Carissa Anderson
Elite Nutrition Intern

As family and friends gather this Sunday to watch America’s favorite game many will consume more calories in one evening than most should consume in an entire weekend. It is perfectly okay to sample the ‘not so healthy’ foods, but imagine that you’re plate were divided in half, unhealthy nibbles should be limited to half of a  small plate. Fill the other half with fresh and healthy snacks that will keep you feeling satisfied without feeling lethargic. There are plenty of Superbowl snack options other than fat laden nachos. This year try something new.

Healthy Snacks:

• Raw Veggies. carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, mushrooms, green beans. Serve with hummus or black bean dip.
• Fresh Fruit. Sliced apples, pears, oranges, grapes, strawberries. Serve plain or with vanilla Greek yogurt.
• Natural Popcorn. Without all the salt and butter popcorn is an excellent snack; low-cal and high in fiber.
• Taco Bar.Corn tortillas with fresh fixins like black beans, pico de gallo, sweet corn, avocado, chicken, cilantro, low-fat sour cream.
• Pizza.Using a whole wheat dough, drizzle a little olive oil or marinara sauce over the crust and load it with healthy toppings like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, chicken or turkey sausage, garlic, fresh basil. For cheese, try a skim mozzarella or ricotta.

As for beverages, beer may go hand-in-hand with football, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer your guests as alternative. Remember that calories in alcohol can add up fast, and it is recommended that men do not exceed 2 alcoholic beverages a day, women 1 alcoholic beverage. So it is always good to have plenty of water on hand. You can also have a pitcher of iced tea, or jazz things up with your own spritzer.

Fruit Juice Spritzer
Sparking Mineral Water
100% Fruit Juice (pineapple, orange)
Instructions: Mix equal parts sparkling water and juice, serve over ice.

There may be some friendly competition in the house as we root for the Saints or Colts, but what brings people together better than great food? As with any special occasion, you want to enjoy good food and good company. Allow yourself little indulgences, keeping primarily to fresh, healthy snacks. With that, let the game begin!