Happy Super Bowl Sunday.  Here in South Florida, we are all a-buzz with Super Bowl fever.  I, like many others, feel a soft spot for the Saints, simply because they are from New Orleans.  After what the residents survived when Katrina blew through there, they just deserve victories and opportunities to celebrate.

So how do WE, the spectators, make it through the day without packing on extra pounds?  Here's the plan for our home.  Hopefully we can stick to it!

Mitch and I will start the day with a Sunday walk with "big red."  After a healthy breakfast, we'll head out to the Parkland farmer's market to pick up some locally grown, hydroponic lettuce and other leafy greens for the base of our dinner salad.  We'll also purchase whatever other salad items we can find as well as veggies for the grill and maybe some fruit as well.  It's such a great destination, surrounded by cows and horses and smiling shoppers and vendors.   A great opportunity to do some more walking, breathe some fresh air, run into neighbors and friends and buy locally grown food!  Then we'll stop at the Fresh Market to get some seafood items such as shrimp and hopefully, stone crabs.

We want to make one rather decadent treat and right now we are thinking Buffalo Fried Shrimp.  If we make that as an appetizer I think it will satisfy the need for something Super Bowl worthy, without sabotaging an entire meal.  I have a nice batch of healthy, homemade guacamole chilling in the fridge since last night.  Though high in calories, we know how healthy those avocados are for us, (and so tasty!) so I like to figure those into my daily eating whenever possible.  Since the main course will be fresh seafood, salad and grilled veggies, we can offset the calorie intake from the appetizers.  Though I am sure Mitch will be drinking some calories, I don't generally drink any alcohol on Sundays (simply a way to start getting my body ready for all the physical work that lies ahead come Monday) but may have a beer or glass of wine watching the game.  It is, after all the biggest day of the year for football!

But today, in my house, we celebrate something even bigger.  It was 12 Super Bowls ago that Mitch smoked his last cigarette.  (Ok, ok, I threatened him into it but he thanks me every year...but I am just as thankful for the gift he gave to me, himself and his family that day).  Way to go, Mitch.

Well, after a great night's sleep on a new bed, new sheets and a new blanket I am extremely grateful and ready to get this Super Bowl Sunday started.   However you celebrate, stay safe and enjoy.