Smart Super Bowl Snacking Ideas!

Excited for Super Bowl Sunday? The Super Bowl is one of the biggest eating/snacking festivals of the year for many Americans!
The average American consumes while snacking during the Super bowl about 1,200 calories. This doesn’t include meals or drinks!
Did you know that Americans pack away 11 million pounds of chips on Super Bowl Sunday!!

The question is: What can you do?
Stay away from all the wings, guac, chips, and beer while cheering for your favorite team?! Let's be realistic, that’s certainly not gonna happen!

Here are some ideas to snack smarter…

1. Warm Spinach-Artichoke Dip: A sneaky, low-cal way to get your family to eat iron-rich spinach and beans! Ingredients: Olive oil, lima beans, cream cheese, Tabasco sauce, capers, mustard, artichoke hearts, frozen spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions, lemon juice
2. Pistachios :Yes, pistachios are high in fat, but it’s healthy fat. With all the other food options around, pistachios can help you slow down because it takes time to remove that shell and you won’t be mindlessly munching. Adding to this snack strategy: Keep a bowl in sight that has the shells that were removed, seeing how much you’ve already had might just curb how much you eat during the game.
3. Pizza! Frozen pizzas can be great (and less expensive than what you’d pay from a traditional pizza chain!). The BBQ Recipe Chicken pizza is a really good, unique, and may very well appeal to those guests who would normally crave wings instead.
4.  White Bean Dip: A strong-flavored dip is a great trick because it makes you feel satiated, it won’t break the bank in terms of calories, and you can pair it with heathier chips.
5. Chicken Chili: While there are plenty of vegetarian chili options, sometimes the mood strikes for something a little heartier. Substituting ground chicken for beef brings the same traditional flavors and textures of the classic chili you crave, just lightened up for your healthy diet.
6. Cucumbers With Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip: Rethink ranch dip by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise. Instead of the powdered spices and salt, quickly chop up some chives, parsley, and garlic for cucumbers with ranch Greek yogurt dip. There is so much flavor packed in these fresh herbs; only a little salt is needed to satiate your palate.
7. Bloody Marys: there's nothing better than a delicious Bloody to kick off game day! They give you a serving of veggies, and when made fresh, they're already one of the healthiest cocktail options available.
8. Roasted Tomato Hummus: Whip up a batch of roasted tomato hummus, you'll be making it well beyond Super Bowl season. Ingredients: 4 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 cans chick-peas, drained and rinsed, 2/3 cup well stirred tahini, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil and  1/2-1 cup roasted tomato... Add all of the ingredients to a food a processor and blend until smooth.
9. Eggplant Stacks: If you need a more substantial snack, try making  eggplant stacks. The heartiness of the eggplant makes it a great meat replacement, and the fresh basil and mozzarella add flavors that take center stage. Ingredients:  3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
   1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
   1 garlic clove, minced
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    2-pound eggplant, trimmed and cut into six 1/2-inch slices
   4 1/4-inch thick slices fresh mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
   1 large beefsteak tomato, cut into four thick slices
   4 large basil leaves, plus more for garnish...
   Directions
   Makes two appetizer servings.
• Heat the grill to medium (or the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
• In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of water. Puree.
• Brush the eggplant slices with the olive oil mixture and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Grill, turning occasionally, until they just begin to soften (or bake on a greased baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes).
• Place the cheese on 4 slices. Put the tomato slices on a piece of aluminum foil on top of the grill to warm. When the cheese begins to melt, transfer the eggplant slices to a platter. Top the cheese slices with a basil leaf and a warm tomato slice. Top each with another cheese-topped eggplant slice and tomato. Top both with a basil leaf and a plain eggplant slice. Serve hot.
10. Goat Cheese Spread: Give your party a bit of a tart kick with  light goat cheese spread. This versatile spread works on fruit and crackers. Ingredients: 1 sprig chopped fresh rosemary
    1 sprig chopped fresh thyme
    2.5 ounces chèvre (soft goat cheese)
    2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
    1 teaspoon olive oil
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    Directions
• Chop all of the herbs and set aside.
• Mix the chèvre, yogurt, and olive oil into a small bowl.
• Add the herbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix together.
• Serve with celery sticks and garnish with any extra rosemary.
 

Happy munching!