Football fans as well as fans of the year’s best commercials are undoubtedly looking forward to this Sunday, which is Super Bowl day. While it’s obviously a big day for football and for getting together with friends and family, it doesn’t have to be a big day for your waistline. Whether you’re attending someone else’s festivities or hosting your own, check out these tips on healthier Super Bowl fare to make, bring, and munch while you watch the big game.
- Fill up on veggies first. Bring a platter of cut-up veggies and low-fat dip. Veggies can be satisfying to crunch, and they’ll help fill you up without adding too many calories.
- Instead of drinking fruity alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate you, try throwing some fresh or frozen fruit in the blender and make a tasty, all-natural fruit drink. And don’t forget to drink some water, too.
- In the mood for chips? Salsa and tortilla chips are healthier for you than loaded nachos. (Try this Calico Corn Salsa recipe for a colorful twist on salsa!) But if you really want to go the nachos route, consider topping your chips with fresh veggies like sliced peppers or fresh tomatoes, grilled chicken, protein-packed beans, and reduced-fat cheese.
- Don’t order pizza. Instead, make your own. Buy a few pizza crusts and top them with tomato sauce, low-fat mozzarella, and plenty of fresh veggies!
- Making chili? Choose leaner ground beef, or consider using lean ground turkey or lean grilled sirloin–these options have less saturated fat. Don’t forget to throw in some beans, and be sure to offer reduced-fat cheese to top the chili with.
- Set out a tray of home-roasted and home-sliced meats and cheeses–these provide good protein. Don’t forget healthy sandwich extras like sliced tomato, sliced onion, and lettuce! If you or your guests are carb-conscious, you could always forgo the sandwich in favor of making a piece of turkey breast and a slice of reduced-fat cheese into a fun and easy-to-eat breadless roll-up.
- Put it on a stick. Grill up some chunks of lean meat or fish and veggies, and make kebabs. Or consider making kebabs loaded with pieces of fresh fruit (chunks of cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, pineapple, or seedless grapes are easy to skewer) as a side item or healthy dessert.
- Feeling snacky? Air-pop some popcorn; this fluffy snack is very filling. If you don’t want to eat it plain, top it with a little bit of Parmesan cheese, or raid your spice cabinet–a sprinkling of paprika or garlic powder can provide a tasty kick!
Interested in finding out more about how you can eat healthier? If your employer offers a wellness program or wellness coaching, be sure to take advantage (if your employer offers Health Advocate as an employee benefit, you might have access to one or both of these things, so check with your employer!). Or consider talking to a nutritionist–if you aren’t already connected with one, a service like Health Advocate can help you find a local, in-network nutritionist who can give you more tips on healthy eating.
