From the moment the football season kicks off, I know my husband has one thing on his mind: food. And let’s be honest, who can blame him? The season starts around Labor Day and doesn’t end until New Year’s, which gives plenty of time for indulging in all kinds of tasty, yet unhealthy treats. Whether it’s chips, wings, or ice-cold beers, the temptation is everywhere. But as much as I love football season, it doesn’t mean I want to leave the season carrying around extra pounds when January rolls around.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the years figuring out how to enjoy the season without sacrificing my waistline or my favorite pair of jeans. If you’re anything like me and you’re trying to figure out how to navigate football season (and all the food that comes with it) without feeling like you’re outgrowing your clothes by the time spring comes, I’ve got some tips for you. Yes, they might sound like common sense, but trust me, if you stick to them, you can enjoy the season without giving up your favorite snacks—or your pants size.
- Don’t even think about starting a new diet.
It’s easy to feel like you need to go on some strict diet when the holidays roll around, but trust me, it’s not the time. The goal is to maintain your weight during this season, not to lose it. Enjoy your favorite drinks and snacks, but do it with a little more awareness. After all, we want to avoid that dreaded “expand” button on our pants in the spring! - Stay far away from the food table.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that if I’m sitting near the food, it’s a guarantee I’ll be mindlessly munching. So, my solution? Stay seated away from the snacks. This way, I’m less likely to reach for that second helping of chips or that extra cookie. Out of sight, out of mind! - Bring your own healthy snacks.
I’m all about contributing to the spread, but I make sure to bring something healthier to munch on. I love making a light dip with multigrain or whole wheat bread—it’s a great, guilt-free option. There’s this company that makes amazing beer bread mixes, and I always ask my friends for the name, so I can whip it up at home. It’s the perfect balance of yummy and healthy. - Choose your drinks wisely.
I know my husband’s go-to during the games is often a beer (or several), but I try to balance that out by suggesting lighter options. If I do choose a cocktail, I stick with clear liquor and diet soda or just opt for a glass of wine. Not the most “manly” choice, but hey, it works—and it doesn’t hurt my waistline. The trick is moderation, not deprivation! - Slow down your eating and drinking.
Football games are long. I mean, they can drag on for hours, so there’s no rush to eat everything in sight. If you take your time, savoring each bite, you’re less likely to overeat. Plus, it gives your body time to catch up with how much food you’ve actually consumed, so you’re less likely to end up in a food coma halfway through the game. - Stay active—even in winter.
I get it, the cold weather makes you want to curl up on the couch and be a couch potato. But even a quick walk or playing with the kids outside can make a huge difference. Moving around helps keep both your body and mind in check. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off some of those extra calories from all the snacks! - Eat before you go to a party or game.
If you’ve ever gone to a football party hungry, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a recipe for disaster. I always make sure to eat a healthy meal before I leave the house, so when I get to a friend’s place, I’m not ravenous and ready to eat everything in sight. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when you don’t have to leave the game holding your stomach, regretting those extra handfuls of chips. - Portion control, even with chicken wings.
It’s easy to get carried away with chicken wings, but remember: moderation is key. A few wings are delicious, but eating the entire plate is not. The same goes for all snacks—just because they’re tasty doesn’t mean we have to devour them. - Host a healthier spread.
When we host game nights, I make sure to stack the odds in my favor by offering healthier options. Veggies, light dips, and lighter snacks make up the spread rather than just pizza and wings. Honestly, most guys are so focused on the game that they’ll eat whatever’s in front of them, so why not make it something a little healthier? - Avoid fast food.
We’ve all been there—on our way to a game or an event and thinking a quick stop at a fast food joint is the easy answer. But honestly, it’s not worth it. Fast food is typically greasy and unsatisfying, leaving you feeling stuffed but still hungry for more. Skip it and eat something that will truly satisfy you without the aftermath of guilt.
At the end of the day, football season is about fun, friends, and great food—but it doesn’t have to come with the extra baggage. By staying mindful of what we eat and how much we consume, we can enjoy the season to its fullest without sacrificing our health or our waistlines. So, grab your snacks, kick back, and enjoy the game—without worrying about what size you’ll be come spring!
