Healthy Foods to Serve for the Big Game

What a year it has been for our New England sports teams. Even though our Patriots didn’t make it to the big game this year, there’s no better way to show fan spirit than getting together with family and friends to watch the game and, of course, the commercials!

Big game parties can mean BIG calories and hours of mindless munching. If you arrive at any party in a hungry state, you are sure to overeat, especially when greeted by a bountiful buffet of finger-licking temptation. To avoid overindulgence, here are some of my trick plays for the big game:

Pre-Play Huddle: Eat a small meal or snack before you leave home. When you arrive at the party, scope out the entire table of goodies and know your options.  Otherwise, you can easily load your plate up with too much food. All foods can fit into a balanced diet, but at gatherings like these it’s best to choose the options you want the most, and not indulge in them all.

Game On: Whether you are hosting a party or a guest, consider some healthy menu options listed below:  

·      Tzatziki yogurt dip or a red bean dip served with sliced vegetables or gluten free nut & rice crackers.

·      Crockpots are an easy way to prepare football game favorites. Turkey meatballs can be made and frozen weeks ahead of time. On game day, toss them in a crock-pot with prepared tomato sauce and you are good to go. Low in fat and high in fiber, chili is another crock-pot crowd pleaser and can simmer for hours as the game is on.

·      As New Englanders, we brave the winter elements and continue to grill outdoors. For the meat lovers, serve lean beef burgers or spicy, chicken tenders. For the vegetarians, serve veggie burgers with a platter of grilled portabella mushrooms, zucchini, squash, eggplant, or tomatoes. Couscous or quinoa make great accompaniments for both offerings.

·      Set up a sandwich bar; roll up some Buffalo style chicken, turkey, ham, or roast beef deli meat and pair with whole grain pita pockets or 100-calorie deli thin rounds. Hummus, mustard, and guacamole make healthier sandwich spreads than mayonnaise.

 Avoid Penalty Flags: There will be no shortage of alcoholic beverages on the day of the big game, so make sure you drink sensibly and remain hydrated. If you have alcoholic beverages, I suggest a one to two drink limit. Try to rotate with a variety of non-alcoholic options. Naturally flavored waters added vitamins or flavored seltzer or sparkling waters like fruitwater are great low calorie options. If you prefer soda, go for portion controlled options such as mini cans or a variety of zero-calorie options such as diet sodas. 

Post Game Munchies: Fill a basket with a variety of fruits or freeze red grapes and serve them in clear beverage glasses with dark chocolate squares for a heart healthy dessert finale.

Touchdown: While we won’t be strategizing the best plays for our beloved Pats during the big game this year, we can certainly make healthy food and beverage choices for our family and friends.