It almost seems like another holiday is approaching, but this weekend marks Super Bowl weekend, which seems like a ritual for splurging on wings, beer, and other snacks. Of course, this does not bode well with those are trying to reach their goals or stick to their resolutions. Fear not! We’ve asked our team of Registered Dietitians for some of their big game party go-to snack ideas. Here is what they had to say:
Kara Shifler, RDN, LDN likes to serve Caprese Skewers for a healthy and delicious option.
Robin Nuse, RDN, LDN suggests Baked Buffalo Cauliflower for a tasty spin on a vegetable dish.
Try some Buffalo Celery sticks from Natalie Zaparzynski-Ritchey, RDN, LDN:
Buffalo Celery Sticks (Modified from Martha Stewart Magazine)
Serves 6
6 Large Celery Sticks (clean and very dry)
1/4 cup low fat cream cheese (room temp)
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles, divided
1/2 teaspoon of franks buffalo sauce (more if you like more heat)
In a small bowl mix low fat cream cheese, 1/2 blue cheese, and frank’s buffalo sauce. Fill stalks with cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining blue cheese on top. Cut stalks in half or thirds. *If you like heat, sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper.
Stefanie Williams, RD, LDN likes to serve some Polenta Chips as a healthy snack alternative. Here is the recipe:
Polenta Chips
Preheat oven to 450
Ingredients:
2 tubes polenta (plain, prepared)
Garlic infused olive oil
Shredded parmesan cheese
Your favorite marinara sauceDirections:
Slice polenta into 1/4″ thick rounds (chips)
Layer chips on foil lined baking sheet
Brush chips with garlic infused olive oil – both sides
Place in oven
Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, turning once
In last five minutes, sprinkle w/ shredded parmesan cheese
Serve chips with warm marinara sauce for dipping
I personally like these while warm, but they are good cool as well.
Enjoy!
Anthony Tassoni, RD, LDN likes to experiment with recipes from Registered Dietitian Joy Bauer who has some great ideas for Game Day Swaps.
Kristen Hicks MS, RD, LD likes to add some color to her snack tray with some zesty Cowboy Caviar served with whole grain tortilla chips.
Emma Donnelly, MA, RD, LDN likes to serve Spinach Balls, which can be made gluten-free if needed. Try serving with a side of pesto or sriracha sauce to dip in.
Lettuce wraps are one of my favorite Super Bowl foods, says Alyson Heller, MS, RDN, LDN, ACSM. There are many options for the filling such as chicken sloppy joe lettuce wraps, vegetarian tofu lettuce wraps, chicken taco lettuce wraps, ceviche or shrimp lettuce wraps, and thai chicken lettuce wrap. You can make 1 or even 2+ fillings to please most of your guests (one meat & one vegetarian). Here is an easy light thai chicken lettuce wrap recipe.
Registered Dietitian Elizabeth May, RDN, LDN admits that she loves fries, but tries to put a healthy spin on them when she can, such as this zucchini fry recipe. She also loves serving hummus as a dip.
Some other tips to keep in mind at your game day gathering:
- Use vegetables in place of crackers, pretzels or chips to dip with.
- Take what you want, put it on a plate and sit down away from the snack table.
- Go in to the party with a plan i.e. “I will allow myself to enjoy 2 beers today”.
- Bring a “safe dish”. Something that you know is healthy,such as a recipe suggested above.
- Survey the food table. Take a quick tour to see what is available and choose only the foods you will enjoy.
