FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 2, 2018

It's game time: healthy Super Bowl food options

COLUMBIA, S.C. - It's that time of the year again, when the NFL's two top teams face off. As you plan your Super Bowl party, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control wants you to bring your "A" game to the table and serve up some healthy alternatives for your guests.

Super Bowl gatherings often prompt people to indulge in chicken wings, pizza, and alcoholic beverages. While tasty, many of these foods are high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. DHEC has some nutritious alternatives to satisfy your taste buds.

Here are some healthy tips and snack alternatives for game day.

• Start your day with exercise. It is easy to skip exercise on game day. Score a touchdown by starting the day off with a little exercise. Go for a brisk 30-minute walk, jog or run, or pop in an exercise DVD. It does not matter what you do, just do it!
• Eat before the party. Take a timeout to eat a healthy meal before the party. If you show up hungry, you are more likely to overeat.
• Focus on fruits & veggies. Intercept calories from fat and sugar, and reduce your salt intake by filling your plate with fresh fruits and veggies. If hosting, provide healthy alternatives to your guests to provide balance on the plate.
• Monitor your portion sizes. Stay in-bounds with your calories for the day. Make a plate of snacks and walk away from the table. Avoid mindlessly eating more than you need.
• Remember beverages count, too. Drink water or provide a fruit-flavored water to your guests as an alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and sweet tea. If you are consuming alcoholic beverages, practice proper portion sizes. Limit your alcoholic beverages to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.

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DHEC Media Relations
media@dhec.sc.gov
(803) 898-7769