For many of us Canadians, winter means one thing: hockey. But if the good ole hockey game is our nation’s favourite pastime, then our second favourite is probably eating and drinking while we watch the puck fly.
When it comes to unhealthy hockey refreshments, beer is the top culprit. But where there’s beer, deep fried and salty snacks are sure to be close by. From wings to fries to nachos, sodium and saturated fats lead the unhealthy snack league in points.
If you’re envisioning a future of hockey night celery sticks, though, don’t worry.
We’ve got you covered with some delicious game time ideas for pub, the rink, and your living room couch.
Snack Hacks for Home
It’s hockey night and the chips are flowing? Try these alternatives:
Instead of wings, substitute BBQ or baked chicken skewers. Use chicken breast (it’s less fatty) and lightly brush on your favourite sauce prior to cooking.
For a crunchy snack try baked chickpeas. Simply spread chickpeas on a baking sheet with parchment paper (dried chickpeas have to be soaked overnight first). Lightly season and bake at 350 degrees C.
Pumpkin seeds are another great crunchy snack alternative (and they’re in season now too).
Of course there is the traditional veggie and dip platter but instead of a high calorie ranch dip, try hummus or tzatziki for dipping.
Snack Hacks for the Sports Bar
When you’re watching the game at a pub or restaurant, it’s harder to control what goes into your food. But you can make a big difference by moderating how much sauce you add. Most sauces are high in sugar which, after consuming beer and presumably not getting much activity, are un-metabolized and stored as fats.
When you’re ordering, ask for salad dressing and burger condiments on the side. You can also substitute the burger bun for lettuce wrap, which is a pretty common option at most places these days. Ask if the wings can be baked instead of fried, to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
Snack Hacks for the Stadium
Watching a game live is a great experience—unless you have specific eating requirements. Most sporting venues are always updating their options to be current with local tastes and trends, but often this falls well short of healthy choices.
Consider this a “cheat meal”. If you are going to the game and know you will be having a burger or nachos and beer, make it a priority to work off those extra calories the next day. Go for a run, hit the gym or find some way to even out those extra calories.
Is Beer That Bad?
When it comes to alcohol, moderation—not abstinence—is key. In fact, several recent studies have shown that there are correlations between moderate consumption of beer and health benefits; beer, in small doses, can influence levels of high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) as well as containing fibre for digestive health.
Interestingly, Guinness is said to be one of the most nutrient-rich beers, high in antioxidants and iron (despite weighing in at 125 calories).
Generally speaking, the lighter the beer the fewer the calories. However, with the recent rise in popularity of craft brewing, even lighter beers can pack a hefty caloric punch. Beers like
- Becks (64 calories)
- Miller 64 (64 calories)
- Molson 67 (67 calories)
- Sleeman Clear (80 calories) are all tasty, low-calorie options.
Everything In Moderation
Everyone has to live a little and enjoy life. Splurging can be ok as long as it is in moderation — not trying to fit 5 days of splurging into one night.
The 80/20 rule is always a good way to measure indulgence: if you’re good for 80% of the time, you can indulge for 20% of the time.
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Alex Kastelen
Principal
Innovative Fitness Coquitlam
C. 604-816-7745
