Introduction:
Super Bowl Sunday is synonymous with indulgent snacks and hearty dishes. However, it doesn't have to derail your nutrition and health goals. With a little planning and mindset shift, you can enjoy the game while still staying on track. In this blog post, we'll explore some delicious and guilt-free snack options along with mindset tips to help you navigate Super Bowl Sunday without compromising your health.
Healthy Super Bowl Snacks:
1. Veggie Platter Football with Hummus: place the hummus in the center of a platter. Next, arrange a variety of colorful veggies around the hummus in the shape of a football. I love using carrots, bell peppers, asparagus tips, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. It's a crunchy, festive snack that's packed with nutrients.
2. Guacamole and Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips: Whip up some homemade guacamole and salsa using fresh ingredients, and pair them with baked whole grain or corn tortilla chips for a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
3. Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Swap traditional chicken wings for these spicy, crispy cauliflower bites. They're low in carbs and calories but still deliver that classic buffalo flavor.
Try this easy baked cauliflower bite recipe! These are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: light ranch dressing for dipping.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
4. Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve the baked cauliflower bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.
8. Enjoy your delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings!
Mindset Tips for Super Bowl Sunday:
Nobody wants to start their diet over on Monday, especially the Monday following the Super Bowl. Follow these mindset strategies so you don’t have to!
1. Focus on Enjoyment, Not Deprivation: Rather than feeling restricted, approach Super Bowl Sunday as any other gathering with friends and family; an opportunity to hang out and enjoy good food.
Worried that if you do you’ll go overboard? Make sure to keep a good pace of meals all day, just as you would any other day. This means eating a protein-packed breakfast, full lunch and snacks in between if you regularly snack. Skipping meals or pulling back on calories to save them for later always backfires. It’s just too easy to overindulge this way.
2. Practice Portion Control: Allow yourself to indulge in small portions of your favorite treats, but be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
One way to control portions of the less healthy treats is by plating your protein first. Chili is a game day favorite and if it’s served at your Super Bowl Party, go for the chili first as it’s packed with meat and beans, high in protein and also fiber. Both will keep you satisfied and feeling fuller longer making it less likely that you’ll graze on unhealthy sides.
3. Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to confuse thirst and hunger. Oftentimes dehydration presents with the same signals as hunger does, so it’s easy to reach for the snacks when you should be reaching for water. Keep a water bottle handy to sip on throughout the game and if you want to spruce it up try carbonated water. Some of my favorites brands are “Waterloo,” “LaCroix” and “Belle Vie.”
Plan to indulge in alcohol game day? Aim for a glass of water as you drink or pace yourself by drinking water in between alcoholic drinks. Clients that stay hydrated when they indulge in alcohol not only drink less, they feel a lot better the day after, minimizing game day hangovers!
4. Choose Snacks Wisely: Opt for snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Conclusion:
Super Bowl Sunday doesn't have to sabotage your diet. By incorporating these healthy snack options and mindset tips into your game day festivities, you can enjoy the excitement of the game without compromising your nutrition and health goals.
Remember to focus on balance, moderation, and most importantly, having fun with friends and family.
Cheers to a guilt-free Super Bowl Sunday filled with delicious snacks and memorable moments!
Hi, I'm Amanda!
Functional weight loss coach, registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of one picky eater with multiple food allergies! I'm a big believer that if you can learn to fish -- you can eat for life! So this blog is dedicated to helping you learn to toss out the food myths that result in unnecessary food stress so that you can become a confident, healthy eater!
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