Super-Healthy Snacks For Sunday’s Big Game

The Super Bowl holds a special place in all of our hearts. Even if you’re not a fan of the actual sports aspect, this unofficial holiday has other charms, namely the commercials and the food. Let’s face it, the Super Bowl just wouldn’t be the same without heaps of hot wings, rivers of beer, and a never-ending supply of Doritos and queso dip. But for all of us trying to shed those left-over holiday pounds, Super Bowl Sunday can hit our waist lines like a grenade of deep-fried goodness. According to Freep.com, we consume an astronomical amount of junk food on Super Bowl Sunday. Just take a look at some of these Super Bowl food statistics:

  • 11.2 million pounds of potato chips are consumed every Super Bowl Sunday, along with…
  • 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips
  • 4.3 million pounds of pretzels
  • 3.8 million pounds of popcorn
  • 2.5 million pounds of nuts

It’s not surprising when you see photos like this one – from the burger supports to the Twinkies by the trees, this is definitely the kind of spread you want to try to avoid. So how exactly are we supposed to have our Super Bowl parties if we have to sacrifice the calories? Fortunately, Scratch here is ready to give you a couple of great ideas to substitute the fat-heavy dishes we’re used to serving on this most holy of Sundays.

First off, no party – Super Bowl or otherwise – would be complete without the appropriate libations. In this case, that means beer. Try substituting your full-calorie brews for light beers. You can also replace the heavier lagers and stouts with lighter wheat beers. Not sure which beers qualify as low-calorie? Take a look at this handy-dandy website, Get Drunk Not Fat. Grabbing a low calorie drink means you’ll have more room in your food-budget for the evening to indulge in some of the other snacks.

When it comes to dips, you’re better off making your own than you are buying a can and dumping it into the nearest bowl. Processed and canned foods contain more sugars to keep them preserved longer. More sugars means more calories which means bigger pants. Try white bean dips and fresh salsas and avoid anything that requires you to mix with sour cream. Making your own dips will also make sure that your party stands out. People may not remember who was playing in the Super Bowl, but they’ll remember your delicious appetizers!

You should also remember to pick up a nice tray of fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, and apple slices will be sure to please and make sure to keep the diet-conscious amongst your group happy. But let’s say that veggies and dips aren’t enough to keep your guests satisfied. Instead of whipping out trays of mini-pizzas or hot wings, try substituting lean deli meats like turkey or roast beef. Switch your classic BLT for an ALT – that’s avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Avocados are good for you and the vegetable substitution will keep any vegetarians amongst your group satisfied. For a heartier meal, consider making some chili. There are a number of healthy and low-calorie chili recipes that are sure to impress your guests. If you really can’t stomach the idea of a Super Bowl without those precious buffalo wings, try a low calorie recipe instead!

Hope this helps you make your Sunday festivities a little more health-conscious. Do you have your own favorite low-calorie Super Bowl snack suggestions? Leave ’em in the comment section!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *