Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged. Hopefully you've found me on Facebook and have been keeping up with me there. Here's the link!
Anyway, these next few months are my absolute favorite time of year....Football games, holidays, and sweater (or gumbo) weather! I am very much looking forward to the break from the Louisiana Summer heat and anxious to get some longer outdoor workouts in. One of the things that I think of when I think of Fall, however, is tailgating and comfort food. There's nothing like a hot bowl of creamy soup to make those Fall days perfect. These next few months are also the time when it's easiest to stray away from healthy eating habits. Tailgating parties can be the greatest places for temptation. It seems like every "tailgating" recipe contains at least one of the following words: cheese, creamy, fried, potato, BBQ, Buffalo, Nacho, etc. Not very healthy. And that's not even mentioning the alcohol. It can be very easy to consume over 3000 calories in no time. So here's a few tips, tricks, and recipe ideas to make it through. And here's the thing.... if tailgating is something you don't do regularly, but is rather a once a season occurrence, have fun, enjoy, and don't stress about it. But... if you're a die hard fan who is out at Death Valley or the Dome every home game, those Saturdays or Sundays can completely undo all of the good work that you'd done during the week.
1. Tips:
Eat a high protein breakfast before you even head out to the stadium. It may seem counterproductive to eat rather than "save" the calories, but protein will keep you from feeling starved which leads to binge eating.
Bring something: If you're potlucking it, bring a healthy homemade main dish so that you know you'll at least have you're own dish as a good choice.
Tell people that you want to stay on track with your eating habits. Have a friend police you! Listen to that friend when they tell you to stop!!!
In the stadium, stay away from Nachos and go for the peanuts.
2. Swap:
Veggies for chips, or if you're going to go for chips, choose a popped chip. (You can find them at most grocery stores)
Hummus for creamy Ranch dips, or make Ranch dip with Greek yogurt. Try this recipe from Weight Watchers. Ranch Dip
In pizza recipes, use Turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni. Only 4 grams of fat for 17 slices!
Use ground turkey/chicken or even buffalo for burgers instead of ground beef.
3. Skip
QUESO!!!!!! Choose Pico de Gallo, salsa, or guacamole instead.
Chicken covered in Buffalo or BBQ sauce- Instead prepare chicken that is well marinated in rich flavors and then grilled
High Calorie Alcohol: Stick to a "skinny" version. It's scary to think how many calories are in some of those regular drinks!
Those are just a few ideas. Oh, and GEAUX TIGERS and WHO DAT?!?!?!?!
Here's a FB Note I wrote last year with some ideas for the holidays!
1. Eat a high protein meal prior to the one you are attending/hosting. For example, if you are attending a Thanksgiving lunch, eat breakfast at home. I will probably have an omlete with lots of veggies on Thanksgiving morning. AND as easy as they may be to make. SKIP THE CINNAMON ROLLS.
2. If your family is doing a pot luck like mine is, bring one or two dishes that you know will help you succeed in your weight loss journey. Bring veggies, a salad, brown rice for that gumbo that will undoubtedly be there, or even make a sugar free dessert.
3. Let's talk about the gumbo. Some cajuns will kill me for this, but there are ways to cut back a TON of calories when making our favorite dish. First, go with a roux mix (Like Tony Chachere's) instead of the regular roux that has a ton of added fat calories because of the oil. Second, instead of regular smoked sausage, used Turkey smoked sausage. Your guests will never notice the difference. Third, use boneless white chicken breasts instead of high fat dark meat. I promise, the gumbo will taste delicious, and your hips will thank you!
4. Alcohol. Stay away when you can, but if you'd like a lower cal option, bring along some Skinny Girl Cocktails. PS- they are delicious in Crystal Light Mocktails!!!
5. Dinner time... remember your eyes are bigger than your stomach. First, eat salad.... bring your own dressing if you have to (I really like the dressing sprays, you can totally control how much you use!). Second, use a dessert or salad plate when filling up on entrees and side dishes. Third, skip the dark meat and stick with Turkey breasts. Fourth, skip the bread rolls, or have just ONE. Fifth, don't go back for seconds. You really don't need them. Next, fill up on the things that you brought and know what is in them. Lastly, don't feel obligated to eat something because so and so made it.
6. Drink plenty of water with lemon. It will help prevent water retention.
7. Desserts. If you brought a sugar free dessert, stick to it. If you didn't bring something, eat very small slices of desserts that are "special occasion" items (that pie or cake that only gets made this time of year). Stay away from desserts that you could make "whenever" (ie cookies, brownies, etc.... you wouldn't believe the amount of calories you could save by doing just this.)
8. Get out and move. The temptation to just sit at the table and chat and eat all day is a tough one, but why not suggest a family walk or game of football after lunch?
9. Don't turn one "special occasion meal" into a whole week of more relaxed eating. If you have leftovers that are higher in calorie content, don't eat them all at the same meal. Mix them with lower calorie items like veggies, etc.
10. Skip the soft drinks and DRINK MORE WATER. (I know this is a repeat, but it's important!)
