Avoid a Super Belly – Day 27

This weekend is the Super Bowl.  Even if you aren’t a football fan, there is a likelihood that you might end up at a gathering – even if it’s to watch the commercials.  And there will be food.

I almost feel like the Superbowl acts as an extension of the “holiday season” – especially for those that don’t buy into a New Years Resolutions, or simply don’t want to do anything – it’s another Food Centered Occasion.  Or even if you did start a ‘new diet’ – this big game can act as a point of derailment.

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This is why the bigger picture is so important – and the purpose of 31 Days to Being Healthy and Happy – each day I’ve blogged about something that you can implement right away!  You don’t have to do every single thing – come back to these posts and try something new and over time you won’t end up “blowing it” because of a football game, or birthday party or vacation.

Here are a few quick tips for this weekend and for ANYTIME you are faced with a Food Centered Occasion #FCO.

1 – Plan ahead

Think about where will you be, what foods will be available, what foods do you really want to eat and which ones you can go without, what are you own personal triggers to overeating and what can you do about it.  Once you’ve thought about all these things make a plan of action.  Sit down and calmly think about your tactics, just like the football teams are creating their strategy, you need to do the same thing.  If you have a plan, you will not be caught off-guard in the mass confusion that is a family get-together. Write down your plan of attack in your journal (see Day 26). The more concrete your plan is to you, the more likely you are to stick to it.

2 – Be a Picky Eater

Rather than mindlessly overindulging on chips, dip, nuts, cheese – enjoy something special.  You don’t have to eat ALL of it; but really think about how you are spending your calories.

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3 – Don’t Run on Empty

This is the exact same strategy that I talked about for Dining Out – make sure you are nourishing your body throughout the day and you don’t show up starving.  You honestly won’t have the willpower to NOT mindlessly indulge on junk food.

4 – Focus on Friends

The point of a social gathering is to be social – and yes, to enjoy food together but you want to be careful to choose the area in which you socialize wisely – remove yourself where the food is, this will help prevent unconscious nibbling.

BONUS TIP: One of my favorite tips that is in my book, Psyched to be Skinny, is to hold your drink in your dominant hand so that it is more awkward to pick up food.  TRY IT!!

5 – Include Activity- MOVE IT!

Not only will activity help offset the extra calories you do eat, but also helps to improve your mood, self esteem, energy level. Think about ways to maintain your exercise routine or set realistic goals to get started.

You can even start a tradition: include a pre-game scrimmage in the backyard (or basement if it’s too cold where you live!); or have a TouchDown Dance contest!

6 – Maintain a Winning Attitude

Whether your team Wins or Loses you want to be a good sport and appreciate the challenge of the game.  You also need to be a good sport to yourself.  If you do end up over-indulging, don’t use it as an excuse to continue down a spiral of poor choices; just start over the next day!

My favorite football team is the Minnesota Vikings, followed by the 49ers – who is your favorite team?

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Health & Bliss to You,

Susie

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