The Super Bowl is the most televised event and is coming this Sunday. Now is the time to put your game plan and preparation for all the goodies at whatever Super Bowl party attend/host. However, doesn’t it make more sense to make a few tweaks to some the favorite party foods and make them healthier?
Below is a list of approved healthier substitutes for the traditional party foods. Follow this and you’ll satisfy your taste buds/cravings while saving at least hundreds if not thousands of calories. Better yet implement these strategies consistently for parties and social gatherings over the course of the year, and you can easily prevent the agony of 5-10 lbs of fat gain…!
Section A- Appetizers
• Naked Sandwiches (this bun-less, and if need be only use a whole grain bun)
• Thin Crust Whole Grain Pizza
• Fruit Salad (slap a low-carb whipped cream and dash of splenda/stevia to top if needed)
• Super Salad Bowl (use unlimited veggies and meats, dip dressing on the side or use low calorie substitutes)
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Tuna or Chicken Salad
• Nut Butter on Celery Sticks
• Mixed Nuts (no sugar, unroasted, low in salt)
• Eggs, Cheese and Meat Tray
• Caprese Salad
• Raw Veggies (be careful with the dip and use sparingly)
• Grilled/Sautee Veggies (using extra virgin olive or coconut oil)
• Figure-Friendly Nachos (see “accessories” below for ingredients: tortillas, cheese, salsa, and guacamole)
• Buffalo Chicken Bites (skinless, without bread, use low calorie buffalo sauce sparingly)
• Shrimp cocktail : Shrimp is lean, and each one has 1 gram of filling protein. Protein takes longer to digest and keeps you fuller for longer periods.
• Pasta Salad (use whole grain pasta and go easy on the dressings, choosing marina based sauces over creamier versions)
• Chicken kabobs/Shrimp kabobs: Forget the meatballs! Opt in for chicken/shrimp chunks in a light marinade, then broil/grill until crispy and cooked through. Serve on toothpicks. Thread 1 ounce strips of chicken/shrimp onto skewers cut in half.
• Deviled eggs: Again you don’t need all the mayo, half will do and you can save calories and fat. These are another filling, healthy treats. Instead of your typical filling, try using hummus, salsa, or even that smoked salmon mousse. It sounds strange, but it will look just like it’s gourmet dish!
Section B- Accessories
• Natural Whole Grain Tortillas
• Natural Baked Chips
• Natural Cheethos
• Diet Lipton Green Teas (or other low calorie/carb beverages)
• Water
• Natural Salsa, pico de gallo or homemade, spicy or mild, this is a no-fail appetizer. Serve it with baked or whole-grain chips, vegetables or pita chips.
• Guacamole
• Salad Dressings: Vinegars of choice (apple cider, red wine, balsamic, etc.)
• Other Low Calorie Condiments of Choice: mustard, hot sauce, horseradish, etc.
Section C- Main Courses
• Lettuce Burgers (use extra lean sirloin or bison, preferably bun-less only using whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
• Rotisserie Chicken (choose “plain” and remove skin and pat off any grease as needed with paper towel)
• Extra Lean Kosher Hot Dogs (preferably bun-less, only use whole grain bun option if absolutely needed)
• Chili (preferably bean-less, only use if absolutely needed and feel free to swap extra lean turkey for the beef version to cut down your fat intake)
• Pizza (see “appetizers” above or use whole grain/thin crust options from restaurants or frozen food isles)
Section D- Desserts
• Edy’s Grand Light Ice Cream
• Prograde Cravers (100% organic chocolate snacks bars)
• Larabars
• Cocoa Via Bars or Packs
• Low Carb Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory
• Protein Cookies (swap in protein powder for flour)
BONUS- Top 10 Ways to Save Thousands of Calories This Super Bowl Sunday
1.) Go Naked: Replacing all buns or breading on sandwiches with a lettuce wrap alternative to cut calories, stabilize blood sugar, and boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
2.) Stay Hydrated: Drink at least two to four cups of water before eating AND one to two cups every 15-30 minutes after you start eating. This helps to fill your stomach and prevent you from overeating. Overeating is something that can be triggered by dehydration.
3.) Avoid Empty Liquid Calories: Minimize or eliminate all fruit juices, regular sodas, and alcohol. Choose water, tea, or low calorie/carb beverages and use in moderation. This gives more room for whole food choices that have nutritional value and will fill you up.
4.) Do not fast in preparation for the party. Fasting only leads to turning your body into a famished fat-storing machine the next time you eat. The result of fasting is low blood sugar levels that come from not eating for four hours or more. When this happens you tend to crave junk foods high in both fat and refined sugars.
5.) Exchange All the White stuff with Brown (Or Better Yet… Green!): Be sure to use the whole grain alternatives for any starch you serve at your party (e.g. chips, tortillas, breads, rice, pasta). Whole grains contain more vitamins and minerals and are rich in fiber, which means they won’t have the negative impact on your blood sugar levels compared to its white counterparts. However, if you want to be a nutritional guru, take it a step further and replace all the brown with green in the form of green veggies (see “Go Naked” above).
6.) Your primary focus should be eating lean proteins and fruits and veggies first. These can be in unlimited amounts as needed to fill you up and best prevent the typical dosage of high carb and high fat meals at the party (e.g. thick crust pizza with extra full-fat cheese).
7.) Never eat directly out of the bag or community bowl. Use smaller plates to place your food on while limiting yourself to a pre-set plate total (e.g. four plate maximum during a three-hour football game).
8.) Exchange Gold for Green: Select guacamole over cheese for your salads and chips. Guacamole is not only low in saturated fat and high in heart healthy monounsaturated fats but it also has a good amount of fiber that will help fill you up fast and prevent overeating. Though cheese is a true super food in moderation, it is very easy to overeat especially when mixed with refined carb sources like white chips and pizza.
9.) Replace Flour with Protein Powder: Few people know that protein powder makes a great cooking or baking substitute for flour (e.g. protein cookies). By adding protein and reducing carb intake you will boost metabolism.
10.) Look to get 20 Chews: Eat slowly and require a certain number of chews before you swallow to allow your brain enough time to get the signal “I’m full” (e.g. 20 pre-swallow chews).
