If you’re trying to follow through on your plan to eat healthier this year, Super Bowl Sunday might be one of the first times you’re tempted to throw up your hands and grab a slice of pizza, a plate of buffalo wings or handful after handful of tortilla chips (and, of course, eight-layer dip).
Game day doesn’t have to mean game over for your gut. There are plenty of delicious-yet-nutritious ways to fill out your party trays while you watch the end of the NFL season wind down, and no, we don’t mean sad store-bought veggie trays.
Chili weather: Chili is a popular — and potentially nutrient-rich — Super Bowl party dish, but it can get bogged down by adding fixings like cheese, chips and sour cream. Look for recipes that replace beef with heart-healthy lean turkey meat, or skip the meat entirely by subbing soy protein or extra beans. If you need something on top, go for a reduced-fat shredded cheddar.
Double-dip: Losing high-fat favorites like chile con queso doesn’t mean you have to skip the dip entirely. Selecting nutritious spreads like hummus can keep the party going without sacrificing flavor. Homemade salsas are a satisfying low-fat pick, and pico de gallo is another good bet for game day snacking. Make your own veggie chips for dipping (kale chips are popular right now), or pick up a bag of pita chips.
Smart substitutions: One of the easiest ways to cut a dent in the calorie count is by keeping an eye on the ingredients you’re using in the kitchen. Swap that regular sour cream out for a low-fat variety, and select a bag of baked chips, veggie chips or bean chips over the usual suspects. And many dishes that call for dairy can be made a bit healthier by using fat-free greek yogurt.
Number to know: 11 million. Americans will collectively eat around 11 million pounds of chips — along with 1.25 billion chicken wings — on Super Bowl Sunday. Americans also order 48 million pizzas to consume during the big game.
Recipe: Hummus Crostini Appetizer
- Ingredients: 1 French baguette, Extra virgin olive oil, Sea salt and black pepper, 1 7-ounce tub of hummus, 3/4 cup Feta cheese, 1 cup chopped or sliced olives.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Slice baguette on slight diagonal angle. Brush tops with olive oil and place on large baking pan (cookie sheet). Sprinkle each slice with a little coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper. 3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, carefully watching crostinis around 12 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. Remove from oven when golden brown and let cool. 4. Spread hummus on each crostini, garnish with feta and olives, and drizzle with olive oil.
— Family Features
