College football season in the south is a way of life, and as many employees (and employers) can verify, football parties are not unheard of in the office during this time of year. Whether it’s a weekend gathering to watch the big games with fellow coworkers or an in-office bash offering finger foods for lunch, parties centered around football are sure to have a few key ingredients: lots of fun, a sprinkling of friendly rivalry, and plenty of unhealthy choices to be made. We believe you can make football gatherings fun AND healthy though, and we have put together a few tips to help you plan your next event with that in mind.
- Grill your wings! We know that wings are as much of a part of football as the team jersey, but they can be incredibly unhealthy. Often fried, and then tossed in high calorie, low nutrition buffalo sauce, they are definitely not at the top of the list when it comes to healthy eating. Instead, try grilling your wing sections after tossing them in a light coating of olive oil and seasoning of your choice. For no-sauce options, a BBQ dry rub, lemon pepper seasoning, or jerk seasoning can be great choices to give lots of flavor without all the calories. If you do want to use sauce, use a scant amount and toss the wings around in it when they come off the grill. Then, pop onto a sheet pan and let them roast in the oven for 2-3 minutes just to let the sauce set up and “stick” to the meat. Tons of flavor, without an excess amount of sauce. They are sure to be a hit with everyone at work!
- Include veggies on the table. Wings are delicious, and everyone loves a good dip with chips or crackers, but life is about balance, Including fresh veggies and fruits on your game day table will not only add interest, but it will also help encourage healthier eating. On your own plate, aim to have at least half of the space taken up with fruits and veggies, and then fill the other half with the “fun” foods of your choice. Keep in mind, you can use those celery sticks, carrots, pepper slices, or even broccoli as replacements for chips and crackers for your favorite dip options, giving you the flavor you enjoy with more nutritional benefit than the alternatives. Don’t want to be the boring employee that shows up with the veggie tray? Make it fun! Decorate the platter with team colors, or arrange the fruits and veggies in a themed pattern.
- Don’t stay stationary. It’s easy to indulge in football favorites and then head back to the couch or back to your desk after the party. Make time during the day to get on the move! Use a few minutes to go out and walk a couple of laps around the parking lot, or pull a few coworkers together and do a gym challenge when you get off work. A few short sessions are all you need to reach the recommended amount of physical activity for a day.
PHR Staffing Solutions believes in employees that are happy, healthy, and enjoying their work. That’s why we make an effort to support both applicants and employers from the interview process straight through to the final hire. We make the process easier than ever before, so you know you will find the perfect fit faster. Let us help you get hired and score a “touchdown” in your career.