Healthy food tips for your game day party
Hey Sports Fans! Are you ready for the big game day party? When you’re gearing up to enjoy a big sports game, food, beverage and fun times come to mind. Whether you’re actually there for the game or just for the fun of the party you can gather ‘round without giving up on your healthy eating plan.
Here are some savvy food tips aligned with the latest recommendations of Canada’s new food guide for you to enjoy food and keep connected to your healthy eating goals.
Boost the veggies
This is the number 1 healthy eating recommendation in Canada’s new food guide.
- Let veggies take the starring role at your party food platter. Serve lots of colour, crunch
- Whip up tasty and nutritious dips such as hummus or guacamole.
Choose whole grain foods
Looking for a crunch?
- Slice up and toast some whole grain fajitas to swap out the chips for a healthier option.
- Air-popped popcorn is a great whole grain snack and source of dietary fiber. Serve it plain, or try adding different popcorn flavors such as smoked paprika or chili powder.
Get creative with your protein
Are you making crown pleasing party foods such as meatballs or chili?
- Cut the ground meat in half and swap in cooked lentils to lower calories and fat content.
- You can find great recipes on Health Canada’s new food guide recipe website, or Dietitians of Canada website unlockfood.ca.
Drinking
Okay, so it’s a party and alcoholic drinks are on the menu. Simple tips to keep in mind:
- Canada’s low risk alcohol drinking guidelines for special occasions suggest no more than 3 drinks for women; no more than 4 drinks for men on any single occasion.
- Set your limits and stick to it.
- Drink slowly ex 2 drinks in any 3 hr period and have water between alcoholic drinks. Try a flavoured water. Try adding citrus fruit or cucumber slices to fresh tap water for a great flavour booster with zero calories.
- EAT before and while drinking.
- Lower the alcohol content of your beverages by making a wine spritzer using 3 oz white wine and 2 oz of carbonated water to keep your head clear during a sports party and to cut back calories too.
Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat!
Bottom line – your relationship with food matters more than you might think!
- Your culture and food traditions are an important part of healthy eating. Relax and enjoy!
- Stay on track of your healthy eating goals by taking time to eat and following your hunger cues.
Enjoy the game. Go Team Go!