It's that time of year when people belly up to a buffet of hot wings, pretzels, beer, pizza and an assortment of chips, dips, and desserts to watch the biggest football game of the year ... the Superbowl. While there are various reports of just HOW much food the average American consumes on Superbowl Sunday - estimates range from 2,400 calories during the 4 to 5-hour game .... to 11,000 for the entire day. Wow! That's a lot of guacamole. Is there a way to be able to enjoy the big game AND keep it healthy?
Health experts offer a variety of options for football fans looking to indulge in the typical football fare without expanding their waistline or risking the ill effects of upset stomachs.
1. One of the healthiest options for appetizers is a vegetable platter, but be careful of those fat-laden dips. Some of your healthier options are salsa or hummus. Salsa is usually fat free and full of fiber as it's packed with lycopene-rich tomatoes. While hummus isn't fat-free, it is a good source of plant protein and includes healthy unsaturated fats from sesame and olive oils.
2. When it comes to the main course munchies, think thin ... at least where pizza is concerned. Thin crust pizza lets you cut down on the carbs and therefore the calories. If you've got spicy BBQ wings on your mind, why not try pulled BBQ chicken instead. You'll have all the tang and sweetness of your typical sweet and spicy chicken wing but without a lot of the added fat that comes from the skin and the method of cooking fried foods.
This pulled chicken recipe from Amy Robach (full details at the bottom) is one of my absolute favorites. Pair it with some nice potato rolls and you'll get plenty of compliments. If you're feeling ambitious and want to add the slaw to your menu as well, I'm sure you won't get any complaints.
3. When it comes to beverages, beer is usually at the top of the list for many football fans, but health experts suggest swapping out heavy lagers for a lighter brew. Of course, spacing out one or two beers with water in between is an even better option to make sure you stay hydrated and full. Always remember that if you ARE drinking PLEASE have a designated driver.
4. If you ask me, it's not a full meal unless there is dessert at the end.
What's better than finishing things off with a little something sweet? Fresh fruit is always a great alternative paired with a delicious low-fat fruit dip. Need something with a little more indulgence? Popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate is an easy crowd- pleaser, or you can always whip up a plate of low-fat brownies dusted with powdered sugar or cocoa for an added layer of chocolatey goodness that will bump up the flavor without adding a ton of fat.
Whether you're rooting for the 49ers or the Chiefs, or maybe you're just there for the camaraderie, these dishes are sure to score big points at your Super Bowl get together without the fear of tipping the scales on Monday morning.
