WORK IT OUT WEDNESDAY (Football Edition): Sunday Funday Made Healthy?

Football season is upon us and in Hoboken, it is one of the best times of year. The weather is still beautiful, the Giants and the Jets are not completely out of the running for the Big Game, and it’s the perfect transition of fun from the long beach says of Summer. However, it isn’t always the best day for your diet. Let’s be honest, no one wants to sip on water and eat kale while watching the games at Wicked Wolf right? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing on Sunday Game Days. You can still keep your healthy pride and have a little fun while your at it, without waking up Monday morning feeling bloated, hungover, and disappointed in a few poor decisions. We have simple ways to ‘indulge’ in a healthier way!

Craft beers are all the rage, and everyone wants to be sipping on something that is unique and handcrafted. But err on the side of caution; these beers tend to be higher in calories. Our suggestion is to have one, and then go back to your old friends—traditional light beers. They have come a long way. Amstel Light, Corona Light, Heineken Light are all 100 or less calories.

Swap the guac! Go with some hummus, you’ll get additional protein, less fat and also have the option to ask for carrots and celery – ditch the chips and pita.  A quarter of a cup, about the size of your palm, or 4-tablespoons is approximately 100-calories More bang for your buck! Hummus Platter to share at 10^th and Willow is our suggestion to try out.

Craving a burger? Opt for sliders. Better on portion control and you can easily split this with another person and add a salad or side of vegetables. Black Bear has a whole slider section on their menu. Be even healthier and split the sliders with a salad.

Sharing is caring! Split an entrée and a salad with a friend, it’ll help you save on calories (and a few bucks!). Stewed Cow has a menu full of variety from burgers, tacos, and more.

You don’t have to stop the fun, just because you want to lead a healthier lifestyle. All you need to do is make smarter choices and stay the course.  Like Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” So practice making the healthier choices, and eventually it will become perfect.

Lisa Bruno is the co-founder and director of business development at Work it Out Fitness Studios<http://www.workitoutgym.com> in Hoboken. Bruno is an avid fitness and nutrition enthusiast (and has been since a very young age). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition and is currently pursuing her Masters and certification as a Registered Dietitian.