It’s that time of year again… The biggest NFL game of the year. Yes, I am bummed that my Green Bay Packers are not in the Super Bowl this year, but I’m still going to enjoy the game. Time to gather up some friends and enjoy the excitement!
It’s the biggest game for friends to gather, chilled beverages to be consumed and plates pile high with game time food eaten without regard! It’s kinda like Thanksgiving dinner, but instead of turkey and mashed potatoes, its wings or pizza and salty snacks!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the wings and pizza, but unfortunatly, those things don’t work well for me anymore. Call it getting older, a health nut or just plain weird, but I know that I have limits. Yes, I am sure that I will have a few extra “forbidden” snacks during the game, but there are some awesome healthier options that you can make to share for the big game! Many times, people won’t even realize that they are eating something that can be considered healthy!
So if you are heading out to watch the game with friends and need to bring some food to share, or maybe you are hosting your own Super Bowl party this year, but are also watching what you eat, you don’t have to feel deprived! There are many options out there that can keep you in the game, and not just on the sidelines when it comes to game time munchies!
Here are some of my favorites that I have either done in the past for the big game, or are on my radar for this weekend!
Healthy Turkey Chili
February mean cold temps and everyone starts to crave the warm soups and stews! Chili is always a favorite in our house and we have made many different varieties! One of the simplest ways to make chili a little healthier is use turkey instead of ground beef. There are all kinds of recipes out there but this is one of my favorites! Just play with the spice in it, as it can be a bit more than some people care for (my husband included!)
Paired with a homemade corn bread and you have a touchdown!
Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip
This is actually a recipe that I could earlier this week when I was avoiding school work and other things I should have been doing. Instead I was looking for stuff to make for the game! This Spinach Artichoke Dip is on my list to make. Yes I will have to make a few modifications to make it compliant with my dietary restrictions, but who doesn’t like a warm gooey dip to enjoy with crackers or bread!
Zucchini Brownies
We have the sweet tooth covered! I love making these brownies and I actually just took some shredded zucchini out of the freezer to make a batch for Sunday! My favorite recipe is can be found here! They are moist and chewy and depending on how fine of a grate you use on the zucchini, you won’t even know it’s in there! I normally don’t even frost them, but you could melt some extra chocolate to spread over the top!
Turtles
I don’t know about you, but Turtles have to be one of the perfect sweet snacks. The right mix of sweet and salty and they are usually bite sized! I have tweaked a few recipes and made my own version that is actually on the healthy side of the spectrum! These are a quick make ahead snack that everyone will enjoy.
Blend a cup or so of dates up in a blender or food processor. You can do this by hand, you just need to make sure you get them chopped up good so they almost form a paste. Take about a teaspoon or so of the blended/chopped dates and roll them into a ball. Sandwich this date ball in between 2 pecan halves.
Melt your favorite chocolate (I usually use a dairy free chocolate for mine). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and put small dollops of the melted chocolate on the parchment. This is the base for your turtles. Place each of your date/pecan sandwiches on top of each chocolate dollop. Drizzle or spoon more chocolate over each mound. Allow to cool so chocolate can harden.
These are just a few ideas out there! What are some of your favorite healthy football snacks? I am still looking for ideas on what I am actually making for our Super Bowl party this year…
Remember, it’s ok to indulge once in a while, but make sure you are making those smart choices as often as you can! Don’t let one day, or one game, derail what you have been working so hard for!
Enjoy!