Expert: How to avoid Super Bowl binging

DALLAS, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- For those keeping to their New Year's resolution of eating healthier or losing weight, a Super Bowl party need not be a dieter's downfall, a U.S. expert says.

Lona Sandon, a clinical nutritionist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, said for those who made the pledge to lose weight, there are ways to stay on track if invited to a fast-food, calorie-laden Super Bowl party.

"There are plenty of tricks and tips for both partygoers and party hosts to help provide alternatives to full-throttle calorie binging," Sandon said in a statement.

-- Eat a lower-calorie meal just before going to the party or a salad so you already feel full.

-- Drink water instead of other drinks to help you feel full during the party.

-- Drink water instead of beer when eating salty foods.

-- Instead of depriving yourself of favorite foods, eat smaller portions. You're less likely to binge eat if you don't feel deprived.

-- Wait 15 to 20 minutes before going back for seconds or dessert.

-- Take a small sampling of the items you would like to taste.

-- Make your selections, then move away from the serving table.

-- Ask for a smaller plate and allow yourself one serving.

-- If going back for seconds, pick the veggies: grape tomatoes, celery sticks, red pepper sticks, baby carrots.