Super Bowl Parties the Healthy Way!
Have a Safe and Healthy Super Bowl Celebration
Whether you are having or going to a party, these tips provide a Healthy Game
Plan for Super Bowl Sunday.
Eat healthy
Avoid a false start with fattening foods. Eat healthy snacks before the
celebration, or better yet, take healthy snacks with you to prevent
overindulging.
Hosting the party? Add healthy snacks to your menu instead of just the
typical pizza and
wings. Go for the super bowl trophy by serving all healthy
snacks.
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple halves or carrot sticks.
There should be a variety in season.
- Avoid the blind side; many dips and dressing contain far more calories than
you think. Limit portions or serve
fat-free or low-fat dips and dressings.
- Offer foods and beverages low in fat, calories, sugars, salt, and sodium.
- Serve foods and beverages that can be consumed by people with
diabetes or
on special diets. Water is always a great alternative to sugary and
caffeinated
drinks.
Consider food safety
As you prepare game day meals and snacks, take steps to avoid serving
recalled products and follow food
safety guidelines to prevent illness.
Follow the Four Rules of Food Safety
- Clean,
- Separate,
- Cook,
- Chill.
Limit alcohol
Don't get a penalty for drinking and driving. Take steps to make sure you and
other guests you celebrate with avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any party or
celebration begins.
- Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive.
- Be a helpful host by reminding your guests to designate a sober driver and
offer alcohol-free beverages.
Alcohol is common during super bowl celebrations, but be mindful that for
pregnant women, consuming alcohol can cause babies to be born with
fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS), a lifelong condition that causes physical and mental
disabilities.
Get physical activity
Score a first down by adding games that include
physical activity.
Physical
activity doesn't need to be hard to be beneficial. Be active for at least 2½
hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates, and
that strengthen your muscles.
- Dance along with the music during half time or put on your own half-time
show.
- Take the fun outside and play a game of half-time tag football.
- Make your own cheers with your favorite moves.
- Lift hand weights,
stretch, or use a
stationary bicycle or treadmill while
watching television.
Stay warm
If it's going to be cold, take these steps to stay warm on game day.
- If you are tailgating or celebrating outdoors, dress warmly and wear
loose-fitting, layered clothes.
- Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
- Drink warm liquids that do not contain
caffeine or alcohol. Alcoholic
drinks cause your body to lose heat more quickly.
- Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
Stay safe
Parties and tailgating can be fun, but it's important to pay close attention
to things that may cause injury and take precautions. Injuries, both
unintentional and intentional acts of violence, are among the top ten killers
for Americans of all ages. Injuries (for example,
concussions, and
brain injuries) can cause pain and inconvenience, and even
lead to disability, chronic pain, and a profound change in lifestyle.
- Never leave children unattended.
- Avoid wearing clothing or costumes that block your vision or restrict your
movement.
- Make sure your pets can handle the excitement before placing them in new or
strange situations.
- Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane,
natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or
camper. Even when using these items outdoors, make sure they are not near an
open window.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby when cooking or using a grill in case there's an accidental flare-up.
- Have a first-aid kit in your home and vehicle to handle injuries like small
cuts and
bumps and bruises.
- Wear seatbelts.
- Wear appropriate protective gear when playing a pick-up game or
riding
bicycles, motorcycles, and skateboards.
Try these healthy recipes
for your Super Bowl Feast this year!
Enjoy the game!
SOURCE: CDC.gov. Have a Safe and Healthy Super Bowl Celebration.
<http://www.cdc.gov/men/superbowl/index.htm>
Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2011 1:20:31 PM