You can still make healthy and delicious choices. Here are five easy ways for you to enjoy your March Madness favorites while keeping the food madness under control.
- Replace fried and battered chicken wings with this healthy, baked buffalo chicken wing recipe.
- Rather than serving your party guests fattening 7-layer bean dip, serve salsa and corn tortilla chips. You can make your own salsa with your favorite flavors, or pick some up at the grocery store.
- Keep your portions in check. It's easy to mindlessly eat while you're watching an intense game. Keep the food-serving area separate from where you're watching the game, and use small serving utensils and dishware to discourage over eating.
- Alcohol and sports can go hand in hand. It's good to keep in mind not only how many calories you consume with each drink but what you drink. The clearer the liquid, the less harmful it is on your body, with less calories. Choose a lighter beer, or if you are drinking hard alcohol, opt for vodka or gin. (Always drink in moderation, and never drink and drive)
- If you're enjoying the game at a sports bar, think about ordering a grilled chicken sandwich or turkey burger. By dodging the cheeseburger or loaded potato skins, you'll also avoid greasy fingers and a bloated stomach.
Being healthy doesn't have to be a buzz kill – pay attention to what you're eating and how much you're eating, and you'll feel better, regardless of whether or not your bracket was busted.
This article first appeared in the March 2015 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
