9 Tips For a Healthy Football Season!

It’s that time again – Time to break out the old jersey from the closet and BBQ some amazing ribs and burgers on game day! Ok, we may not all enjoy this traditional gathering of manliness, but if you’re like me, the sound of football makes me excited like a child at Christmas.

From the word go, the Football season seems provide a plethora of reasons to eat badly. It starts near Labor Day, and goes right on past to New Years. Typically during this time of year our eating habits include foods and drinks that are so delicious, yet carry negative effects.

So I thought – how could someone have a fun football season, and still fit in their clothes that they wore during pre-season. Below are 10 things that could possibly help you reach that goal. They may seem like no brainers, but if you take heed you will survive another year without moving to the next waist size. Enjoy the season!

1. Don’t Start a New Diet

First things first, don’t even think about dieting during the holiday season. That is, don’t start a new diet. Your biggest goal during our most favorite season is to maintain your weight. This way you can partake in your favorite beverage and snacks without any guilt.

2. Something Simple and Delicious

I would recommend bringing a light dip with either multigrain or wheat bread, so you have something that is somewhat healthy to munch on. There is a company (I think it has the title of chef in its name) that sells dips and breads that anyone can make, and are a healthy alternative to normal snacks. Just ask your wife, girlfriend, or any woman where you can find a beer bread mix.

3. Drink Light

The beverages tend to be favorites for many during this time of year, so be wise in your selection. If you must have a mixed drink, try something like a clear liquor and diet soda, a light or ultra light beer, or a nice glass of wine. I know wine doesn’t scream manly, but it is an alternative. Remember this shouldn’t be painful, just well thought-out.

4. Slow Down

Good or bad, football games tend to be lengthy, use this to your advantage, and take part in the eating and drinking at a slow pace. The slower your intake, the better chance you will fit in your jeans come spring time.

5. Halftime Runaround

Chase the kids, or take a walk, whatever it is, make sure you keep up on some type of activity other than couch coaching, and channel surfing. The best time to do this is between quarters, at a commercial or halftime. Winter time is hard enough for many people with the cold and darkness, so some activity will help you gain or maintain physical and mental acuity. If you live here in Arizona however, winter time is AMAZING outside. There’s no excuse to throw the football around once and a while.

6. Come Prepared

Eat at home before you head to the football stadium, or over a buddies house. This should help prevent a complete submersion in to the food and drinks. Believe me when I tell you, you will feel much better knowing you don’t have to drive home with your pants unbuttoned, either because of pressure or an untimely stomach pain.

7. Moderation is Key

Eat some chicken wings, not the entire chicken. I think that’s clear, and best of all it applies to all food! And anyway, who wants to get stains all over their new Larry Fitzgerald jersey?

8. Do Your Guests a Favor

If you have the chance to host a football game, stack the odds on your side by putting veggies, and light snacks out rather than the pizza and wings. I mean really, do we as men pay any attention to what we eat while we are watching a game. So long as the drinks are cold, and our food crunches, we are in heaven.

9. Avoid Fast Food

This rule applies all year long. Stay far and away from fast food joints. It may seem like a good idea while you’re on your way to the game, but we all know it’s not filling enough. Those tasty fats will leave you wanting more and more. Save yourself the hassle!

Hope this was helpful guys. Enjoy this football season, it should be a good one!