves 4. Per Serving:
- Calories 298
- Calories from Fat 51
- Total Fat 5.7g (sat 0.6g)
- Cholesterol 35mg
- Sodium 440mg
- Carbohydrate 32.9g
- Fiber 10.2g
- Protein 28.8g
Many thanks to about.com for the recipe.
Keep things in perspective. If you decide to eat a few chicken wings, put them on a plate and enjoy them! The key is not to keep going back for more, and more, and more of the wings (or pizza rolls, or mozzarella sticks). Have a few, and enjoy them!
Be mindful of your choices
Pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Listen to your body. If you feel satisfied, take a break from eating. Walk away from the food, and enjoy the company, and the football game.
Superbowl parties are a lot of fun. Even if your team didn’t make it this year, you can still enjoy the game with family and friends. It doesn’t have to be a glutenous eating experience. Enjoy whatever you deem to be traditional Superbowl foods. Just remember to apply the tips listed above, control your portions, and root for your favorite team. Do you have Superbowl recipes or tips that you’d like to share? Please let me know your thoughts and comments.
In an effort to combat the problem of childhood obesity, the USDA is changing the requirements for school lunches. These changes will affect the nearly 32 million children who eat lunch at school. The new guidelines call for twice as many fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, less sodium and lower fat diary choices. Portions and calories are based on age groups and the amount of saturated and trans fats in foods will be limited. This is the first time in 15 years that any changes or amendments have been made to the school lunch program.
Since about 17% of the children in the US are obese, these new guidelines are a welcome change. The menu changes will go into effect July 1, and will be phased in over the next three years. Schools should use the menus as a teaching tool. If the veggies are not offered in an appealing way, kids probably won’t eat them. Although children do not need to select fruits and vegetables, they must be offered.
This morning, Tuesday January 17, 2012 Paula Deen announced on the ”Today Show” that she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes three years ago. This isn’t new; several months ago The National Inquirer reported that the southern cook, (known for her use of lots of butter and sugar) had type 2 diabetes. This should be an opportunity for Paula Deen to support people with type 2 diabetes. As a Certified Diabetes Educator, I want to offer her support, compassion and education.
At the AADE conference this past August, I had the honor of meeting Brandy Barnes, MSW, the Founder and Executive Director of 
