10 Tips to a Healthy Football Season

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 food and drinks that are so delicious, yet carry negative effects. 

How can you enjoy the season, yet not have to buy new jeans at the end of it? Below are 10 ideas 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. 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. Another good way to avoid packin' on the pudge is to stay seated, and far away from the food table.

3. 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.

4. The beverages tend to 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 even  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. 

5. 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 those size 38's come spring time.

6. 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. 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.  

7. 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.

8. 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 Vikings jersey.

9. 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. 

10. This rule applies all year long. Avoid the quick drive through experience. Think about your food and make choices based on your brain rather than your stomach. It's hard, but it works.