Everyone knows Super Bowl is a big day - for watching the game, the commercials and eating. Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest food consumption day in the country after Thanksgiving. That's a lot of chicken wings, chili, pizza and treats. This year, Strong4Life's got tips for how Atlanta families cheer on the home team healthily and easily. The team of Strong4Life experts put together this guide for bringing the fun of the big game to your own home.
1. Tackle Your Pre-Game Appetite - Kickoff isn't until 6:30 p.m., so there's no reason to skip any meals. Serve your family breakfast, lunch and dinner so everyone fills up on healthy foods and are less tempted by snacks later.
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2. Step In With Healthy Substitutions – Score healthy eating points with simple, yet yummy ingredient substitutions (using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, etc.) when preparing your party spread. Check out Strong4Life's better-for- you game day favorites like a "Super Bowl" of 3-bean slow cooker chili, veggie pizza and 7-layer dip.
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3. Sack Sugary Beverages - Just because it's The Super Bowl doesn't mean sweet drinks aren't just "liquid candy." Have plenty of water on-hand for kids, so you can avoid the extra sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100 percent juice. You can even get spirited and add red fruits like strawberries and blackberries to water.
4. Get Off the Sidelines – Remind your armchair athletes that their football super heroes rose to gridiron greatness by being active and fueling their bodies with healthy food. So go out and throw the ball around the day of the Super Bowl, simulate some "Training Camp" activities for the kids or try Strong4Life's Super Bowl Challenge to keep your kids active during the game:
- First Quarter – At kick-off, have your kids jog around the room
- Second Quarter – After the first score, have the kids do 4 sit-ups
- Third Quarter – After the first third down, have the kids do 4 jumping jacks
- Fourth Quarter – During the first commercial break, have your kids jog in place for the duration
Credit: David J. Phillip
Credit: David J. Phillip
Healthy Cooking: Super Bowl dips
Here are some family-friendly recipes from Strong4Life:
· Freddie Falcon's Black Bean Sliders—these sliders are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef
· Red and Black Pasta Salad—whip up this pasta for a healthy side dish with loads of Falcons-colored flavor
· Dirty Bird's 7-Layer Dip—this quick dip is a lightened-up version of the classic party snack
· Victory Veggie Pizza—perhaps the quintessential Super Bowl party food, this healthy and tasty veggie pie is sure to be a hit
