{Super Bowl Sunday} Neutralize Your Game Day Menu

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, loves!  #TeamSeahawks or #TeamPatriots?  My NY Giants aren't playing (*sad face*) so, I'm rooting for the Seahawks.

Amidst all of the camaraderie, laughter, and good times, Football Sundays (Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays), and the Super Bowl Sunday can be downright stressful. Rooting for your favorite team, or for your pool numbers to come in, can lead to some serious stress and stomach acid.  I know about this all too well, when my NY Giants were playing this season!

 It also doesn’t help when you add spicy snacks to the mix. A Medical News Today study found when a fan’s team is losing they are 16 percent more likely to eat junk food. We’re not suggesting you toss out the chili, sliders or guacamole from your buffet. However, here’s a list of some healthy suggestions to mix into your game day menu to help neutralize your digestive juices and nutritiously nosh through the “Big Game.”

 1. Serve up some team-themed fruits and veggies. An apple a day keeps the doctor away so you can give a healthy cheer for your team. It’s also great for memory, reducing stomach acid and more.

Try dipping apple slices in caramel and serving them covered with team-colored sprinkles (Lime green, grey and navy for the Seattle Seahawks or red, navy, silver and white for the New England Patriots) or plating upright-inspired carrot sticks.

 2. Grilled not fried. Fried chicken wings are a game day favorite, but they are also full of fat and calories. Try grilling chicken instead with a delicious rub or marinade.

 3. Have a healthy supply of nuts. Peanuts have long graced the counters at every sports bar, but almonds are a delicious and healthy alternative to serve up at your football soiree. Rich in protein and essential fatty acids, almonds have been linked to promoting good heart health, which you’ll need when your team is pulling out an overtime win!

 4. Offer a different kind of chips and dip. Instead of the traditional tortilla chips and salsa, try serving up hummus and pita chips. Rich in protein, hummus helps fight hunger cravings and balance blood sugar levels, to curb excessive eating that often happens at a football game or party.

5. Wash down your game day snacks with a healthy helping of high-alkaline, functional water. According to Dr. Ralph E. Holsworth, director of clinical & scientific research for EssentiaWater, an optimally alkaline, high-pH diet that includes functional water can restore the body to a more balanced state.

 Proper hydration supports ideal pH in the body to balance the digestive tract and protect the stomach lining to reduce bloat. Less bloat leaves room to eat more snacks and fit into last year's jersey. If you’re planning to imbibe, try to have a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed to reduce dehydration risks.

Also, for the athletes and those of us who like to workout regularly we know that having a great tasting water makes your workout sessions so much easier to get through.  After trying Essentia water, I now take it with me to the gym, work and keep some in my car to sip on while I'm in this ATL traffic running errands and such.  I love water that tastes really fresh and crisp.  No metallic after taste! Essentia is not only great for you but, it just tastes like fresh, clean water.

Have you tried Essentia water? What's on your Super Bowl Sunday menu?

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via product to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”