It’s that time of year again-where the leaves change, the air cools, and the grocery store aisles are lined with pumpkin flavored… well, everything it seems like! Which also means it’s football season, and we couldn’t be more excited! Since Sunday is typically your rest day from kickboxing and strength training classes, what a better way to rest and relax by unwinding with a football game with friends-whether you’re watching at home or downtown at one of our local breweries. Are you worried that resting and enjoying the game will sabotage your goals? Not to fear-we have some tips and tricks to help you stay on plan while also enjoying the season. Plan ahead: If you are planning on enjoying a Sunday funday-plan an early morning walk or run to enjoy the fall leaves. Typically when we’re enjoying a football game we are pretty sedentary, so physical activity of some kind right away in the morning will help set the tone for a mindful day. Don’t go out hungry: One of the worst things we can do before we plan to go out and be social, is to leave the house completely ravenous. You should already be in the habit of planning and meal prepping-so weekends should be no different. Make sure to fill up on plenty of water, veggies, protein, and healthy carbs prior to leaving the house so you won’t be overly tempted (or desperate to get something in your stomach ASAP) by anything and everything in sight. Going to a friend's house to watch the game? Bring something healthy to share like a plate of fresh cut veggies and nonfat greek yogurt mixed with calorie free ranch seasoning, or fresh fruit with nonfat greek yogurt mixed with some PB2, for your sweet tooth! Stay Active: Consider being active during commercial breaks. Get up, stretch, walk around, or make a challenge with your friends to bust out some mountain climbers, jumping jacks, planks, squats, or push ups! Or my favorite-try to hold a wall squat for an entire commercial ;) If you are physically at the game, take the stairs! Get up, stretch, and walk around the stadium throughout the game. Choose wisely and try not to drink your calories: One of the biggest mistakes I see is when trying to stay on plan is drinking calories. Although we are not the fun police-of course, enjoy yourself and have a drink or two if it fits into your plan and lifestyle. Our recommendation would be to opt for the lighter/lower calorie beverage, such as a White Claw or light beer. Make sure to drink a bottle of water in between your alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated, and avoid getting dehydrated. Have healthier snacks available: If you’re going to a friends or a stadium which allows you to bring some of your own munchies-bring along some edamame, celery, carrots, or grapes. Have friends over and you throw the party: If you like being the host or hostess-invite your friends to come to you! You can serve things like grain bowls, awesome taco salads, fresh fruit and veggies, hard boiled eggs with hummus instead of the yolk, or throw some lean proteins and veggies on the grill, and enjoy! Stay focused on the end goal: This is where a good old fashioned mantra can come in handy. Remind yourself periodically throughout the day what your end goal is-are you looking to lean out, bulk up, or overall feel more healthy and vibrant inside and out? Remind yourself of how you will feel when you reach your goal. Get visual about it! Having a clear vision of what life will look like when you reach your goal will often help you stay more focused, and not let one football season get in the way of YOU accomplishing your goals! To a happy and healthy football season, y’all!
