An epic battle is brewing…and I’m not referring to the match up between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos this upcoming Sunday.
This battle is even bigger, and it involves staying away from all of those delicious game day treats, especially when you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet. We all know Super Bowl shindigs are famous for having some of the most unheathly foods…and plenty of booze.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to stack on track, and not feel guilty in the morning.
DITCH the Beer
Yes, you read that right. As tempting as that alcohol may be, I mean, (who doesn’t love to chug a few beers during a game), aim for sugar-free sodas, flavored waters, diet tonic water and more. Beer is full of empty calories and carbs. If you simply can’t resist, ladies stick to one drink (light beer or red wine) and guys, two is your limit.
Try this Vodka Tonic recipe via Women’s Health:
Ingredients:
1.5 oz lime-flavored vodka
1.5 oz light lemonade
1.5 oz tonic water
Juice of 1/4 lime
Directions:
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Pour the first three ingredients over the ice. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and stir. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
DITCH the Chips
Chips and dip go together perfectly, especially when the game gets intense. Instead, reach for a creamy bean dip and baked tortilla chips. This snack replaces those greasy, fattening chips with baked whole wheat chips. Or opt for fresh veggies or try out a spinach dip.
Try this Healthy Black Bean Dip via Yummy Healthy Easy:
DO reach for the popcorn
But not the caramel covered, super buttery kind. Reach for Skinny Pop and ditch the guilt. With only 150 calories for 3 1/2 cups, you’ll enjoy every bite! Or mix it in with cashews, almonds, roasted pecans, dark chocolate pieces and more for a nice trail mix.
Try this Easy Popcorn Trail Mix via Nutritious Eats:
- Combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight container.
DO bring the wings
What’s a Super Bowl party, or any sporting event for that matter, without delicious buffalo wings? Instead of reaching for the dark meat, which tends to be higher in fat, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Top with a red pepper sauce and try a few low-fat dressings for dipping.
Try this Healthy Chicken Wing Recipe via Popsugar:
Ingredients:
3 pounds drumettes and wings
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon butter
6 sprigs fresh thyme
10 garlic cloves, crushed
3/4 cup hot sauce
For blue cheese dip:
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Scallions, to garnish
2. In a large bowl, generously season drumettes and wings with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. In a sauté pan over low heat, melt butter. Add thyme and garlic and allow to simmer for 3 minutes. Once thyme and garlic become aromatic, add hot sauce and stir.
4. Pour entire mixture over chicken and toss to coat. Allow wings to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, combine blue cheese and low-fat Greek yogurt in a small bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate.
6. Transfer chicken to oven-proof baking dish and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes; with tongs or a fork, flip and baste wings.
7. Bake for 25 minutes more, occasionally basting wings while they’re in the oven.
8. Remove pan from oven, and allow wings to slightly cool in pan. Baste with juices, and serve with blue cheese dip!
DO take a slice, or two of pizza
But just be careful what kind. There are plenty of healthy options. Try using portabella mushroom caps as the crust, throw some turkey sausage, peppers and low-fat cheese on top and you have the perfect slice you won’t feel bad about eating.
Try this Healthy Portobello Pizza recipe via
Ingredients:
4 medium tomatoes
4 large portobello mushrooms
4 cloves of garlic
1 tbs lemon juice
1 leek
1 medium onion
fresh basil leaves (about 7, or you can use 1-2 tbs dried)
parmigiano reggiano cheese (parmesan works also)
fresh parsley (about 7 sprigs fresh, or 1-2 tbs dry)
2 tbs olive oil
pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Heat up the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan.
2. Chop up the onion into small pieces, then add it to the pan and stir until it’s slightly brown.
3. Dice up the tomatoes, garlic cloves, and leek, and add them to the pan with the onions. Saute until the ingredients are soft. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and stir.
4. Add the lemon juice and stir.
5. Begin preheating the oven at 400 degrees.
6. Chiffon the basil leaves (chop them up) and add to the pan. Stir.
7. Spray olive oil on a baking sheet and place the portobello mushrooms on the sheet, bottom side up with stems removed.
8. Add the mixed ingredients form the sauce pan into each mushroom and top with the grated parmesan cheese. Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 minutes at 400 degrees.
9. Sprinkle the pizzas with the fresh (or dry) parsley.
Serving Size: makes 4 portobello pizzas
Do you have any healthy tips to stay on track this Super Bowl Sunday? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at Dive In Tampa Bay.
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