Following on from previous posts on how to survive game day, today we will look at some of the pitfalls and challenges, as well as the highlights of living with a chronic disease such as diabetes or weight management.
Prepare for a turnover ball
As any player will tell you, a game doesn’t always go their way. Let’s hope the PA system works better for Ledisi than it did for Carrie Underwood when she sings “America, the Beautiful”. But if not, roll with the punches; make another plan. Prepare for a setback and start again – regroup, reframe and just keep going. Even if it means you have to go acapella and risk it all on your own!
Any game has a strategy and a plan but very often the winning team is the one who can be agile and swift and change the plan if necessary.
Perhaps you planned on a quiet Friday night at home with your low-carb, low-fat, perfectly calorie-counted meal ready waiting for you. A friend calls to say she got a promotion, or an old College mate shows up unexpectedly in town. Or maybe your partner arrives home from work and suggests an evening out. Life happens.
We need to be able to adjust the plan and make quick changes. This is where I talk about the 80:20 rule. If you have things under control 80% of the time, you can afford to go a little hog wild 20% of the time. The key is not to feel guilty when you do decide to take a break and actually enjoy the time out safely.
Celebrate your successes
Since we’re going to be in New Orleans, the home and heart of jazz – blow that Trombone! Managing a chronic illness that relies so heavily on lifestyle management is very hard work. Much more difficult than throwing a ball around! Share your success stories with others and be filled by their positive feedback.
Perhaps you would like to share some of your success stories, tips and tricks on our social media pages and encourage others by learning from your experiences. Join a local community group of like-minded people and find a team and team manager that you feel comfortable with.
The Final Whistle
Healthy eating should be enjoyable, not restrictive. Human social behavior is an important part of our daily lives. Whether it’s the Superbowl, a religious celebration, a milestone birthday, or just a regular Saturday evening with friends and family, we should be able to enjoy these occasions and still manage diabetes and weight accordingly. Try some of these suggestions, try out new recipes, plan ahead and share your ideas with your friends and us. That way you can continue your weight loss journey and/or your diabetes journey with confidence and satisfaction.
Whether you are a Chief or an Eagle, or somewhere in between….lead your tribe, strategize, unite your tribe and make decisions that ensure long-term strength and prosperity and then soar high!
Take a look at some more tips on how to navigate like a pro and not Super-Eat through the 2025 Super Bowl!
Hungry? Check out these delicious, healthy Super Bowl Snack Recipes!
