This is the time of year when I start to get the same questionsasked over and over again, “How do Ieat at football games and stay somewhat healthy?” If you think it is impossible, it really isn’t, but you do have to do some planning. I thought this would be a more than an appropriate topic for our first Issue of ASIB, since football is so much apart of Tampa Bay! I have season tickets to both the Buc’s and the Gators, so this is something I have struggled with for years!
The first thing to remember is to make sure you don’t go to the games hungry as that will just set you up for failure, especially 
if you start with a nice cold frosty alcoholic beverage. And as we all know, football and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly. And if you dotailgate, there willbe those “food and beer pushers” everywhere as well as “bad” foods lurking at every party orconcession stand in site.
The first thing to remember is to make sure you don’t go to the games hungry as that will just set you up for failure, especially if you start with a nice cold frosty alcoholic beverage. And as we all know, football and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly. And if you do tailgate, there will be those “food and beer pushers” everywhere as well as “bad” foods lurking at every party or concession stand in site.
GET REAL, it is supposed to be a fun day, so don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t perfect. Try to get some exercise the morning of the big game, even 20 minutes is better than none! Eat a healthy breakfast! If it is YOUR tailgate, then make sure you have some healthy choices available.
If you are drinking, alternate between water and beer and make sure you are not drinking on an empty stomach.
Don’t deprive yourself…if chicken wings are your favorite food, have some, just don’t have 50!
And most importantly, if there is a football around, throw it!
I have tried to sneak my 3BAR energy bars into the game, but I got busted and they threw them out, so I suggest not trying to sneak food into the game like “back in the day” when we all snuck alcohol in! So with so few healthy choices, what do you eat?
· I vote for some peanuts (protein and fat) which will keep your blood sugar stable, give you longer lasting energy and help curb your appetite.
· Make sure to have some carbs along with the peanuts, (I vote for a pretzel without the salt). Remember the peanuts, they are loaded with salt.
· If you happen to be in “a good section,” they are now offering deli sandwiches, so watch the added sneaky fats like mayo and cheese, fat and more fat.
· How about a turkey leg, they are probably injected with some type of fat, but they are much better than a hot dog! But remember to have some type of carb with it to balance out your blood sugars!
· Stay away from too many sport drinks like Gatorade. While it will quench your thirst, unless you’re planning getting on the field and join the game, you’re just adding on extra sugar and calories. Even football players drink diluted Gatorade!
So hopefully these hints will help educate you on how to not completely blow your whole week in one day, and give you some ideas on planning for the day. Just remember, having control of your intake will guarantee that come Monday morning you aren’t saying to yourself, “I am never doing that again,” or “I am starting my diet today!”
And surround yourself with family and friends who support your desire to make healthier choices!
If you are looking for Nutritional Consulting/Sports Nutritional Consulting, Bridal Bootcamps, and or Personal Training, I can be reached at tri2girl@yahoo.com.
GO BUCS!!!
