Eating Your Way Through the Super Bowl

Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

This Sunday, most of us will be cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers from the comfort of our homes. When it’s Super Bowl Sunday, you can count on a lot of party foods. And we all have our traditional favorites.

My fellow nutrition expert at the Health Plan, Sandy Carpenter, told me some hilarious Super Bowl food-consumption statistics for Americans I’d like to share with you.

· 150 billion calories eaten
· 28 million pounds of potato chips crunched
· 8 million pounds of guacamole dipped
· 8 million pounds of popcorn munched
· 1 billion chicken wings nibbled
· 325 million gallons of beer consumed

Here are some of my favorite tips to enjoy your favorite game day foods and not lose control.

· Remembering just two words - mindful eating – can make a BIG difference in staying on track. Try not to think about the party foods as “good” or “bad” – think of them as foods you “taste” and those you “freely eat”. Let the calorie content be your guide – you know the drill!

· For the high calorie treats – anything from wings to nachos to pizza – allow yourself a small serving so you’re not feeling deprived. That often leads to eating hundreds of extra “healthy” calories (think nuts), that you don’t really want!

· Pay attention to your liquid calories – alcoholic or not! These calories aren’t sensed by our bodies very well, and they’re “invisible” add-ons to what we’re eating.

· Are you an excitable fan? Keep that “hand to mouth” action going with a plate of raw veggies, instead of high calorie chips and nuts. Mindful eating usually goes out the window when we’re caught up in the drama of the game.

Go Steelers! (and burn a few calories waving your terrible towel!).

Post away with your own favorite tips!!