Game Day is here! Don’t go crazy and fall off the wagon. Here are some tips so you can actually enjoy Super Bowl Sunday while being healthy. Yes – it is possible!

Mental Preparation: Do not starve yourself until the Super Bowl party and plan on pigging out. When you are hungry your brain is instantly looking for a quick fix to give you energy and you automatically will be attracted to the worst possible food choices.

Food Choices: Get your protein before you start munching. Usually there is always a platter of sliced meats or shrimp cocktail. Having protein before you start snacking will actually reduce your craving for junk food.

Chips: Healthier options are whole-wheat pita chips, pop chips or air-popped popcorn. Baked chips are better than classic potato chips. Here are some healthy brands without compromising taste: Pop Chips, Beanitos and Corazonas. You can find these at any local grocery store – they are much more nutritious and delicious than your classic potato chips. When selecting baked chip brands look for chips with the least amount of processed ingredients.

Dips: Salsa and hummus are great, delicious, healthy options! Go for these instead of the artichoke dip, ranch or crazy cheese dips. Load up on veggies! Some people just feel like munching; let yourself munch on unlimited amounts of veggies before you go for the chips and dip. Carrot sticks with salsa is one of my favorite combinations.

Beer: Men’s Health did a study on the best tasting light beers, here are the top five picks: Adams Light, Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light, Kirin Ichiban Light and Bud Light.

Be mindful of your portions. It’s easy to get lost in the game and mindlessly munch on what is directly in front of you. Take a plate and put a reasonable amount on your plate. Remember what you are doing – watching the game and hanging with family or friends, not just consuming crazy amounts of food. Live your life while being healthy!

* Stay tuned for my next nutrition video coming out in a few weeks on how to be a planner, eat more frequently and reduce late cravings!

• Comments Off on Super Bowl Sunday Solutions! By Carina Sohaili

The New Year is here. NYE is a time for friends, family and celebrating with people you love. If you went slightly crazy on the bubbles, here are some simple tools to get your body back in check so you can have a beautiful January 1, 2013.

1. Eggs – with the yolk. Egg yolk contains cysteine. Cysteine breaks down the toxin acetaldehyde in your liver, causing your hangover.
2. Coconut Water. Coconut water is a great source of potassium, calcium and chloride. The electrolytes in coconut water will help your body rehydrate and boost energy levels. Coconut water has more natural electrolytes than any sports drink and is a better option.
3. Bananas. Alcohol drains your body of potassium. Bananas are packed with potassium, which will assist your body in a faster recovery from the night before.

For everyone with NYE resolutions, do not try and do everything all at once! Strive for progress, not perfection. Have goals but make them realistic and manageable.

Happy 2013!

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Eat normally and don’t skip meals or eat less during the day in anticipation for a huge feast at night. If you do, it will be very hard to tell when you are actually full and you will end up overeating – more than you normally would. Don’t focus on the ‘feast’ focus on family, friends and why you are at your meal – to be around the people you love.

Eat your Turkey first. Turkey is a great protein source, and protein keeps you more satisfied and full for a longer amount of time. It also stabilizes your blood sugar levels which will reduce your desire for seconds and thirds of those sugary sweets. Go for the light meat instead of the dark meat; light meat has less saturated fat (the unhealthy fat) than the dark.

Be real; cook with real cranberries and real pumpkin, not the canned version. Canned cranberries are loaded with overly processed sugar, chemicals and other preservatives.

Most importantly, be grateful for everything in life your life and spread the holiday love. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Comments Off on Turkey Time Tools By Carina Sohaili