Game Changer

You are on the right track.  Goals set in place.  Daily decisions help to reach such goals. 

And then it happens. . .

An event that changes everything.  You know, an environment revolving around counter-tops filled with food.  The main focus veers from the entertainment to eating.  We forget the whole reason for celebration as the plates fill to the brim. 

All the work you have put forth in changing from a lifestyle of chaos to choosing proper nutrients for the body can change with one pivotal event.  Stand firm and don’t allow such a change.  See the moment as one meal for the day.  Avoid starving all day to save up the calories to consume all in one sitting.  Your body will hate you for such a decision.  Metabolism will be sleeping while thousands of calories wait to be burned. 

Yes, I said thousands. . .check out some statistics involving the current event.

• The Super Bowl is the second largest "food day" during the year, with the top spot going to Thanksgiving. Most Americans double their daily calories on Super Bowl Sunday compared to any other day.
• One out of 12 Super Bowl watchers is there only to watch the commercials, and it's estimated they consume more calories than others out of sheer boredom.  (Bingo – that is me!)
• Beer is the most consumed drink of the Super Bowl. It is estimated that 49.2 million cases of beer will be sold for the big game alone.
• - See more at: http://www.mynetdiary.com/super-bowl-snack-facts.html#sthash.6E8VNe7D.dpuf

Avoid being a statistic.  It is not all about the food.  Engage in the game, enjoy good conversation with loved ones, play an active game to gear up for sitting on the couch for 5-6 hours and laugh!  It is just another day that your body needs a specific amount of energy to sustain life.  Love yourself and provide what YOU need. 

Some tips to make it through all the temptations:

• If drinking alcohol, do so 30 minutes prior to eating due to the fact that the body will slow processing of food in order to metabolize the alcohol; therefore, holding onto to the calories consumed. 
• Drink on a bottomless glass of water throughout the evening. 
• Choose veggies for dipping (enjoy the dips, eliminate the calories/fat of chips). 
• Bring a dish filled with healthy ingredients to assure a better option is available to you. 
• Limit the evening to two plates; one at beginning of game and another at halftime. 

Try a variety in small amounts and enjoy the evening while avoiding a food coma.  Below I will list a few recipes that are delicious, hit the cravings and keep you on track.  Don’t let one evening be a game changer for your health.  It may not be just the Super Bowl; but, a birthday, company party, date night, etc.  You can do this!  If you veer off track a little too far, the next day begin anew! 

Reaching optimal health. . .One Day at a Time

Sheree Craig     

Recipes:

Peanut Butter Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

·         1 Tablespoon coconut oil

·         ½ medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped

·         1 large red bell pepper, chopped

·         1 clove of garlic, minced

·         2 carrots, peeled and grated

·         2 Tablespoons chili powder

·         1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

·         Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper

·         1 - 28 oz can fire-roasted canned tomatoes

·         1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce

·         1 can can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

·         1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

·         1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

·         1 cup frozen sweet corn

·         1½-2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock

·         1 chili pepper, halved, seeded and chopped

·         2 teaspoons, dried oregano

·         2 teaspoons dried basil

·         ½ Tablespoon cocoa powder

·         2 Tablespoons creamy natural peanut butter

·         Juice of one fresh lime

Throw it all in a crockpot and enjoy!

Buffalo Quinoa Bites

INGREDIENTS

·      1 cup vegetable broth or water

·      ½ cup quinoa, uncooked (I used red quinoa)

·      2 eggs, beaten

·      2 tbsp almond meal

·      2 garlic cloves, minced or powder

·      ¼ cup Frank's hot sauce

·      2 tbsp + 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.

2.   Bring broth and quinoa to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer (covered) for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

3.   In a large bowl, combine eggs, almond meal, garlic, hot sauce, mozzarella cheese and 2 tbsp of Parmesan. Stir well to combine.

4.   Spoon batter into mini muffin tin. Sprinkle bites with the remaining one tbsp of Parmesan. You'll need to make two batches unless you have a 24-cup muffin tin.

Bake for 20 minutes. 

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip 

Ingredients

• 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 14 oz. can artichokes hearts, rinsed and drained
• 1 roasted red bell pepper, peeled and chopped or jalapeno
• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 garlic clove, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain the artichokes and spinach well, then add them to the bowl of a large food processor fitted with an S-shaped blade. Add in the rest of the ingredients, and use the "pulse" button to combine into a chunky dip.
2. The texture of this dip is completely up to your personal preference. You can leave it chunky, for a slightly different taste in each bite, or process longer for a more uniform-looking dip! I added a bit of honey to mine, and processed again, for a slightly more balanced flavor and smoother texture.
3. For best flavor, allow to chill for at least 4 hours before serving, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ingredients

·         1 cup natural creamy peanut butter (preferably organic)

·         ⅓ cup honey

·         1 whole egg

·         ¼ teaspoon sea salt (*if using unsalted peanut butter)

·         ½ teaspoon baking soda

·         ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1.     Preheat oven to 350F and grease an 8″ square pan with butter or coconut oil.

2.     In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, egg, salt and baking soda until well combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

3.     Pour the batter into the greased pan, and use a spatula to smooth the top.

4.     Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown. (it only took 20 minutes in my oven)

5.     Let cool, then cut into squares and serve!