SuperBowl_Collage
San Francisco is ready for this year’s Super Bowl 50! Even though our team is not playing, the city is in full effect as the host of the big event. Streets have been closed down, concerts have been scheduled, hotels and restaurants are booked, and many people are planning parties. The parties don’t just stop in the Bay Area. They’re nationwide. And what happens when we go to a party with a focus on food, booze, and balls? Things can get out of hand with excess drinking and eating. Now I love a good party with delicious food that’s guilt-free. So here’s a list of 10 Super Bowl favorite party food makeovers. I’ve included ways to revamp your favorite party foods by making them healthier without losing flavor or fun.
Spinach Dip

  1. Creamy Dips: Instead of using sour cream for dips, substitute nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is loaded with protein to fill you up and is low in fat and calories. Here’s a recipe for my famous Spinach Dip.
  1. Crudité Plate: Crunchy, fresh vegetables are a hit at parties. Everyone is always looking for something to munch on besides chips and crackers. Most vegetables go with many dips from spinach dip, hummus, ranch, salsa, and more. Include a vegetable platter for a no-brainer healthy option.
  1. Chips: Everyone loves a good dip for a chip. The chips are our vessels. Try making your own baked corn tortilla or pita chips for a healthier version. And, a homemade chip results in bragging rights for seeming like a gourmet foodie.
    Must try recipes for Homemade Baked Pita Chips and Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips.
  1. Loaded Nachos: Now that you have a chip recipe, you can make loaded nachos. Be cautious when loading the nachos with high-calorie, high-fat foods like sour cream, refried beans, fried chicken or pork, and heavy quantities of cheese. Instead use whole pinto beans or black beans, baked shredded chicken or pork, salsa, jalapenos (get the spice and the veggie in there), fresh diced avocado, green chilies, and a minimal amount of shredded cheese. Your body will be happy how much you can reduce the caloric content by making these changes.
    chili
  1. Chili Time: Chili is delicious and very easy to make healthy. Instead of using regular ground beef, substitute 93-97% fat free ground beef or 95% fat free ground turkey. Enjoy my party favorite 5-Bean Baked Chili recipe that’s a must-have at all major events.
  1. Meatballs: Barbeque or Sweet and Sour Meatballs are fabulous finger foods. As noted above, substituting your ground beef with 93-97% fat free ground beef can save a lot of excess fat intake and reduce calories.
    Final_Chicken_Tenders
  1. “Fried” Chicken: We all love a good piece of fried chicken. However, a 7-ounce piece of fried chicken has almost 500 calories! I have a scrumptious recipe for Oven-Baked “Fried” Chicken that is only 330 calories for 7-ounces. By breading and baking the chicken instead of frying it, you can save your waistline from some heavy oils.
  1. French Fries: Once again, skip the frying. Not only is baking friendlier for the waistline, it is also easier to clean up with less mess. I line my pans with tinfoil when baking fries so there is minimal clean up. Check out the Baked French Fries recipe.
    bacondevileggb
  1. Deviled Eggs: Eggs are very healthy and full of protein. The problem with deviled eggs comes from the excessive amount of mayonnaise used. Reduce the amount of mayonnaise by adding in Greek yogurt, white vinegar, and extra mustard to flavor the filling without the extra calories. Check out this healthier version of the deviled egg: Snack Girl’s Bacon and Eggs.
    6_Final_Chocolate_banana
  1. Fresh Desserts: Desserts at parties can be a kicker. We’ve most likely consumed way too much food and alcohol, yet we still want that sweet component to satisfy the end of the night. Instead of baking brownies, cookies, or cakes, enjoy a fruit dessert. Chocolate covered fruit is healthy and contains antioxidants and vitamins. Melting chocolate and dipping fruit into it is also extremely easy and fast. Try Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas for a winning dessert.

Have a fun fiesta this Super Bowl weekend.

Cheers to healthy good eats and good treats!
Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN