How to Score a Touchdown with Your Big Game Party Fare

Gearing up for the Big Game is a bit like preparing for a holiday. We often spend it with family and close friends, and the festivities are mostly centered on food. In fact, it registers as the second largest eating day of the year after Thanksgiving.* For people who are still going strong with their New Year’s resolutions, game day can drive a solid eating plan out of bounds.

While one day of splurging can fit into a balanced lifestyle, you can plan ahead for a party spread that is both delicious and surprisingly nutritious.

First, prepare a colorful veggie platter to have out for your guests to munch on during kickoff. Sliced and chilled vegetables like celery, cucumber, jicama, bell pepper, and cauliflower are very low in calories and can be served with a light dip such as hummus, guacamole or seasoned non-fat Greek yogurt. Although vegetables might not seem exciting, you’ll be surprised to see how quickly hungry fans will devour them.

Next, trade off traditional salty snacks like chips and pretzels for a high-fiber, high-protein meal during the first half of the game. Eating a balanced meal early in the game can help cut back on mindless snacking later. Go for something easy to serve to a big group with minimal clean up such as a batch of turkey and bean chili. Set up a “self serve” station with chili toppings like green onion, diced tomato, and shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Staying hydrated is important to help prevent overeating, and your Big Game Day party will not be complete without a selection of refreshing beverages. Soda is one of the most popular Game Day drinks. To help with portion control, stock your cooler with Coca-Cola mini cans in Classic Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero flavors. Add in some other options like vitaminwater zero, iced tea, and sparkling water. Keep a pitcher of ice water on hand as well.

For those who saved room for dessert, after the halftime show is a good time to serve something sweet. However, dessert doesn’t have to be full of fat and calories. A smart dessert should offer nutritional value. Individual portions of seasonal fruit cobbler like apple or pear with a whole grain oat crumble served warm with vanilla frozen yogurt will be a touchdown. If you don’t have time to bake, opt for a simple store-bought angel food cake served with antioxidant-rich fresh berries. For just a small bite, a couple of dark chocolate covered almonds can satisfy a sweet tooth.

Above all, when in doubt, pass on the foods that pack the calories and serve up foods that are fresh and filling. Enjoy Game Day and score points for a flavorful and hearty party feast.

LeeAnn Weintraub, a registered dietitian, provides nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and businesses, including The Coca-Cola Company. She can be reached at RD@halfacup.com.

* http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statemen...