Nutrition / Food

6 Healthy Snacks to Fuel Your Big Game Watch Party

Get ready to score big with these crowd-pleasing snacks!

Every February, our TV screens are graced with one of the most popular sporting events of the year. With over 100 million viewers worldwide, the Super Bowl draws quite an audience of football fanatics and half-time show spectators, coming together to watch their favorite team (or performing artist), and enjoy a plethora of fried and greasy finger foods. 

Americans eat roughly 1.5 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday, along with many other high-calorie foods such as nachos, pizza, and those cute little pigs in a blanket. Although indulging in decadent fare every now and then shouldn’t negatively impact your health if you have an overall healthy diet, these foods can derail healthy routines and make you feel all-around sluggish.

Here are some healthy, yet still mouthwatering, game day snacks to enjoy this year from a Registered Dietitian

1. Sweet potato nachos

There aren’t many equivalent substitutes for a cheesy plate of nachos, but you can simply swap out the tortilla chips for thinly sliced sweet potato and still enjoy all the fun toppings and flavors for less calories, plus the health benefits of these filling sweet spuds (high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C). This sweet potato nacho recipe can be garnished with all your nacho-topping staples like melty cheese, spicy jalapenos, beans, and salsa. 

2. Guacamole and veggies

Guacamole is a savory and filling game day dip that packs a host of health benefits. The unsaturated fats in avocados provide heart-health benefits by supporting lower LDL cholesterol levels. Avocados, the foundation of guacamole, also provide dietary fiber to support healthy digestion, and they are rich in vitamins C, E, and K. This classic guacamole recipe combines creamy avocado with savory tomatoes and zesty cilantro. Swap some chips for sliced bell pepper for a lower calorie dipping vehicle. 

3. Charcuterie board

Do you drool over the savory flavors of a snack board garnished with a variety of salty cheeses, cured meats, and crunchy crackers? The good news is, making just a few healthy swaps can have this appetizer go from an artery-clogging feast to a flavorful and nourishing crowd-pleaser. Load up your board with crudite like sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and jicama, then add a clean-ingredient veggie dip or make your own yogurt based dip. Add some sliced cheese, organic crackers, and fruit like grapes and berries for a little something sweet. Here is an idea for a healthier snack board, but get creative and add your own favorite touches like nuts, pickles, and your favorite fruits and vegetables. 

4. Lightened up buffalo chicken dip 

Buffalo chicken dip is a beloved game day staple, but is often filled with creamy, calorie-dense ingredients. Try this “healthified” version for a lighter dip with all of the same buffalo flavors, plus extra protein from cottage cheese. Swap some of the chips for celery and bell peppers for a little crunch and added nutrients. 

5. Cauliflower buffalo wings

Enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings with a healthy twist – swap the chicken for cauliflower. Cauliflower has a nice smooth texture and holds up well when coated in a creamy buffalo sauce. Dip in a yogurt-based blue cheese dressing to avoid excessive calories and added saturated fat from typical blue cheese or ranch dips. Here is a simple cauliflower buffalo wing recipe you can easily whip up in the air fryer! 

6. Chili

Another tailgate essential is a warm, hearty bowl of chili. This one doesn’t need any swapping, as chili is typically a nutrient-dense dish packed with fiber-rich beans, hearty vegetables, and wholesome spices. Try this healthy turkey chili recipe for a crowd-pleasing game day dish. Top with avocado, plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and a few organic tortilla chips for a little crunch. 

With a variety of healthier swaps for classic game day appetizers, you don’t have to worry about overindulging and feeling sluggish following your Super Bowl watch party. You can enjoy all of the fan-favorite flavors while fueling your body and mind. Remember to hydrate if you’re planning to enjoy alcoholic beverages or swap alcohol for flavored sparkling water! 

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