Nachos, chicken wings, dips, pizza, and beer… these are just a few star players at any Super Bowl Party. So during the big game, is it possible to make healthy choices? Camelback Village Dietitian Jamie Miller has a play-by-play of how to not have a nutritional fumble while watching the big game.
Don’t go into the game starving
By eating a balanced healthy breakfast and lunch, you won’t be so tempted to dive into the chip bowl from out-of-control hunger.
Pick your seat wisely
Instead of sitting right next to the appetizer table, find a spot that makes it difficult to reach for more food. This can really help minimize mindless grazing.
Practice head-to-head matchups of indulgent vs. healthy fare
Make a game-day rule that for every wing you eat, you’ll have three celery sticks. Or for every brownie, you have one cup of fruit. If your healthy choices outnumber your not-so-healthy ones, you can walk away feeling proud and satisfied, while still enjoying some classic game-day foods.
Watch what you’re sipping on
Use the 1:1 drinking rule. For every alcoholic beverage you plan to drink, follow it up with a full glass of water. Not only can alcohol add a hefty amount of calories to your evening it can also lower inhibitions, which may result in more munching than you intended.
Bring a healthy dish
Bringing your own contribution to a potluck or Super Bowl party will ensure there will be at least one healthy option to enjoy.. You can also impress your friends with a nutritious contribution to the spread that’s still absolutely delicious. Here are some recipes to try out!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or blue cheese)
- 1/2 cup Franks Red Hot™ Buffalo Wing Sauce (more or less depending on desired heat)
- 1 1/2 cup chicken, cooked and shredded (or pulled)
- Veggies and baked crackers for serving
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, mix together the first five ingredients.
- Add the pulled chicken, and stir until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into baking dish, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until dip is warmed through and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with celery sticks, carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper, or other veggies, and baked crackers.
Peanut Butter Fruit Dip:
- 1 6-oz. container fat-free Greek yogurt (0-2%)
- 2 Tbsp. peanut flour (or 1 Tbsp. nut butter)
- 2-4 packets of Stevia or 1-2 Tbsp. honey or sweetener of choice, to taste
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. almond extract (optional)
- Assorted fruit for serving
Directions
- Stir together all ingredients until well combined.
- Serve chilled with berries, grapes, apple slices, or other fruits!
Mediterranean 5 Layer Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. hummus (family-size container)
- 1 large red bell pepper
- ½ English cucumber, diced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- Baked pita chips/crackers and veggies for serving
Directions
- In an eight-to-nine-inch serving dish, spread the hummus evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer everything else on top of the hummus.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve with toasted whole grain pita or whole grain crackers and sliced veggies.
