I'm Beginning to Look Like a Linebacker

My friends are football fanatics. Although I make fun of their extreme devotion, I must admit that I am a true Georgia Bulldog at heart and football season is my favorite time of year. Although the Bulldogs are stinking worse than an adolescent boy’s smelly sock this year, we always frequent the same pub on Saturdays to cheer on our team.

Here’s where the problem comes: bar food and drinks. A college football game (or any football game, for that matter) is not the same without a satisfying beverage and some fatty food. Unfortunately, as football season comes and goes, so does my body. I’ve gained seven pounds this football season and I blame it on stress eating during the games. Thanks UGA.

For those football fans out there and even those who hate football and just like the bars, below are some helpful comparisons to help you choose the “best” bar food, with some help from the Seattle Times:

Onion rings vs. French fries vs. cheese fries
Personally, I would go with the onion rings but the article encourages readers to go for a small serving of the French fries but expect about 500 calories for 6 ounces. Ouch. Of course the onion rings contain about 1,500 calories in a basket. Double ouch.

Pretzels vs. bar nuts vs. Asian rice crackers vs. Goldfish
My choice: bar nuts. Peanuts pack some heart healthy fats but you’ve got to watch your portion sizes. The reporter also suggests the peanuts or the pretzels, which contain 110 calories per ounce. I really don’t like those Asian rice crackers so at least I’m okay there.

Olives vs. Hard-boiled eggs
Yuck to both of those for me. Olives are on my top 5 list of foods I hate most in the world. But, according to the article. Four olives only has 30 calories while a hard-boiled egg has 75 calories. Either way, they both pack some nutritional value so if you’re having a martini, feel free to munch on the olives in your glass.

I’ve got some additional comparisons and other helpful bar tips for you tomorrow. Take care.