Cut calories on game day with these tips!

By Isabella Rosa

We can all agree that there is no better day than game day here at the swamp. However, game day comes with lots of eating and drinking, which can make it hard for those who are looking to stay in shape. 

Drinking do’s and don’ts:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day because staying hydrated is key to a healthy lifestyle. It is okay to enjoy a couple of drinks with your friends such as hard seltzers, light beers, vodka or gin and tonic. These have an average of 100 calories and can be easily incorporated into your daily calorie count. Enjoy that BBQ, but make sure to eat smaller portions; you do not need 20 wings or five hot dogs! 

Try to stay away from dark alcoholic beverages such as dark rum or whiskey as they contain more calories. Also if you are counting calories, exclude any mixers such as sodas or sugary juices. Instead, try bringing packets of Crystal Light which only contain five calories. The small packets can fit in your pocket, and you can mix them into your drink for a sweeter taste. 

Day before and after game day: 

If you want to be able to indulge in game day fun, put in some extra work in the gym the day before the game. The day after, make sure you rest up. The heat, drinks and food from the previous day can take a toll on your body, so be sure to drink lots of water and eat something nutritious. After you get some rest, hitting the gym again could potentially make you feel better if you’re feeling sluggish. Doing this can help maintain your fitness routine even when you have a cheat weekend!

Remember a healthy lifestyle is not only about counting calories. Enjoy that tailgate, have that social drink and meal on Saturdays, but don’t forget to get back into your routine when all the fun is over. Use the rest of the week to get back on track so that you can enjoy more game days in the future.

And of course… Go Gators!