What to Eat on Super Bowl Sunday?
Created on 2/5/2010
Aah, Super Bowl Sunday..the hype, the game, the highlights, THE FOOD!
Yes, the food. It seems Super Bowl Sunday is an unofficial holiday, and one that most everyone loves. We certainly love to eat on this day - it's estimated that more food is eaten on Super Bowl Sunday in the US than any other day except for Thanksgiving.
And why not? Many of us are either hosting or attending Super Bowl parties, which means we'll be surrounded by people we know and love, so there's a good chance there will be plenty of food to choose from that we enjoy, which when taken together means we're likely to be happy, which often translates into eating..umm, a lot...
As an integrative medicine doctor, and through the yourwellness program, I frequently offer healthy diet and lifestyle recommendations. Today would be a good day to discuss healthy options for the food to be served at your Super Bowl party.
And I'm not going to do that.
Are there healthy choices that could be served to your rabid football fans that will keep them smiling, satisfied, and maybe even wanting more? Sure, and plenty of them. But sometimes it's simply a good idea to relax a little, and honestly I think Super Bowl Sunday is one of those days.
Trust your good instincts this Sunday. Choose some healthy options like hummus and pita chips, a fresh salad, and veggie burgers to have on hand but don't be afraid to "go for the gusto" - it's Super Bowl Sunday, and every once in a while it's okay to enjoy foods that aren't good for us (fried chicken, pepperoni pizza, chips and bacon burgers come to mind) - in moderation. They're not my favorite dishes but they might be yours, and it's more than okay to enjoy them every once in a while.
Why? Because food is more than medicine. Food engenders soul, family, love, experience and friendship as well as health, and sometimes the soul / family / experience / friendship aspects of food can be even more important to overall health and wellbeing than the nutrients in the food. SOME times, not ALL the time!
Splurging is only meant to be done on special occasions. Gorging on lots of unhealthy fare 1-2 times a year is one thing and likely won't hurt your long-term physical health. The health dangers of eating this way once a week or more, however, will clearly outweigh any health benefits obtained from the sharing of delicious but unhealthy food with loved ones.
So, you heard it from Dr. Russ - have some fun on Super Bowl Sunday. Eat heartily, maybe even healthily, but no matter what relax, enjoy yourselves and the game. And if you're drinking alcohol be sure to have a designated driver with you.
Good luck to both the Colts and the Saints this weekend. Whichever team you're rooting for, I hope they win.
Be well.
Dr. Russ
** Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. **
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