Avoiding a Supersized Spread For Super Bowl Sunday

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest calorie-fests of the year for many American homes. It's no secret that Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the game—it’s about the food. I know, it makes you hungry just thinking about it, right?

There is absolutely no reason to jump on the runaway food train and spoil all of the hard work you put in for your New Year's resolution to lose weight or get healthier. Here are five tips on how to survive Super Bowl Sunday without gorging yourself on chips, dip, sub-par pizza and an endless supply of beer!

1. Get up Sunday Morning and MOVE - play flag football with your kids, go for a bike ride, walk or run, do yoga or put in your ear buds and dance! Move your body in some way for 20 - 30 minutes.
2. Eat a Protein and Vegetable Rich Breakfast - One of the unhealthiest choices for breakfast is a bagel with fat free cream cheese. It starts your day by spiking your blood sugar and what goes up must come down. So, by 11 a.m. you'll be reaching for caffeine or sugar to give yourself an energy boost. A much better choice would be an omelet with vegetables (and skip the toast), it will keep your blood sugar stable and you won't be so ravenous later in the day.
3. Make a Veggie Platter to Munch On - It doesn't matter if your hosting or going to someone's house...there should be a veggie platter there for munching! Vegetables are full of healthy fiber and are filling. Make one or bring one with you to a party.
4. Alternate Beer and Water - Every time you finish a beer or cocktail make it a habit to drink a full glass of water or seltzer. Alcohol is dehydrating and full of empty calories. You will avoid drinking excess calories and getting dehydrated by following this simple strategy.
5. Put the Food Walking Distance From the TV - Most party hosts put all the food right in front of the viewers. If you take the food off of the coffee table or ottoman it will make it more difficult for the viewers to mindlessly eat (which is exactly what happens!) No one will want to get up and walk over to food and possibly miss an amazing play.

I hope you enjoy your Super Bowl 2012! It's a big year for New York!