The Super Bowl is the biggest football game of the season. Families throw parties to commemorate the event and enjoy getting together and cheering on their favorite team. Of course, no party would be complete without snacks. Snacks don’t have to be greasy and fattening to be awesome and delicious. Here is a list of the five best, healthy Super bowl snacks. [image via dailyburn]
Lightened-Up Seven Layer Dip
Traditional seven layer dip is hard on digestion with all the dairy and refried beans. With a couple of healthier options put in, this dip goes from penalty flag to touchdown. Simply spread two cups chopped romaine lettuce in the bottom of a large bowl, layer on two mashed avocados, one cup low-fat Greek yogurt, 2/3 cup black beans and ½ cup diced tomatoes. Top with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and sliced black olives and scallions for a snack that is sure to please.
Homemade Trail Mix
Another snack that is sure to please is a homemade trail mix. Take on sweet and salty cravings with a variety of different kinds of trail mix. Essentially you can take whatever you have in the kitchen cabinets to create a snack that is easy, tasty, and healthy. Use a variety of nuts, dried fruits, seasonings and even small candies to make something for everyone.
Fruit Kebabs
Who doesn’t love fruit? Cut your favorite fruits into smaller, bite sized pieces and slide them on skewers, just like you would any other kebab. Arrange them on a platter and serve with any kind of fruit dip for a sweet and healthy party snack. For a different kind of fruit dip, try maple cinnamon fruit dip. Take a 6 ounce container of non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt and mix with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and one tablespoon maple syrup. Some fruits even taste great on the grill. Some examples of fruits to skewer are pineapples, apples, pears, melons, strawberries, and peaches.
Low-Fat Artichoke Dip
In a food processer, combine an eight ounce package of reduced fat Neufchatel cream cheese, ½ cup light canola mayonnaise, ½ cup low-fat sour cream, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and three cloves garlic. Puree these ingredients. Add in three cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) and pulse until combined. Add in a 12 ounce jar of drained and roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts and two cups of loosely packed spinach (optional) and pulse again until combined. Transfer the entire mix into a mixing bowl and stir in one small, diced onion. Bake in a 9-inch square glass baking dish at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbly and browned. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Super bowl parties don’t have to be loaded down with unhealthy snack options. Pizza and wings may be staples at such parties, but healthier options can be added or substituted to make game day a win-win.
