Super Bowl Snacking: Finding Balance Beyond the Game

This Sunday, February 11th is Super Bowl Sunday! Whatever team you are rooting for, it is sure to be one of the most talked about games in sports history. Aside from football, Superbowl Sunday is filled with family, friends and of course lots of food!

These days, there’s no shortage of snacks in the United States. The Super Bowl is one of the most popular snacking days of the year! Many people munch on a snack to satisfy hunger between meals but also to satisfy cravings. Unfortunately, the division between snacks and mealtimes often becomes blurred, and it’s becoming increasingly common for meals to be skipped altogether.

Smart Snacking

Aside from the social benefits of sitting down to eat a meal with friends or family, increased snacking tends to coincide with less balance of what is being consumed.

Fortunately, the art of mindful snacking does not have to become a thing of the past. Making healthier snack choices simply requires some thought and preparation. Keep these tips in mind to make it easier to grab a smart snack.

1. Keep healthy snacks on hand.Convenience is a leading factor in food choices. You will feel more inclined to grab a bag of chips from the vending machine or a handful of cookies from the cabinet if that’s what is available at the moment. And while they are delicious, you might want to alternate with more nutrient-rich snacks too. Preparing washed fruits and vegetables will make them more desirable. A small lunch box can easily store cut-up fruit with yogurt or vegetables with hummus for when you are out all day.

2. Avoid replacing meals with snacks. Snacking before mealtime can deter you from sitting down for a well-balanced meal. If you feel the need to eat between meals, keep portions small-moderate, and if you truly are hungry for a meal, then eat a meal.

3. Choose from the food groups.When planning your snack, choose from fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, dairy, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fasts such as nuts. Try choosing from more than one food group for a satisfying snack.

6 Superbowl Snacks to Try

In between cheering for all the touchdowns, why not make some healthy food choices?!

Check out the ideas below to kick off a fun and healthy time had by all:

Mini BBQ Chicken Sliders: Most people cannot picture a Superbowl party without chicken wings. This year try BBQ chicken sliders for a healthy substitute with the same great taste. Grill ground chicken patties topped with BBQ sauce and place on a whole wheat bun for added fiber.

Vegetables and Dip: Cut up some of your favorite vegetables and create your own crudité! Try using cherry tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, red and yellow peppers. Pick 3 of your favorite dressings for a choice of dips.

Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt: Create your own fruit kabobs by cubing your favorite fruits and placing them on a skewer. Dip them in Greek yogurt for a sweet treat and added protein.

Three Bean Salad: Choose your three favorite beans and mix them to create your own bean salad. Season your bean salad with your favorite spices. *Tip: If you’re using canned beans remember to drain and rinse them before using them to wash away some of the sodium found in canned beans.

Pretzels and Hummus: For those of you who need some crunch for your snacks, try pretzels with a hummus dip. Pretzels are a heart-healthy alternative to the usual high-fat chips served at most Superbowl parties.

Celery and Peanut Butter Sticks: Spread some peanut butter on celery sticks for a flavor-filled snack that’s sure to be a hit.

Try some of these ideas for a healthy and fun Superbowl Sunday. We might not have control over which team wins but we do have control over choosing winning foods.

Good luck to the team you’re rooting for!

Like this post? Share it!