Posts Tagged ‘football’

Florida State Football Players get “Cheat Day” on Diet

October 28, 2010 @ 8:57 pm posted by

FSU Seminoles have their own Nutritionist

I’ve long been a proponent of giving yourself a little food or beverage treat now and then.    It’s the perfect way to reward yourself for a full week of eating healthy and respecting your body.

I got a kick out of hearing ESPN report tonight (during a game) that the Florida State Seminole football team gets a “cheat day” on Mondays.   The team nutritionist apparently lets them relax their nutritional standards one day a week, to keep them on course.

The reporter also added that “if the team wins, they get to choose their meal, and their favorite is honey-fried chicken.”
Obviously a southern team !   LOL

I’ve worked with several teams and always look forward to helping them achieve their goals.   My 80/20 rule says that 80% of effective athletic training is nutrition:  the fuel you put in the body.   

If any Noles find this blog, congrats on having an impressive 2010 football season with your new coach!

Share

Healthier Tailgating and Watch Party Menus

October 14, 2010 @ 9:05 am posted by

Choose healthy recipes for tailgating or watch parties

It’s football season!  Many of us wait anxiously for fall and all the fantastic on-field mash-ups it brings.   Whether you’re watching your own kids at a nearby ball field, setting up a full-fledged tailgate party in a parking lot, or hosting a big watch party, you do have healthy menu options that are still tasty!

Let’s talk about dogs.   A great alternative to the traditional hot dog is a turkey brat.   Here’s the trick:   boil them in beer.   They’ll come out with a lot of flavor, and you’ll have just saved about 300 calories and 26 g of fat.   Soak them in mustard for even more flavor.    If you’re counting calories, eat yours without the bun (but you already knew that).

My favorite kebabs don’t even require a grill – how easy is that?  Load your skewers  with varying combinations of the following:   cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, artichoke hearts and black olives.   Put them in a pan and drizzle them with low-fat Balsalmic vinaigrette or low-fat Italian dressing.   These Italian-style “hearty skewers” are very filling . . . and delicious.

If you or your gang likes wings, swap out boneless, skinless chicken for wings.   Experiment with marinades and sauces until you find one you like best.  I like a nice lemon-mustard marinade, and a light honey mustard is also goof.   You can even use barbecue sauce since you’ve given up the chicken skin.   If you find a sauce that simulates the traditional flavor of wings, by all means, cut up some celery to accompany, but opt for low-fat or fat-free sour cream.

A boiled shrimp tray is a nice way to throw a little protein at your gang without a lot of fat, and cocktail sauce isn’t on my no-no list.   These also require no cooking, another big plus!

I don’t have to tell you that a raw veggie platter is 100% healthy and satisfies the urge to crunch and chew.   But if you absolutely have to have something salty, swap out your regular chips and dip for baked chips and salsa.    Lays and Doritos both come in a baked version.   The salsa cuts out all the calories and fat found in the sour cream which serves as  a base for so many dips.    You can also look for vegetable chips, which provide both a salty satisfaction and crunch.

When it comes time to load the cooler with beverages, keep thinking “light.”  Light beer saves an average of 50 calories per beer.   Of course I advocate for moderation when it comes to beer, and the waistline on your pants will back me up on this.

Stay away from regular sodas;  opt for unsweetened tea instead, or add Stevia.    You can also make your own lemonade, using soda, lemon and Stevia.    Throw lots of bottled water in the cooler, and remember to drink a lot of water before you eat.   You’ll be surprised how much that “full” feeling cuts down your appetite.

Think of this as your Fantasy Football Menu.   Keep making trades until you’re lean and happy!

Share