New Years Weight Loss Resolution Crusher # 1 - The Super Bowl
By Jason Zaretzky
Super Bowl Sunday Is nearly here. You know what that means right?
It means a feast of wings, beer, and a host of other treats and goodies.
It also means that this year's first major Weight loss obstacle is upon us. That's right, it was nearly a month ago when you made the New Year's resolution to lose weight and get healthy. Fast forward to Super Bowl Sunday and you find yourself surrounded by what I call the years first big obstacle.
However you can save yourself thousands of calories by using my healthy and figure-friendly party food alternatives come kickoff.
The following is a comprehensive list of both approved food choices and/or healthier substitutes for traditional party foods. Use this list to satisfy your taste buds while saving at least hundreds if not thousands of calories in the process. If you use these strategies consistently for parties and social gatherings over the course of the year, this could prevent 5-10 lbs of fat gain… easily!
Section I- Appetizers
- Naked Sandwiches (preferably bun-less, only use whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
- Thin Crust Whole Grain Pizza
- Fruit Salad (throw low carb whipped cream and dash of splenda/stevia on top as desired)
- Super Salad Bowl (use unlimited veggies and meats, dip dressing on the side or use low calorie substitutes)
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Tuna or Chicken Salad
- Nut Butter on Celery Sticks
- Mixed Nuts (no sugar, unroasted, low in salt)
- Cheese, Eggs, and Meat Tray
- Caprese Salad
- Raw Veggies (use dip sparingly)
- Grilled/Sauteed Veggies (use extra virgin olive or coconut oil)
- Figure-Friendly Nachos (see "accessories" below for ingredients: tortillas, cheese, salsa, and guac)
- Buffalo Chicken Bites (skinless, no breading, use low calorie buffalo sauce sparingly)
- Pasta Salad (use whole grain pasta and go easy on the dressings, choosing marina based sauces over creamier versions)
Section II- Accessories
- Natural Whole Grain Tortillas
- Natural Baked Chips
- Natural Cheetohs
- Diet Lipton Green Teas (or other low calorie/carb beverages)
- Water
- Natural Salsa
- Guacamole
- Salad Dressings: Vinegars of choice (apple cider, red wine, balsamic, etc.)
- Other Low Calorie Condiments of Choice: mustard, hot sauce, horseradish, etc.
Section III- Main Courses
- Lettuce Burgers (use extra lean sirloin or bison, preferably bun-less only using whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
- Rotisserie Chicken (choose "plain" and remove skin and dab off any grease as needed with paper towel)
- Extra Lean Kosher Hot Dogs (preferably bun-less, only use whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
- Chili (preferably bean-less, only use if absolutely needed and feel free to swap extra lean turkey for the beef version to cut down fat intake)
- Pizza (see "appetizers" above or use whole grain/thin crust options from restaurants or frozen food isles)
Section IV- Desserts
- Edy's Grand Light Ice Cream
- Prograde Cravers (100% organic chocolate snacks bars)
- Advocare's Snack or Meal Bars
- Low Carb Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory
BONUS - JZ's Top Tips to ensure you don't Crush your New Years Weight Loss Resolution on Super Bowl Sunday
1.) Go Naked: Replace all buns or breading for sandwiches with a lettuce wrap alternative to cut calories, stabilize blood sugar, and boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
2.) Hydrate: Drink at least two to four cups of water before eating AND one to two cups every 15-30 minutes after you start eating to fill your stomach and prevent overeating that can be trigged by dehydration.
2A.) Soda, sweet sugary drinks, and beer do not count as hydration for your body. Instead these drinks will add to the dehydration thus triggers stuffing you face.
3.) Do not fast in preparation for the BIG event. If you do you will not only turn your body into a famished fat-storing machine the next time you eat, but you will most likely eat the house once you do eat.
6.) Focus on eating lean proteins and fruits and veggies first. Use these in unlimited amounts as needed to fill you up and best prevent the typical party favorites (e.g. thick crust pizza with extra full-fat cheese).
8.) Replace Gold With Green: Opt for guacamole over cheese for your salads and chips. Guacamole is not only low in saturated fat and high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats but it also has a ton of fiber that will help fill you up fast and prevent overeating. Though cheese is a true super food in moderation, it is very easy to overeat especially when mixed with refined carb sources like white chips and pizza.
About the Author:
Jason Zaretzky is Owner and Program Director of Optimal Performance Training. He specializes in athletic performance enhancement, corrective exercise, and physique alteration. Jason is committed to optimizing your results. He has helped a countless number of individuals and athletes look, feel, and perform at optimal levels, through his system of scientific results oriented programming.
Jason Zaretzky is Rockland County's go to fat loss expert and owner of Optimal Performance Training Center located in Rockland County NY. For a FREE 1-week trial to his Rockland County Bootcamps, to experience the best fat loss training in Rockland County please visit RocklandCountyBootCamps.com
For more information on the bootcamp solution, visit www.optimalfitnessexpress.com and see how a real results based bootcamp type workout is properly conducted. Jason Zaretzky has developed the fitness bootcamp antidote - the Optimal Fitness Express! The fastest, most efficient way to look, feel, and perform your best.