Let’s start this off by saying there’s no doubt about it — drinking beer is a big part of the Irish culture. While we normally think of Guinness, you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the world’s favorite stout. However, there’s no doubt that Guinness packs a caloric punch — a pint is around 200-250 calories. When you add it up over the year, those calories can really add up and make a difference in your waistline, especially since you might be planning on drinking beer more than one day a year. The good news is that drinking beer doesn’t have to fill your gut while adding extra pounds to your waistline. Here’s my quick 4 step lesson on how to get and stay fit on Saint Patrick’s Day. All without cutting Guinness out of your diet!
Eat Something Healthy Before You Go Out
It’s not difficult to make healthy choices about what you eat. It is, however, difficult to get drunk and make healthy choices about what you eat. If you plan on drinking on Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s a good idea to eat something before you go out.
Before you head out for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations make sure you have a healthy meal first. Drinking on an empty stomach increases your alcohol tolerance and makes it more likely that you'll overindulge. Eating something healthy beforehand will also keep you full longer so you don't order as many drinks or snacks or get drunk as fast. It may be hard to convince yourself of this when all you want is a Guinness but eating healthy beforehand will help mitigate the effects of the day.
This is a great way to keep your blood sugar up and prevent yourself from getting too drunk too fast. It’s also beneficial because it will help you make better food choices. Instead of eating greasy foods that are horrible for your stomach, you might be more inclined to eat something like a salad or bowl of soup.
Drink a Full Glass of Water Between Each Beer
Drink a full glass of water between each beer or mixed drink. This is good for two reasons: First, it keeps you hydrated; second, it forces you to slow down and think about what you’re doing to yourself. Drinking water between drinks is also a good way to keep from over-imbibing when it comes time for bed.
Drink one beer or mixed drink an hour at the most, and try not to go more than three hours without having something nonalcoholic. Whatever your limit is — whether it’s one drink an hour, or once every two hours — make sure you stick to it. You can use that time between drinks to mingle, talk to people and get involved in any fun activities around you instead of just drinking yourself silly.
Exercise Early In The Day And Later At Night
Scheduling a workout early in the morning will help you burn off those calories before you begin to consume them. It will also give you more energy throughout your day, and make it easier to avoid poor eating choices later on.
If you can’t get your workout in early in the day, try to do it later at night. If you’re going out, once again, don’t starve yourself before going out. Just eat healthier options throughout the day and try to eat a little lighter before going out. This way when you exercise later that night, your body will be burning off the fat instead of what is stored by the food you just consumed that night.
If you’re still tipsy at 10 pm, do a circuit training workout with Flybird adjustable weight bench.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Saint Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be just about the adults. Get your kids involved with celebrating Irish culture or just making it an active day in general. If you don't want to take them out in public (and deal with all the temptations that come along with it), organize a home celebration centered on crafts, games, or other activities that don't involve food or booze.
Make it a group challenge to eat a variety of vegetables — especially green ones. You can have fun creating meals that include spinach, broccoli, kale, collard greens, and other nutritious options. Or try making a "Saint Patty's Day Salad" full of greens and topped with a dressing made of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Try something new. If you've never had kale chips before, now is the time to try them! They're easy to make — just bake kale at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until they're crispy. Then sprinkle them with a little sea salt and enjoy!
Make it social. Take advantage of the day to spend time with friends or family by taking an evening stroll together or playing an active game like touch football or Frisbee in the park.
