From Calculus to Cupcakes
We are just one week away from the Super Bowl. For many of you whose New Year’s resolution was to lose weight or eat healthy, the Super Bowl party you are planning to go to next week may be your first big challenge. So, with that in mind, I have some tips on how to get through it as well as some recipes for healthy game day snacks and appetizers.
The easiest way to get through the Super Bowl may be to have your own party. Sure parties can be a lot of trouble, but if you have your own, you can control all or at least a lot of the food. And, you might even have some pleasantly surprised guests when they find out your delicious spread is healthy.
If you will be attending a party at someone else’s house, offer to bring something to share. Bring something that you can eat and not break your resolution, but, and this is important, bring something you like. If you hate carrot sticks, and you bring carrot sticks with no dip, chances are you are going to break down at eat some of the other food.
Consider eating before you go. You will be less likely to overeat if you are not hungry. But, know yourself. I have seen this tip many times before. I have tried it twice, and I always end up eating anyway, and then, I’ve eaten twice. Only use this method if it will work for you. It doesn’t work for me, but I know it does for some.
Watch what you drink. People often serve calorie laden soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at Super Bowl parties. And, alcohol can affect your judgement. Your new healthy habits might not seem to matter as much after a few drinks. Your best bet is to bring your own water bottle.
Finally, you could give yourself permission to splurge just for one night. In order to do this, you have to be able to go back on your plan the next morning. For some people, one splurge leads to a binge, but others can pick back up the next morning as if nothing happened.
Now, for some recipe ideas:
Mini Potato Skins from Nosh My Way (with WW points)
Tourtiere Pie from This and That
Eggplant Pizza from This and That
Turkey Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms from This and That
Lighter Radish Dip from From Calculus to Cupcakes
Baked Cheese Sticks from From Calculus to Cupcakes
Vegan Cheddar Apple Quesadillas from From Calculus to Cupcakes
And, don’t forget you can often make some of your favorites a little healthier with some creative substituting: use fat free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, substitute neufchatel or quark for sour cream, olive oil instead of butter, etc.
