Source: Patch.com
The Super Bowl is this weekend, and let’s be honest – some of the best parts of game day are tailgating and parties. It just wouldn’t be football season without a buffet line of chips and buffalo wings!
Here’s the kicker: gorging on game day treats can ruin any healthy eating plan. Making a few nutritious adjustments to your favorite football snacks can make a healthy difference. Try these healthy game-day snacks:
Home-Made Guacamole: Try mashing fresh avocado and adding your favorite salsa to make a great guacamole without the preservatives and mystery-ingredients of store brands. Pair with baked tortilla chips to for a healthier snack!
(Buffalo) Wing It: A healthier alternative to deep-fried Buffalo wings is a baked version. Once the chicken is baked, simply add hot sauce and enjoy!
Bench the cheesy nachos: Instead, try melting low-fat cheeses, or serve a platter of colorful vegetables and crackers with a Greek yogurt-style dip (containing active cultures).
Best Potato Chips Ever: Do you think home-made potato chips sound too time-consuming? Think again! To make your own sour cream and onion potato chips, cut a large baking potato (either Russet or Idaho) into 1/8 inch thick slices. Arrange one third of the potato slices in a single layer on a large microwave-safe plate. Coat the tops of the potato slices with cooking spray, and sprinkle one-third of a packet of dry ranch dressing mix over them.
Microwave the uncovered plate on high for 4 minutes, turn over the potato slices, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the chips appear dried, crispy, and begin to brown. Remove the chips from the plate and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Repeat this procedure with the remaining potato slices and enjoy!
Sloppy But Healthy Sliders: While the taste brings back memories of childhood, the nutrition here is all grown up! Using 95% lean ground meat and add mashed kidney or black beans for additional protein and fiber. Spice your sliders to taste, serve them on mini whole-grain buns, and top them with diced tomatoesk.
Still worried about overstuffing yourself? Eat from a small plate, portion sizes, and resist going back for seconds. Eating slowly and spreading your snacks will help with portion control. And focus more on the game than the food — cheering for your team could actually burn some extra calories!