How To Have A Healthy Football Season

As the headlines from the draft and minicamps fade from the headlines, coaches, scouting staffs and players all tend to head in separate directions this time of year for some final R&R before the last minicamps and final preparations for training camps begin in a few weeks.

The NFL has become a year-round job in the past 20-25 years, and many team employees regularly put in 80-hour weeks or more throughout the year. This time is much needed by many to recharge before the grind of the season begins.

The Football season seems provide a plethora of reasons to eat badly. It starts near Labor Day, and goes right on past to New Years. Typically during this time of year our eating habits include foods and drinks that are so delicious, yet carry negative effects.

Below are some tips that could possibly help you have a healthy footbal season:

1. Don't think about dieting during the holiday season. That is, don't start a new diet. Your biggest goal during our most favorite season is to maintain your weight. This way you can partake in your favorite beverage and snacks without any guilt.

2. Another good way to avoid packin' on the pudge is to stay seated, and far away from the food table.

3. The beverages tend to favorites for many during this time of year, so be wise in your selection. If you must have a mixed drink, try something like a clear liquor and diet soda, a light or ultra light beer, or a nice glass of wine. I know wine doesn't scream manly, but it is an alternative. Remember this shouldn't be painful, just well thought-out.

4. Good or bad, football games tend to be lengthy, use this to your advantage, and take part in the eating and drinking at a slow pace. The slower your intake, the better chance you will fit in those size 38's come spring time.

5. Chase the kids, or take a walk, whatever it is, make sure you keep up on some type of activity other than couch coaching, and channel surfing. Winter time is hard enough for many people with the cold and darkness, so some activity will help you gain or maintain physical and mental acuity.

6. Eat at home before you head to the football stadium, or over a buddies house. This should help prevent a complete submersion in to the food and drinks. Believe me when I tell you, you will feel much better knowing you don't have to drive home with your pants unbuttoned, either because of pressure or an untimely stomach pain.

7. Eat some chicken wings, not the entire chicken. I think that's clear, and best of all it applies to all food! And anyway, who wants to get stains all over their new Dallas Terrell Owens jersey.

8. If you have the chance to host a football game, stack the odds on your side by putting veggies, and light snacks out rather than the pizza and wings. I mean really, do we as men pay any attention to what we eat while we are watching a game. So long as the drinks are cold, and our food crunches, we are in heaven.

9. This rule applies all year long. Stay far and away from fast food joints. It may seem like a good idea while you're on your way to the game, but we all know it's not filling, and it's to exit.

Regardless of what happens, team officials around the league may be trying to take it easy these days, but everyone will breathe a little easier when players report for the season and the time for distractions and trouble has passed.