SUNDAY, Feb. 3, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- Super Bowl party hosts and guests are ready for some football. But they also need to get ready to fight the temptation to eat and drink too much while watching the game, an expert warns.
For football fans planning to attend a party, eating a small healthy meal ahead of time can help ensure they don't overindulge on junk food, according to Loyola University Health System dietitian Gina Neill.
She added it's also a good idea to exercise before heading off to a Super Bowl party, and limit drinking or simply skip alcohol consumption entirely to avoid extra calories.
And the hosts of the gathering can also take steps to help their guests stick to a healthier diet, Neill pointed out. She offered the following tips for anyone planning a Super Bowl party:
"It's OK to occasionally treat yourself on a special occasion like Super Bowl Sunday," Neill noted in a Loyola news release. "But avoid overeating all the leftovers, which could set you up for getting off track long term. If you choose wisely, you can maintain your diet."
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about healthy eating.