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 (or more) of calories by halftime.
I realize this isn’t going to be your healthiest day of the year and that, like me, you’re probably going to indulge. I’m 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 I’ve assembled 10 healthier recipes to give you an alternative to the unhealthy stuff.
Sweet Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon
Replace the 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, this recipe uses turkey bacon and Greek yogurt. Get the recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Dip
These tangy, spicy chicken tenders dipped in creamy blue cheese sauce are delicious enough to make you forget they’re only 158 calories per serving. Get the recipe.
Nachos with Baked Tortilla Chips
These nachos, made with freshly-baked tortilla chips, are pretty addictive and only 258 calories per serving! Get the recipe.
Pita Pizza
Pitas 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. Get the recipe.
Vegan Habanero Chili
This hot, flavorful chili is tasty, filling, and vegan. Get the recipe.
Healthier Seven-Layer Dip
What is a game day buffet table without a seven-layer dip? I created a lighter version that has all of the flavor and only 136 calories per serving. Get the recipe.
French Onion Dip
French onion dip is the go-to appetizer at most every party. While it’s usually made 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. Get the recipe.
Simple Chunky Salsa
Here’s a new recipe for America’s favorite condiment that gets an extra crunch from bell pepper. Get the recipe.
Guacamole
According to Wikipedia, 8,000,000 pounds of guacamole is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. You might need to double this recipe! Get the recipe.
Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
These baked corn tortilla chips taste fresh and have a satisfying crunch you’ll love, without the guilt. Serve with my seven-layer dip or dress them up with a squeeze of fresh lime and a touch of salt. Get the recipe.
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 munch.
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. Fit in a game day workout! Go for a jog or try one of my quick & easy workouts prior to the party.
