Woooo! What time is it? IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON BABY! Many of you probably HATE football season and all that comes with it. Sitting in front of the TV for hours on end when there are so many other activities (or chores) that could be done. Or the mindless trash talking that comes from your spouse and all his idiotic friends. Believe me, I get it! But football also brings people together and creates connections that otherwise would not be made. I know if it weren't for football, then I would probably be talking about cats, or some other random topic, just to make conversation with people. But I digress.... What does football season have to do with health and fitness? Well for one, if you're sitting down to watch football then you're more than likely about to consume copious amounts of fried foods, beer, and the only resemblance of a vegetable might be a jalapeno popper. Second, in order to watch football you have be stationary in front of a TV. Meaning you're not moving your body, even though you're watching some of the highest caliber athletes on the planet. Kind of ironic, don't you think? So I thought I would give a few suggestions as to how you can prepare yourself for this football season, so your health and fitness don't get booted out of the stadium. PLAN AHEAD Ok, so you've heard me say this over and over and over again, but if you don't think ahead then how will you plan for the worst? If you know you're going to a bbq or party where there will be tons of tempting snacks, then be sure to eat prior to going to the party. Yes, you'll still have a few of those nachos, but it wouldn't be the three platefuls you may have had if you didn't eat prior. Otherwise, be sure to take a healthy option that you can have while at the party. Check out my past newsletters for some delicious and healthy recipes! WORKOUT PRIOR TO THE GAME Just like planning ahead and taking healthy food options; you know you're going to be sitting on your rear end for hours, so get in some exercise prior to the game. Even a quick 20-30 minutes is better than nothing. However, just because you exercised in the morning, that doesn't give you a hall pass to eat whatever you want at the party. You can't out exercise a bad diet, so stick to the healthy choices, with just a few of the unhealthy choices. And if you don't watch football, but your spouse does, then use that time to get out with friends and go for a hike, a walk on the beach, or a yoga class to help you destress from all that football talk. It's a win for everyone!