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Whether you’re rooting for Arizona or Pittsburgh, or if you’re only watching for the commercials and halftime show, I know exactly where you’ll be Super Bowl Sunday — on your rear end in front of the TV, likely with a less-than-healthy array of food in front of you.

Ah, the irony. We sit in one place and eat junk while watching athletes sweat, bleed and cry. This doesn’t just apply to the Super Bowl, of course. Any gathering to watch any display of athleticism has the same result. When did this tradition start? More importantly, how do we enjoy a watch party and watch our waistlines at the same time?

The most obvious answer is to change the menu. Grill lean meats and veggies instead of burgers and hot dogs. Buy fruits and raw vegetables instead of chips and dip. How about yogurt instead of ice cream or all-fruit popsicles instead of pie?

If that doesn’t sound good and you just have to have your Super Bowl burger, opt for a bunless turkey burger with the trimmings. If you insist on bread, choose whole wheat over white. Can’t live without your chips? Have them with salsa instead of a creamy dip.

Then there’s the alcohol. Remember, people, we’re talking about a Sunday evening here. You will have to go to work the next day, so take it easy. I enjoy a beer just as much as the next person, but you definitely aren’t doing yourself any favors by going overboard. Have one drink with your meal and then stick to water. Or, if you want to really feel like you’re in the middle of the action, have some Gatorade. (Extra points for dumping some over your head if your team wins).

OK, say none of this is an option. You’ve eaten junk food for every Super Bowl of your life and have no intention of stopping now. Fine. Then get off your lazy butt and get in some exercise.

Here’s a novel idea: Open a back window and shove the TV up against it. Then go outside and play a little football while enjoying the game. It won’t cancel out the calories you’ll be eating, but it’s better than sitting like a lump. If the game demands your undivided attention, get a workout in before it starts.

With all that we know about health and wellness, it’s just irresponsible to ignore the choices we should be making. I know that one night of junk food and laziness won’t ruin an otherwise healthy lifestyle, but for people like me who constantly struggle with themselves to make smart choices, why invite temptation? Eating better foods and finding a way to be active during a Super Bowl party isn’t going to take away from the fun, and you’ll feel much better about yourself at the end of the night.

To me, it makes no sense to throw away all my hard work on a measly few hours. After all, it’s just a game.