On Sunday, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will go head to head at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX.
But even if you aren't a football fan, there are plenty of other reasons to tune into the big event. The Super Bowl commercials are always great, and Katy Perry promises that nothing in her performance "will be deflated" during the halftime show.
However, arguably the best part of the event is all the food and booze. If you are sticking to a healthy lifestyle, chips and dip, buffalo wings and beer are not the items you want on your menu. The traditional football foods can have you consuming more than 2,500 calories, leaving you feeling more like a linebacker than a spectator. Cheat day anyone?
But just because you are watching your weight doesn't mean you can't enjoy some delicious Super Bowl foods. Here's our guide to the best healthy versions of our favorite Super Bowl snack and drinks.
Chips With Guacamole
Chips and dip is one of the Super Bowl staple snacks. But creamy dip can quickly pack on the pounds. Instead, opt for a guacamole dip made from avocados, which promote heart health, lower cholesterol and prevent against some cancers. This recipe from celebrity chef Alton Brown is delicious and easy to make. You will need three ripe Hass avocados, lime, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and some seasonings like cumin. Mash the avocado, add the other ingredients and let it sit at room temperature for two hours covered in plastic wrap before serving. Just no double dipping please!
Buffalo Wings
According to the National Chicken Council, Americans eat more than 1.25 billion wings during the Super Bowl. Since Buffalo wings are breaded, fried, and are usually dipped in blue cheese or ranch, they can cost you 125 calories per wing. Instead, opt for grilled or broiled wings or even boneless chicken breasts.
Skinny Wings with Buttermilk Blue Cheese
Instead of frying, these wings are boiled first, which removes some of the fat, then broiled. Instead of butter, use chicken stock and lemon juice. You will need 2 pounds of chicken, garlic, lemon, low-sodium chicken broth and Frank's Red Hot sauce. For the Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dip, use reduced fat mayo and low-fat buttermilk with blue cheese crumbles. See the full recipe here.
Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips
You can eat this healthier version of the traditional wing as a finger food, in a wrap, or on a sandwich Two buffalo strips are only 111 calories with 21 grams of protein—plus it only takes 10 minutes to make so you don't have to miss all those funny commercials. Combine garlic powder, paprika, chili powder and black pepper in a bowl and season boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook in a sauté pan until golden, and toss on hot sauce. Serve with carrots and celery sticks.
Mini Turkey Burgers with Gorgonzola
These mini burgers are the perfect bite-sized snack. Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey which cuts back on fat. Combine garlic powder, salt and black pepper, ground turkey and crumble Gorgonzola cheese into balls and cook in a skillet. When it's time to serve them, place the patties on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. You can also serve with a low-fat mayo dressing and with lettuce and tomato on mini whole wheat buns.
Mini Cauliflower Pizza Bites
This recipe uses cauliflower as the base instead of dough, making them have a little over 20 calories and one gram of fat per bite. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut cauliflower in half, breaking them up in a food processor until it forms a rice-like texture. Place the cauliflower in the microwave for eight minutes and add egg whites, Parmesan cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, oregano, basil and garlic powder and microwave for another two minutes and mix. Scoop the mix into muffin tins and bake for 30-35 minutes. You can also add mini-turkey pepperoni and serve with pizza sauce.
Skinny Sangria
Instead of sipping on beer all day, opt for a sangria that you can serve to your guests in a punch-bowl style. You will need a bottle of red wine, pomegranate vodka, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, and blackberries and Sprite Zero. Add the fruit, wine and vodka in a pitcher and stir. Chill overnight and mix in the Sprite before serving. Make sure to garnish with fruit.
Bloody Mary
Vodka and soda is probably the most low-cal drink to serve up. However, you may want some extra flavor in there so you are not just sipping on straight alcohol. Bloody Mary is a great, healthier drink choice. It is low on calories and high in nutrients because of the tomato, celery and horseradish. This recipe is under 100 calories. Mix vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and lemon juice in a medium-sized glass. Pour into a iced-filled glass and stir with celery stick.
[Photo Credit: Triple Tri/Flickr]
