Ochsner Tips for Travelers, Tourists, and Saints Fans Cheering from Home
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Whether you're hitting the road to Miami or staying home to watch the big game, Ochsner has some healthy tips to help Saints fans celebrate the Super Bowl with their waistlines in mind.
Choosing Cuban Cuisine: Louisiana is known for its Cajun cuisine and Miami for its Cuban delicacies. "The typical Cuban meal consists of slow cooked meats and rice, which can be hard on your hips," says Molly Kimball, RD, Elmwood Fitness Center. Molly says, if you're planning on sampling some of the local flavor, here's some tips on what to order:
• Choose Cuban dishes that feature chicken, grilled shrimp and fish, or roasted pork.
• For side dishes, choose black beans and vegetables instead of white rice or fried plantains.
• Some restaurants may also offer a fresh salad, which is typically a smart choice.
• To avoid lots of extra calories, ask for sauces on the side if you're not sure what you're getting.
Driving - DVT Dangers: If you're planning the long drive to Miami, plan on taking breaks to stretch your legs and avoid potential DVT. DVT or Deep-vein Thrombosis sounds complicated, but it's simply a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg. While certain individuals are more at risk for DVT, it can occur in anyone traveling long distances and sitting in prone positions for extended periods of time. The simple solution is to stretch your legs every couple of hours. "If you start experiencing pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness in the legs, and skin that is warm to the touch, seek medical care immediately," warns Dr. Steven Deitelzweig, Assistant Vice President of Medical Affairs, Ochsner Health System.
Snacking Solutions: Snacks are a fact of the Superbowl and, whether you are Miami-bound or planning a party, you should offer at least a few waist-friendly options. If you're driving, Kimball recommends, "instead of grabbing some candy at the gas station, try snacking on low-fat, protein-rich beef jerky. But plan ahead, packing a cooler with sandwiches on whole grain bread, fresh fruits and veggies are a great way to reduce drowsiness that high sugar foods and sodas cause while traveling." If you're having folks over, don't forget the cru' de tet (raw veggies), a grilled vegetable platter, whole grain crackers, and fresh fruits. Now is the perfect time to break out the grill and avoid deep frying anything.
Drinking Downfalls & Delights: Most likely, alcohol will be in abundance at your game day festivities and if you're not careful, alcohol can be a triple whammy. According to Kimball, "it can stimulate your appetite, weaken your resolve to eat well, and pack a caloric punch." She offers a few numbers to help guide you in your drink selections:
• Glass of wine (5 ounces) - 100 calories
• Light beer (average for 12 ounces) - 100 calories
• Regular beer (average for 12 ounces) - 150 calories
• Champagne (5 ounces) - 100
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