Trimming down the Super Bowl Splurge

You probably don’t want to hear about all the fattening, indulgent foods that you should be avoiding during the Super Bowl game this coming Sunday. And, I won’t be harping on the fat, sugar or calorie content of food. I want to help you enjoy Super Bowl in all its glory: the game and the food. The trick is to be mindful of your eating behaviors.

Think of the last super bowl game or athletic event. Do you remember what food was served? Do you remember what you ate or how much you ate? Probably not…and that’s the problem.

The solution is mindful eating. Think about WHY you’re eating and HOW much you’re eating. First, are you hungry? If so, enjoy the food. This isn’t a race – savor the taste, smell and texture. Be mindful of the amount you eat throughout the game. Use halftime as a cue – enjoy one trip to the buffet line at the beginning of the game and savor each mouthful during the first half; if you are still hungry after halftime, return to the buffet to satisfy that hunger. Remember, it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to catch up with the stomach and recognize fullness. The half time cue gives your brain the time it needs to help you identify when you’re satisfied.

What happens when you’re not mindful? The result is overconsumption.

Some fascinating Super Bowl food statistics:

• The U.S. Calorie Control Council estimates that Americans pack away 11 million pounds of chips on Super Bowl Sunday

• The National Chicken Council estimates 1.25 billion pounds of wings will be devoured on Super Bowl Sunday, America’s second biggest day of gluttony behind Thanksgiving.

• 1,200 calories is the amount of calories that the average Super Bowl watcher will consume while just snacking…

• Budweiser has been the exclusive Super Bowl beer advertiser for the past 17 years, and will continue to be until at least 2014

• According to 7-Eleven stores, there is a 20% increase in the sale of antacids on the day after Super Bowl.

Your mindset will determine if you become one of these statistics. Eliminate the concept of a free pass or free day to eat whatever you want – you can “indulge” every day if you listen to your fullness cues. Mindful eaters enjoy chips and chicken wings – however, they eat until they’re full or satisfied.

If you want to enjoy the Super Bowl and feel good the following day – be mindful. Eat a healthy satisfying portion and lower the previously mentioned statistics!