I drive my husband, Mark, crazy during football season. Dinners need to be light, so I don’t miss the opening kickoff. When my team scores a touchdown, I scream Woo! Hoo! from my bedroom, which is at the other end of the house. Of course, I am a foodie, and every football game seems a little better when food is involved.
This year, you may be more conscious of what you are eating due to arthritis pain, but you still want to enjoy the food with your friends or family. Give your favorite football games a healthy makeover and enjoy the festivities.
Chips with Homemade Salsa
Buying salsa may be more convenient, but this homemade salsa lets you take advantage of fresh, off-the-vine or cherry tomatoes. If you like it hot, make it as is or adjust it to your liking. Serve it with your favorite baked tortilla chips.
Instant Ground Beef Chili with Olives
Chili is a classic American comfort food. Even though it varies from place to place — namely in the Southwest and Midwest — people everywhere agree that this hearty dish isn’t just a stew, topping, or bulky soup: It’s chili.
Who can resist the smell of chili as it’s cooking? Now you can speed up the process with your Instant Pot. Best of all: it is a low-carb recipe.
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Wings are high on the favorites list, and there are so many ways to prepare them. The most popular way to prepare chicken wings is to fry them, but baking is healthier and still yields that nice, crispy skin. If you hate to turn the oven on, put them in an air fryer. Refrigerate for a couple of hours first, get them nice and crispy, and throw on your favorite sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is usually made with tons of cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and cream cheese which makes it super high in fat.
This recipe substitutes cream cheese/dressing with Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. It’s higher in protein and has less fat.
Pizza
Pizza is my top selection for a Super Bowl treat. I prefer thick crust but can do thin if that is the only thing available. Make some simple swaps, to make it a healthier choice:
- Experiment with a Whole-Grain Crust
- Put on more vegetables
- Choose leaner meats such as salami, turkey bacon, or chicken sausage
- Top with lighter cheeses such as part-skim mozzarella or parmesan
- Serve with a Large Salad
One favorite topping combination at our local pizza parlor is spinach and mushrooms.
Pigs in a Blanket
Who doesn’t like pigs in a blanket? Those succulent hot dogs wrapped up in crescent dough drive me crazy as I wait for them to get done. I can eat a sheet pan full before the game ever starts.
In addition to practicing portion control, try chicken hot dogs for a healthier option.
Dessert
I’m a dessert girl, and after all this chowing down, I am ready for something sweet.
Mocha Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Egg Whites help lighten up this recipe. These mocha-flavored treats are delicate, crisp, and, like most meringue cookies, a little crumbly when you bite into them.
Fruit-Based Options
It’s fun to thread your favorite fruits on a skewer, and everyone can make their own combinations. Chocolate strawberries are a big hit. Get creative and pipe on some chocolate sauce to make footballs on top.
Final Thoughts
Try some of these healthier game-day foods and see which ones you like. If you are having people over to watch the game, serve one new food, and your guests don’t have to know that they’re eating something healthy.
