I know what you are thinking…is there such a thing? Yes! Even thought the Orange bowl is over (sorry Notredame fans) football season is just warming up, specially when we still have the playoffs and the big super bowl awaiting. But while navigating the tailgating recipes I realize there are way too many calories in those recipes! So here is the game plan to save calories anyway we can so you can enjoy a few bites of those yummy recipes. Exercise these rules and you will be enjoying the game while feeling great and looking fabulous!.
Rule #1
Consume tiny portions – If you have a large high calorie appetizer or dessert dish; make the portions very tiny. This way you can help your family and guest save hundreds of calories. The calorie difference can be huge!
Rule #2
Start with breakfast – Research shows that breakfast eaters have better weight. When we skip breakfast, we tend to consume more calories later in the day, due to poor decisions induced by hunger. Simply, avoid feeling super hungry; which results in consume more calories than if you spread your meals them during the day.
Rule #3
Avoid or limit alcohol – Alcoholic beverages provide many empty calories. Also, after two or three glasses you are not going to have much control over what you are eating. Your will power will go out the window once you start drinking alcohol.
Rule # 4
BYOB – Bring your own beverage. How about some delicious low calorie beverages for the party host and guest? Or if you still want the full calorie beverages try the mini cans, which have only 90 calories per can or use a small glass.
Rule #5
Have fun – Enjoy the conversation, the ambiance, the music and do not focus on the food – park yourself far away from the food table. Grab a small plate of food and go mingle. Make sure you talk to everyone instead of staying glued to the food table. People love having pleasant and fun conversations. Who knows you may meet a super special person.
Here is my favorite non alcoholic sangria to get your tailgating started – cheers!
Mix equal parts of Sprite Zero, Light Minute Maid juice (Fruit punch flavor), and add about 2 to 3 cups of chopped fruit. Watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, lime slices, lemon slices and orange slices are some of my favorites.
