It’s 10:00 pm the night before the Super Bowl. I’m staring at huge bags of tortilla chips, jars of queso blanco and other nacho necessities on my kitchen counter. I’m catching up on episodes of Shark Tank with my husband if anyone cares. We’re baller. Don’t hate.

We’re hosting the Super Bowl party for our friends. Specifically, our Fantasy Football league. We’re having a “Build Your Own Nacho Bar,” hence the chips.

Wait, wait. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese! (Get it? “Not yo” cheese.) Sorry, I’m really punchy and tired.

Anyway, I’m starting to realize the clean eating expected during Body Back is extremely difficult during the weekends. Super Bowl aside, we just left a Chili Cook-Off at church. There were nearly 15 different chilis to sample. Across the room? 15 different homemade desserts. I asked Charlotte what she wanted to make for the kids’ dessert cook-off. She said instantly and emphatically, “Chocolate pie!!!!”

Really sweetie? Are you sure you don’t want organic fruit salad with no added sugar?

Of course not. I used my favorite recipe for Chocolate Chess Pie  and had some sweet and wonderful moments with my little 4-year-old. Yes, I licked chocolate from my fingers and had a tiny sliver at the event. I’m a firm believer in not missing out on any fun or enjoyment. Just ask my husband. But, in the past I’ve gone too far. At Super Bowl parties in previous years I have downed beer, eaten wings and topped it off with a cookie cake with the competing team’s logos. I’m not even kidding you they had homemade chocolate covered potato chips that year. Gah! Amazing.

Super Bowl ’08, the year with the chocolate covered chips. That’s the year the Giants beat the Pats. God, I hate the Pats. I hope that happens again.

Oh, it is now 2:00 pm on Super Bowl Sunday. I got tired while writing this post last night. Then it was crazy this morning. I thought Henry was sick. We took him to the doctor. He’s not sick. Teething. Having a tough time. It was a rough night. Sorry. I’m back. 

Anyway, I’m all for the exercise and clean eating of Body Back. I’m down 5 lbs. in two weeks, so obviously I’m loving this. Even more than the weight, I just feel really good. I’m getting stronger. A gagillion crunches and lunges will do that. However, I do want to enjoy the Super Bowl nacho bar with my friends. I’m not going to restrict my diet to an extreme. I want my kids to see me healthy AND enjoy some indulgence WITHIN REASON.

My solution? Portion control. I have a plan. I’m skipping beer. Water only. I’m loading up my plate with veggies from the veggie tray. Instead of smothering my chips with cheese, I’m putting a small serving size on the side to dip some chips into. I’ve looked up all the calories on My Fitness Pal so I know how much I can eat ahead of time. Our instructor Christie always reminds us, “Plan ahead!”

The USDA reports that Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest food consumption day for Americans, behind Thanksgiving. I get it. Wings are delicious and the game is usually boring. So, plan ahead so you won’t overdo it and you can look as hot as Katy Perry or Tom Brady. Game on!