Game day without the guilt

If you're like most of the country, this Sunday you will be gearing up for the big game. The Super Bowl of course, just to clear up any confusion. Is this article going to suggest you go all out and exercise on game-day? Actually no. I'll wait for the shocked gasps to stop... We good?
Moving on, if you are feeling up for a full-on sweat-a-thon by all means rock it! Maybe you’re not all that interested in this game of games...I'll wait for more shocked gasping.
However, even if you give yourself a free pass on the exercise it doesn't mean you should eat like a lineman. Here are a few tips to make sure you enjoy but don't overdo it.

1. Veggie-out
Make sure you have a veggie tray out front and center. Maybe even spice things up a little and add some hummus as an option to the old ranch stand-by. The hummus offers munchers a good dose of extra protein as they dip.

2. Better bean dip
Another staple for football fare is layered bean dip. The great thing about this yummy appetizer is with just a few small changes it actually becomes a pretty awesome food for your mouth and your waistline. Try using vegetarian refried beans which don’t have lard as an ingredient and are fewer in calories while still packing in the protein. You can even alternate using vegetarian refried beans with black beans ( they make them in a refried version too) . Also, sub in low-fat sour cream and shredded cheese as a simple way to lower the calories without lowering the taste.

3. Chip it up
Of course this staple will no doubt be at your celebration. But try mixing in some popchips ( a more natural, non-fried, non- baked chip ) these tasty treats have just introduced a tortilla chip, perfect for game day. Don’t be afraid to add some other all-star dippers such as pretzel crisps, which can also act like a chip without all the grease and calories.

4. To drink or not to drink?
Would it really be game day without a nice cold, frosty beer? Perhaps not. By now though I am sure you know where this is headed, you guessed it: low-cal beer. Before you turn your face away in disgust, hear me out. There are a decent amount of options out there. Just to name a few, the all-American classic Bud Light or if you like your beer heavy on the hops check out Sam Adams light. There are a ton more choices to check out by visiting your local grocery store .

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, Gilbert Fitness Examiner

Brandy, a regular contributor to various media and print outlets is a working woman trying to find time to fit fitness in! Like a lot of ladies --- she struggles finding the time and the motivation to fit that dreaded word " exercise" into her daily life. ...

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