Super Bowl Sunday is the day when folks consume the second highest number of calories of the year (after Thanksgiving). Luckily, taking care of yourself during the big game isn’t as hard as it seems, and it doesn’t require that you skip the activities and food that make you smile. With a tiny bit of planning, Monday will be less managing regret and more prideful recollection of your willpower.

Here’s your path to success for tomorrow’s big game:

1. Grab a workout in the morning, even if you typically do your workout in the evening. Let’s face it, once noon rolls around, all attention shifts to the impending clash (or the commercials, depending on your preference) on the field. Getting a good sweat out of the way provides a sense of accomplishment. It also locks in your mindset of taking care of yourself throughout the day. Let’s face it, once you’ve had a beer or two during the game, you’ll have no interest in getting to a gym.
2. Eat big meals for breakfast and lunch and healthy snacks leading up to the game. Don’t slide into party mode while starving. The closer you are to full when the game starts, the better. We always make smarter choices when our appetites are under control.
3. Hydrate well. Making sure your body isn’t the slightest bit dehydrated will keep you from overdoing it on the junk food and alcohol. We get sluggish when we are thirsty, but our bodies don’t always identify when they are in need of water. We then inadvertently reach for the nearest, easiest pick-me-up – usually in the form of sugar.
4. Sip a cup of green tea an hour before you get into party mode. This little shot of caffeine regularly helps me avert cravings for sugar, and I believe it will help you too.
5. Finally, allow your hard work to take over.  Enjoy the game, the food and the drinks. Trust that the right choices leading up to game time will subconsciously keep you from being gluttonous. Most parties will not be filled with kale and sweet potatoes, and that’s okay. Indulge in what the evening has to offer. Improve the day, but don’t worry about making it perfect.

Go Seahawks (lose by no more than 2.5)!

Kap