Elevating Your Super Bowl Celebration

The Super Bowl is not just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings friends and family together for an evening of sports, entertainment, and camaraderie. However, amidst the excitement and festivity, it's easy to overlook the impact of our game day choices on our health and environment. This year, why not elevate your Super Bowl celebration by making it non-toxic? By choosing healthier, eco-friendly alternatives, you can ensure that your party is not only a win for your team but also for your well-being and the planet. Let's explore how to kick off the Super Bowl the non-toxic way, making conscious choices that won't compromise the fun or the flavor of this much-anticipated event.

Non-Toxic Atmosphere

Fresh Air Over Chemicals

In the spirit of true sportsmanship, let's start by addressing the air we breathe. Traditional chemical air fresheners might seem like an easy fix to mask the smell of a crowded room, but they often come with a cocktail of toxins that can affect our respiratory health and overall well-being.^[1] This Super Bowl, opt for natural ventilation by simply opening a window. Not only does this invite fresh air in, but it also reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants. For those looking to add a pleasant aroma to their home without the chemicals, consider the warm, earthy scent of Palo Santo wood. Burning this natural incense not only fills your space with a delightful fragrance but also adds a touch of "granola vibe" to your game day decor, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Green Cleaning Solutions

Preparation for the big game often involves a thorough cleaning session. However, many popular disinfectants and wipes contain quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), a group of chemicals known for their toxic effects on human health.^[2] Instead of reaching for these hazardous options, white vinegar offers a safe, effective, and non-toxic cleaning solution. Its natural acidic properties make it a powerful disinfectant that can tackle most household germs without leaving harmful residues behind. Plus, it's eco-friendly and economical, making it a MVP in non-toxic home care.

By starting with these simple swaps, you're already on your way to hosting a Super Bowl party that scores big points for health and sustainability.

Healthier Snack Options

Ditching Processed Snacks

No Super Bowl party is complete without a table full of snacks. However, many popular game day treats are made with highly processed industrial seed oils, which can be detrimental to our health. These oils, often found in chips and other packaged snacks, are associated with inflammation and other chronic health issues.^[3] This year, make a play for better health by choosing snacks that are as good for you as they are delicious. Opt for organic chips cooked in avocado oil instead. Avocado oil is a heart-healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fats, and can withstand high cooking temperatures without oxidizing, making it a much healthier alternative.^[4] By serving snacks that are free from harmful oils, you can ensure your guests indulge without compromising their health.

Beverage Swaps

When it comes to quenching thirst on game day, sugary sodas are often the go-to. However, the high sugar content in beverages like Coke and Pepsi can have a significant negative impact on your health, contributing to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues.^[5] This Super Bowl, sideline the sugary drinks and opt for healthier choices like kombucha or natural sparkling drinks. Kombucha, a fermented tea, not only offers a deliciously tangy alternative to soda but also brings the benefits of probiotics, which support gut health. Natural sparkling drinks, particularly those sweetened with fruit juice or natural sweeteners, provide the fizzy satisfaction of soda without the excess sugar. Offering these healthier beverages allows your guests to stay hydrated and happy without the sugar crash.

Transitioning to healthier snack and drink options is a simple yet effective way to ensure your Super Bowl celebration is not only memorable but also mindful of health and well-being.

Conscious Alcohol Choices

The Super Bowl often calls for raising a glass in celebration, but not all alcoholic beverages are created equal, especially when it comes to their impact on your health. This year, consider making more conscious choices about the alcohol you serve to ensure your celebration remains in the spirit of good health.

The Issue with Conventional Alcohol

Many standard beers and wines are unfortunately tainted with glyphosate, a controversial herbicide linked to various health concerns.^[6] This unwelcome ingredient makes its way into our drinks through the widespread use of glyphosate in conventional farming practices. To avoid these risks, look for organic options. Organic beers and wines are made from ingredients that were not treated with synthetic pesticides or herbicides, offering a cleaner, purer beverage choice. By opting for organic, you're not only making a healthier choice for your body but also supporting farming practices that are better for the planet.

Tequila for a Healthier Gut

For those who enjoy spirits, tequila might be a surprising ally for your gut health. Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, high-quality, pure agave tequila is distilled from the agave plant and contains fructans, which are not digestible and act as a prebiotic.^[7] Prebiotics are beneficial for gut health as they feed the good bacteria in your gut. Of course, moderation is key, as with any alcohol consumption, but a small amount of tequila can be a better option for those looking to minimize their toxic load and support their microbiome.

Choosing organic alcoholic beverages and considering the health impacts of different types of alcohol can significantly enhance the wellness factor of your Super Bowl party. By making these conscious choices, you're not only ensuring a fun and festive celebration but also taking care of your health and the health of your guests.

Summary

Embracing a non-toxic approach to your Super Bowl celebration doesn't mean compromising on the fun or flavors that make the game day experience so memorable. By choosing natural air fresheners, opting for healthier snacks and beverages, and making conscious alcohol choices, you can ensure that your party is a win-win for both your team spirit and your health. This Super Bowl, be the MVP of your home by making these mindful swaps, and enjoy the game knowing you're taking care of yourself and your guests. Let's celebrate responsibly and with wellness in mind!

1. Steinemann, Anne. “Ten Questions Concerning Air Fresheners and Indoor Built Environments.” Building and Environment, vol. 111, Jan. 2017, pp. 279–284, doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.11.009. 
2. Camagay, Ana V. “Quaternary Ammonium Compound Toxicity.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594254/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024. 
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Seed Oils: Are They Truly Toxic?” Cleveland Clinic, 22 Dec. 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/seed-oils-are-they-actually-toxic. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024. 
4. Berasategi, Izaskun et al. “Stability of avocado oil during heating: comparative study to olive oil.” Food chemistry vol. 132,1 (2012): 439-46. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.11.018
5. Malik, Vasanti S et al. “Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.” Diabetes care vol. 33,11 (2010): 2477-83. doi:10.2337/dc10-1079
6. Costas-Ferreira, Carmen et al. “Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 23,9 4605. 21 Apr. 2022, doi:10.3390/ijms23094605
7. López-Velázquez, Gabriel et al. “Effects of Fructans from Mexican Agave in Newborns Fed with Infant Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients vol. 7,11 8939-51. 29 Oct. 2015, doi:10.3390/nu7115442