Super Feasts: Making healthy choices during the big game

Guest feature by Heather Gibbs

It’s Super Bowl time again, which means whether interested in professional football or not, many people will be getting together with friends to watch the game (and commercials!) and chat. As in many social gatherings of American culture, food will play a major role.

In walks me, your friendly, registered dietitian.

Only, contrary to what you might think, I’m not really one to give a list of “eat this” and “don’t eat this.” In fact, when I teach nutrition to college students, I begin with the basic principles of balance and moderation, supporting the idea that all foods can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle. In other words, balance your intake of all nutrients, and don’t eat an excessive amount of anything.

I should point out, however, that distracted eating is associated with overweight and obesity, and television seems to be a major distracter. Ouch! It appears we struggle to pay attention to internal body hunger and fullness cues when we are watching television, so we often end up overeating.

The logical answer here is either : 1) don’t watch TV when you are eating; or 2) place a small portion of food onto your plate or bowl to limit the amount you consume in a setting.

And don’t just sit there, move!! Before the game! During half-time! Whenever!

The NFL, in partnership with a number of organizations has launched a campaign, “Fuel Up to Play 60,” to target childhood obesity. The goal of this campaign is to “improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children.” It will take collective efforts, such as this one, to develop in our children healthy habits to achieve healthy lifestyles.

Of course, your habits (if you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, etc.) speak volumes to children, and physical activity is naturally fun to a child. Why not make physical activity a part of our social gatherings as well?

So, enjoy the game, and make healthy choices as you do!

Heather Gibbs is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, where she primarily teaches nutrition. She is a registered and licensed dietitian, and received her B.S. from ONU, M.S. from the University of Kansas, and is a PhD Candidate at the University of Illinois. She and her husband, Andy, reside with their two girls in Kankakee, Ill.