Ditch the Fat, Not the Fun: 6 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Super Bowl Sunday is a long-awaited day for football fans and foodies alike. Whether you are among the 100 million tuning in to watch your favorite team or looking forward to an array of snacks, dips and other new finger foods to tackle, this might just be one of your favorite days of the year.

“Enjoy the game. Entertain yourself with the commercials and half-time show. But consider thinking twice about the kind of food you will prepare or eat while spending the evening watching the game,”  Silvia Veri, a nutrition supervisor at the Beaumont Weight Control Center said.

It can be easy to add on hundreds of calories while sitting in front the of television, Veri said.

"Unfortunately, many of our football favorites also happen to be high in fat, cholesterol and calories," she said.

A dozen chicken wings can have 1,000 calories and a slice of meat lovers pizza is almost 500 calories.

Wendy Miller, medical director of Beaumont Weight Control Center, said increasing fruits and vegetables in a diet and choosing low-fat dairy and lean protein can help reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of coronary artery disease.

Here are some healthy alternatives to game day snacks:

• Guacamole: Mash avocados and add chopped tomato, onion, bell peppers and a squeeze of lime juice for a heart-healthy dip. “Avocados include healthy fats, called beta-sitosterol, which can help reduce cholesterol,” Veri said.
• Salsa: Use jarred or homemade salsa and serve with baked or whole-grain chips, vegetables or pita chips.
• Bruschetta: Toast thin slices of whole wheat or multi-grain bread, rub with garlic and top with tomato and basil.
• Shrimp Cocktail: Chill cooked shrimp and serve with a spicy cocktail sauce for a low-fat, low-calorie appetizer. “One large shrimp contains about 1 gram of protein and 5 calories per piece,” Veri said. “Proteins takes longer to digest so it should keep you fuller, longer.” 
• Hummus: Grind a couple cans of rinsed chickpeas, lemon juice, a roasted red pepper and garlic cloves in a food processor for a filling and flavorful dip. “Chickpeas are full of protein and fiber. Hummus is a much better choice than a creamy, high-fat ranch dressing to dip your vegetables,” Veri said.
• Fruit and Cheese: Replace full-fat cheese with its low-fat version and skip the crackers. Serve cube-size amounts with fruit instead.

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by Beaumont Hospitals.