It happens every year. Mere weeks after resolving to lose the love handles, we face a day devoted to sitting on the couch and filling our bellies with hot wings, nachos, and beer. Americans consume more calories on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year. The food, most of it smothered in cheese and dripping with fat, gets as much attention as the football game (and the commercials) and it’s easy to eat an entire day’s worth of calories by halftime.
We realize that this isn’t going to be your healthiest day of the year and that, more than likely, you’re going to indulge. We’re here to help you minimize the damage, and get through it without totally sacking your fitness goals. You don’t have to avoid every tempting platter of appetizers, but we’ve assembled 25 healthy recipes to give you an alternative to the unhealthy stuff.
Extra Points:1. Don’t arrive for kick-off with an empty stomach. Drink
Shakeology or eat a light meal with lean protein before game time. This will help curb junk food cravings.
2. The best seat in the house is not front-and-center if there is a table filled with food within arms reach. Stake out a seat near the game but away from the junk.
3. Watch the game (and the commercials!). Talk to your friends. Cheer for your team. Heckle the other team. The more involved you are in the real action, the less likely you’ll be to absentmindedly fill your face hole with Funyuns.
4. Beer will be flowing. Have a plan for how many you’re going to drink before you start. Slow your intake, and ward off a Monday morning hangover by drinking tall glass of water between each beer.
5. Participate in our Game Day Workout! Watch this space as we’ll soon have a fun workout you can do as you watch the game!
SNACKS
Sweet Potato Skins with Turkey BaconWe replaced fried white potatoes with nutrient-packed, baked sweet potatoes in this light and healthy makeover of a popular bar snack. Instead of bacon and sour cream, our recipe uses turkey bacon and Greek yogurt.
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Sweet Potato Skins with Chicken and SpinachHere’s another way to make sweet potato skins that are healthy enough to eat as a meal! These are topped with spinach, spiced chicken, and cilantro.
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Buffalo Chicken TendersThese tangy, spicy chicken tenders dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce are delicious enough to make you forget they’re only 158 calories per serving.
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NachosThese nachos are made with freshly-baked tortilla chips are pretty addictive, but only 258 calories per serving!
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Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Dipping SauceThese chicken fingers are baked, not fried, and have a crunchy almond crust.
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Pita PizzaPitas make an ideal pizza crust! These pita pizzas are topped with basil, peppers, and onion. Create a pizza station and let people top their own pitas with a variety of vegetables or lean proteins.
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Habanero ChiliThis hot, flavorful chili is tasty and filling.
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Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping SauceThe foodies at your party will appreciate this Thai appetizer made coconut milk, honey, and a touch of spice.
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Hummus-Filled EggsThese can be made with homemade
hummus recipe below. I’ll let you in on a little secret, when I photographed these eggs, the amount of hummus in the recipe didn’t quite fill the center of the egg white, so I dropped a single garbanzo bean into the center of each to take up space…and I loved the texture it added.
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Bell Pepper and Cabbage SlawThis tangy bell pepper and cabbage slaw takes minutes to make, and ensures that there is something healthy and light on the table that’s not technically a salad. Add even more color with red cabbage and shredded carrot.
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Shrimp CevicheThis Baja California-style ceviche is made with shrimp, fresh lime juice, and refreshing cucumber. Make it as mild or spicy as you want by adjusting the chili peppers to your taste. Serving it in endive shells is a clever and crunchy alternative to tortilla chips. Keep your ceviche cool throughout a long football game by nesting your serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice.
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Teriyaki Salmon BitesIf you’re rooting for a certain team from Seattle, make a statement with this Northwest-inspired appetizer.
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DIPS
Healthier Seven-Layer DipWhat is a game day buffet table without a seven-layer dip? We created a lighter version that has all of the flavor and only 136 calories per serving.
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French Onion DipWhen I was a kid, French onion dip was the go-to appetizer at every party. Back then, we made if from a powdered mix and sour cream. I experimented with a healthier way to create this favorite dip from scratch using caramelized onions and nonfat yogurt. The result? It’s even tastier than the original.
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Chunky SalsaHere’s a new recipe for America’s favorite condiment that gets extra crunch from bell pepper.
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GuacamoleAccording to
Wikipedia, 8,000,000 pounds of guacamole is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. You might need to double this recipe!
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Spinach DipWe created a lighter version of the classic spinach dip. Ours has only 32 calories per serving. Eat it with raw veggies like carrots, celery sticks, radishes, or sliced bell peppers. For a spicy kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
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Homemade HummusWhip up a batch of this homemade hummus in less than five minutes!
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CHIPS, FRIES & NUTS
Baked Corn Tortilla ChipsThese baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Serve with our
seven-layer dip or dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime and a touch of salt.
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Kale ChipsKale chips? At a football party? Trust us, these will disappear fast.
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Tomato-Thyme Pita CrispsWith a light dusting of Parmesan cheese and baked-in herbs, these pita crisps are delicious on their own. Top them with a generous serving of chopped, fresh tomatoes and they become a great party appetizer.
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Zucchini FriesThis tasty snack has flavor and crunch. And, our zucchini fries have only 74 calories per serving!
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Spiced NutsThese cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne-spiced nuts are sweetened with a touch of honey. Just mind the mindless munching as the calories add up fast.
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SWEET
Flourless Brownie MuffinsThese dark chocolate muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy.
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