Chamber Insider Blog

Five Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Post original location here. Thank you Charmekia Martin of Patient First for the great info!

The Super Bowl is this weekend, 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 a buffet line of chips and Buffalo wings!

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

1. MAKE IT YOURSELF

Do you love guacamole? Try mashing fresh avocado and adding your favorite salsa to make a great guacamole without the preservatives and mystery-ingredients of store brands. Pair with baked tortilla chips to enjoy this 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 colorful platter of low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers, and colorful vegetables with a Greek-yogurt-based dip.

4. BEST CHIPS EVER

Do you think home-made potato chips sound too time-consuming? Think again! 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 and enjoy!

5. SLOPPY SLIDERS

While the taste brings back memories of childhood, the nutrition here is all grown up! Make Sloppy Sliders using 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 healthy game-day snacks? For many people, the out of sight, out of mind trick works. Sit away from the food table, and focus on the game. Cheering for your favorite team takes a lot of energy and may even burn some extra calories! Here’s another tip. Take a small plate and fill it with the snacks you’ll consume during the game. Remember your meal plan, portion sizes, and resist going back for seconds. Eating slowly and spreading your snacks throughout the game will also help with portion control.

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

Thank you Patient First for this great information!

 

Want to Learn More?

– Join Our Committee!  The Chamber’s Health & Wellness Committee is a dedicated group of local professionals with a passion for wellness!  We spearhead the Annual Healthy Business Challenge and equip chamber members with important health-related information and valuable wellness resources.  Our goal is to engage employers, convey the importance of wellness in the workplace, and cultivate a thriving, healthy community.  Come see what we’re all about – we meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the chamber office.

– Be Informed.  Interested in creating a culture of wellness within your company, but not sure where to begin?  Sign up to receive our Healthy Tips & Tricks emails.  You’ll also receive updates for upcoming events, the Healthy Business Challenge, and the latest committee news and happenings.  You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

– Join the Challenge!  The Chamber’s Healthy Business Challenge is for everyone!  No matter your company size, you can be recognized for your wellness efforts!  The award will garner you company exposure on the chamber’s Web site, in eNewsletters, and in local newspapers.  Not to mention, the placard and physical award are great for PR and employee recruitment!  The 2016 Healthy Business Challenge is Now Open!