Enjoy Parties without Sabotaging Your Results
If you are like most individuals right now, this is the time of year when you are focused on your health and fitness goals. You may have a vacation coming up, have set an intention that in 2021 you are going to put yourself first, or have a long-term goal to have the body and health that you want and deserve.
And then an event comes along like the Super Bowl… and you find yourself heading to a party or hosting guests. Parties and events are what can send us back to our old habits and move us away from our goals and desires.
Let’s face it, there is always a holiday, birthday, party, event, or social gathering that is happening. I challenge you to count in a month how many of these things are on your calendar. If you are going to be successful in achieving your health and fitness goals you MUST learn to navigate and handle these situations.
Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT saying that you need to be 100% consistent with clean eating at all times to achieve your goals. However, one of the MOST IMPORTANT things you can do to not sabotage all of your hard work and success is to pick and choose your indulgences.
Ask yourself, “Is eating ______worth it to me right now?” “Am I going to enjoy ______without feeling guilty or wishing I hadn’t indulged because it just tasted ok?”
If you make a conscious choice to eat a food that is “less healthy” and moves you further away from your goals then don’t have any guilt doing it.
Tips to Survive the Super Bowl and Keep Moving Closer to Your Goals
Skip the alcohol. The extra calories and sugar are not going to do your metabolism any favors. If you want to have a drink in your hand pour some kombucha or sparkling water in a wine glass.
Focus on protein and fat first, carbohydrates second. If you are headed to a Super Bowl party choose the foods that are high in protein and fat first then choose “smart carbs” like vegetables and fruits. Leave the processed high sugar carbs alone.
Eat before you go. If you are following a more strict nutrition plan such as our Lean Body System you may just want to eat before you head out to the party. While at the party you can focus on the people, the game, and the great commercials!
Get in a quick workout to fire up your metabolism. Perform a HIIT workout before heading out or before your guests arrive.
Get your mind right. Choose to focus on the social connection, the people you are surrounded by, and what you enjoy about an event like the Super Bowl rather than letting food control your experience.
Visualize your experience. Before an event or gathering take a few minutes to visualize the experience you want to have. Picture yourself in the situation, how do you feel? Most successful athletes visualize their performance in big games setting them up for success.
10 Healthy Game Day Recipes
To prepare for the “BIG GAME” here are some grain-free, Paleo and detox friendly recipes. I like making the Pulled Pork Nachos from The Paleo Kitchen cookbook. They are SO GOOD!!! You may be thinking how are nachos “healthy?” Well, these nachos are made with sweet potatoes and do not have any dairy or weird cream sauce.
Below are a handful of other great healthy game day recipes that we love making for Sunday Football:
Avocado Chorizo Sweet Potato Skins
If potato skins are a favorite Super Bowl snack of yours… then you’re in luck. This recipe has clean and minimal ingredients to help satisfy your cravings without the feeling of “over-indulgence.”
Grab the recipe HERE from PaleOMG.
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Bites
Buffalo chicken is always a favorite during football games. Not only is this recipe gluten and grain free, but it’s also not full of any weird or unnecessary ingredients.
Click HERE for the recipe from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen..
Buffalo Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
All you need to do is make a few simple swaps and you have a healthier version of loaded fries.
Find the recipe HERE from Tasty Yummies.
Artichoke Hummus
There are lots of people who LOVE hummus. There are also a lot of people who are sensitive to legumes. Get the best of both worlds with this delicious artichoke hummus recipe – it uses frozen artichokes as the base instead of chickpeas! Best part is, you probably won’t even notice the chickpeas are missing.
Get the recipe HERE from My Heart Beets.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Another favorite of ours from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen! This buffalo chicken dip is everything you need to satisfy your buffalo chicken cravings but without the unhealthy ingredients.
This hearty appetizer is gluten free and can also be dairy free if needed!
Get the full recipe HERE from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.
Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad
Can you tell we like buffalo flavored dishes around here?
If you’re trying hard to steer clear of the fried chicken wings and tenders but still have massive cravings for them, this buffalo chicken chopped salad is for you.
This salad is a much healthier version of those chicken tenders and spicy sauce we love (as those tend to have fatty or unhealthy ingredients, especially in the sauce). Fried chicken wings/tenders are replaced with flavorful lean chicken breast, tossed with fresh veggies, and then finished off with a homemade ranch dressing. Sounds like a touchdown to us!
Click HERE for the recipe from Well Fed.
Paprika Parsnip Fries
Trying to steer clear of starchy potatoes or are looking for another option? Try some parsnip fries!
These fries are paired with a homemade sriracha dipping sauce, and are perfect for any game day party.
Grab the recipe HERE from PaleOMG.
Healthy Baked Cauliflower Bites
Not a fan of chicken wings or bites? Try making these incredible cauliflower bites instead! They are baked, not fried, and coated with almond flour instead of your traditional breading.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a low carb vegetarian recipe. It’s also gluten free with a dairy free option!
Find the recipe HERE from Wholesome Yum.
Healthy Enchilada Dip
If you’re looking for a healthy appetizer for game days, look no further. Made with ground beef, lots of beans and plenty of fresh ingredients.
Click HERE for the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
Grain Free Salmon Cakes with Old Bay Aioli
Salmon cakes might seem fancy for a game day appetizer, but these grain free ones come together in just minutes with a few simple ingredients.
This recipe is also gluten free, paleo, dairy free, nut free, and whole30!
Find the recipe HERE from Tasty Yummies.
In Health & Happiness,
Brad
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