Beware The Blitz

Attention: This post is a warning like the one on the side of a pack of cigarettes. Well, maybe not that serious. But it's something I have to think about at this time of year; so I'm sure there are some of you who need to be warned.

Let's start out with a "Jeopardy" type quiz. The category is: The Calendar. 

The Answer is: After Martin Luther King day in January millions of Americans celebrate this "unofficial" holiday on the first Sunday in February. 

Do you know the question? It's "What is Superbowl Sunday".  

That's right although it's not recognized by the government, the day that two NFL teams play for the Vince Lombardi trophy has all the elements of a national holiday. 

The hoopla surrounding this annual extravaganza is already beginning. The contests for a chance to win tickets to "the big game" are everywhere. Even Buddy the Cake Boss is having a sweepstakes to send viewers to the Superbowl. 

With the start of the NFL playoffs the networks are starting to run commercials that will eventually run during the big game.  


Like everyone else I too get caught up in Superbowlmania. But I am a bit apprehensive because I know what every Superbowl brings with it. 

Accompanying the biggest "non-sanctioned" holiday of the year comes something that sabotages the efforts of those who have resolved to lose weight and get healthy. 

It's a consorted effort by beer brewers and pizza franchises, snack food makers, and hot wing restaurants to blitz your New Year's resolution and sack your success. I'm talking about the ubiquitous Superbowl party. 

No matter how much you've adhered to your food plan and worked out at the gym; the onslaught of foods that are part of the Superbowl party are there to trip you up. 

You could try not going to a Superbowl party but what's the fun in that? You can't spend a "holiday" alone it's pathetic.  

When it comes to sticking to your New Year's resolution the NFL stands for "Not For Long."

Of course it's not the NFL's fault that people hold parties with enough food to feed a small country. But if the game wasn't so popular it wouldn't spark such devotion. 

But you know how it is with people's devotion to sports. Play it and they will watch; especially when it comes to pro football. 

Now I know not everyone who is getting healthy in the new year will be irreparably thrown off course by attending a Superbowl party. 

But I've been derailed from my resolve enough times that I see the upcoming occasion as a dangerous pitfall. Like I said before I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So please take heed to this advanced scouting report and pick up those rushing linebackers aka: hot wings, pizza, queso cheese dip, and tortilla chips, connect with your receiver and continue down the field to your weight loss goal. Your end zone will thank you for it.