5 Super Football Snacks

The big game is a few days away, and let’s be honest – some of the best parts of game day are tailgating and parties. It just wouldn’t be football season without chips and Buffalo wings!

Here’s the kicker: gorging on game day treats can ruin any healthy eating plan. A few nutritious adjustments to your favorite football food can make a healthy difference. Try these five healthy game-day snacks:

1. MAKE IT YOURSELF

Do you love guacamole? Mash fresh avocado and add your favorite salsa to make a great guacamole without the preservatives and mystery-ingredients of store brands. Pair it with baked tortilla chips to enjoy a healthy snack!

2. WING IT

A healthier alternative to deep-fried Buffalo wings is a baked version. Once the chicken is baked, simply add hot sauce and enjoy.

3. FORGET THE LOADED NACHOS

Replace cheesy nachos with a platter of low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers, and colorful vegetables with a Greek-yogurt-based dip.

4. BEST CHIPS EVER

Home-made potato chips are not time-consuming. To make your own sour cream and onion potato chips, cut a large baking potato (either Russet or Idaho) into 1/8 inch thick slices. Arrange one third of the potato slices in a single layer on a large microwave-safe plate. Coat the tops of the potato slices with cooking spray, and sprinkle one-third of a packet of dry ranch dressing mix over them. Microwave the uncovered plate on high for 4 minutes, turn over the potato slices, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the chips appear dried, crispy, and begin to brown. Remove the chips from the plate and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Repeat this procedure with the remaining potato slices.

5. SLOPPY SLIDERS

The taste brings back memories of your childhood, but the nutrition is all grown up! Make Sloppy Sliders with 95% lean ground meat and add mashed kidney beans for additional protein and fiber. Spice your sliders to taste, serve them on mini whole-grain buns, and top them with diced tomatoes to complete this delicious, healthy snack.

Still worried you may over-stuff yourself with snacks? Sit away from the food table, and focus on the game. Cheering for your favorite team takes energy and may burn some extra calories. Here’s another tip. Fill a small plate with the snacks to eat during the game. Remember your meal plan, portion sizes, and resist going back for seconds. Eat slowly and spread your snacks throughout the game to help with portion control.

You may think tailgating and healthy eating may not go together, but making small changes to your favorite football snacks will ensure your diet plan is a winning play.