Challenge Your Game Day Favorites

Football season is in full swing, and many of us are finding ourselves glued to the sofa Sunday nights, watching the game.  Just remember to watch you’re snacking too. While they’re passing the ball on the field are you likely to be found passing the chip and dip? It’s easy to get carried away on comfort foods when your eyes are glued to the action on screen. I’m going to give you some tips so you can be mindful of your game day diet, and prevent packing on linebacker-like pounds.

The Game Day Plan

First, take a look at what we’re up against, a popular snack and yet one of the worst offenders — ehem, chip and dip we’re lookin’ at you!

The Worst Chips and Dips, by Men’s Health, lists some of the worst dips you can bring to the table.  Many of the dips— with serving sizes as small as two tablespoons— are high in calories, fat and sodium.  I’m just guessing two scoops of dip won’t cover a party sized bowl of chips.

Try choosing snack foods that have more filling but not fattening portion sizes. Veggie trays and fruit platters are a great way to snack consciously.

Want something closer to the game day classics?  Here are a few foods suggested by Men’s Health Magazine that I’ve selected a game day snack:

Cedarlane Garden Vegetable Enchiladas

Kettle Cuisine Three Bean Chili

Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chik’n Strips

Wheat Thins Fiber Selects 5- Grain Crackers

Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Chips

Terra Exotic Harvest Vegetable Chips

Newman’s Own Organics Spelt Pretzels

Still, find you’re still craving some of your not-so-healthy snacks?  Consider this:

Balance your snacking.

Try using a dish that is proportionate to your serving size to make your plate look full and avoid overeating.

Mix healthy snacks with the smaller portions of your less nutritional choices.

Counteract the consequences

If you know you’re likely to indulge during Sunday night’s game, make sure you’re conscious of what you are eating during the rest of the week and plan a good workout to curb the splurge.