10 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks And Recipes

The Patriots and Giants are at war. They've deployed their troops to Lucas Oil Stadium, and the battle is about to begin. Super Bowl XLVI promises to be a pitched and brutal fight. Players will do whatever it takes to win; they'll sprint, tackle, bomb, shove, sack, pass and bull-rush into enemy territory, desperate to reach the other's end zone. The rest of us will tune in transfixed with snack plates on our laps and cheese-sauce on our lips. While the Patriots and Giants burn calories, those of us watching will be devouring them.

This year, if you're eager to avoid the usual Super Bowl snack-a-thon, there is hope! The following 10 alternatives will help you eat like the elite, stick to your New Year's resolution, and achieve your health and fitness goals. These recipes go big on taste, light on calories, and work with any Super Bowl spread.

Rather than ordering a pizza loaded with greasy meat and fatty crust, prepare your own version at home! When you choose quality ingredients, you'll give your body a nice blend of healthy carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein.

• 1 large whole wheat soft tortilla
• 1/4 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
• 10 shrimp, cooked
• 1 sliced chicken breast, pre-cooked
• 2 cups diced vegetables of your choice (peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach)
• 2 oz. shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

1. Smear the tomato sauce over the soft tortilla and then top with meat and veggies.
2. Sprinkle over the cheese and then place in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes or until the tortilla looks crispy.
3. Turn to broil for 1 minute or until cheese is melted and then serve.

Home-Made Pizza PDF (17.7 KB)

Rather than opting for high-fat nacho chips, bake your own pita chips and add salsa. Salsa is a low-calorie condiment that makes sticking to your diet a breeze.

• 2 large whole wheat pita's
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• 1 tsp. garlic salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Brush one side of each pita pocket with olive oil and then sprinkle with sea salt, garlic salt, and garlic powder.
3. Slice the pitas into bite-sized pieces and then place in the oven on a non-stick tray for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly brown.
4. Remove from the oven to cool for 15-20 minutes and then serve with your favorite salsa.

Pita Chips and Salsa PDF (67.9 KB)

For those with a sweet tooth, skip the candy and opt for fruit with some home-made dip. This will provide an excellent dose of vitamin C, fiber, and even a little protein.

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup sliced apples
• 1 cup sliced bananas
• 1 cup fresh grapes
• 1/2 cup low-sugar fruit flavored yogurt
• 1 cup low-fat whipped topping

1. Mix together the yogurt with whipped topping and serve with freshly sliced fruit.

Fruit With Dip PDF (17.2 KB)

To lighten up the classic burger, dish up some mini turkey burgers. These burgers will be loaded with protein, lower in fat, and if you choose whole-wheat mini buns or English muffins, they'll provide a good amount of dietary fiber.

• 2 pounds ground turkey meat
• 1/4 cup raw oats
• 1/8 cup finely diced onion
• 1 egg white, beaten
• 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste
• 4 whole wheat burger buns or English muffins

1. Combine the ground turkey, oats, onion, egg white and spices in a large bowl until well mixed.
2. Form into 8 patties and then cook on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until brown.
3. Serve with whole wheat burger buns smeared with a little mustard and topped with a tomato and spinach leaf.

Turkey Burgers PDF (17.8 KB)

Heat things up on game day with this delicious, spicy popcorn.

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1. Combine the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and spices in a bowl.
2. Drizzle over popcorn and place in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally throughout cooking time and then serve.

Spicy Popcorn PDF (17.5 KB)

If you can't give up your chicken wings, this healthier variety will serve you well. The unique lemon taste offers an alternative to traditional BBQ or teriyaki chicken wings.

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp. Splenda
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. dill
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds of chicken wings

1. Combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, Splenda, olive oil, salt, pepper, as well as dill in a large bag.
2. Place the chicken wings in the bag and shake to fully coat.
3. Place in the fridge and let marinate for about 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once finished, place on a large non-stick baking tray and bake in a pre-heated oven at 400 degrees for about 60-80 minutes or until lightly brown. Remove and serve.

Lemon Cicken Wings PDF (19.8 KB)

Kale chips are low in calories, high in vitamin A and C, and rich in iron and calcium, making these a nutritional all-star. Serve them with your favorite variety of salsa and you'll be all set.

• 10 leaves kale
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Onion powder to taste (if desired)

1. Begin by heating the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the kale leaves until clean and then toss in a bowl with the olive oil.
3. Sprinkle over the salt and onion powder and then place on a non-stick baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until they're crispy and then remove and allow to cool on a paper towel.

Kale Chips PDF (71.5 KB)

For those who just can't get enough ranch dip, this healthier alternative to chips and dip is sure to please. As an added bonus, the dip itself is loaded with muscle-building protein.

View Recipe Here

Rather than turning to high-fat sausage for your protein fix, skewer some shrimp. They work excellent as finger food and will look great when laid out on a plate with some fresh herbs alongside.

• 1 tsp. pureed garlic
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 15 jumbo shrimp, peeled

1. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. Allow to sit in the fridge for one hour or longer to marinate.
4. Once marinated, place 4-5 shrimp on 3-4 skewers and then place on the grill, cooking for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp is no longer pink inside.
5. Turn frequently to prevent burning.

Garlic Shrimp Skewers PDF (17.6 KB)

For those who need finger food to snack on during the game, this mix will do the trick. High in healthy fats, it will keep your appetite under control.

• 2 oz. cashews
• 1/2 cup roasted almonds
• 2 oz. peanuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fruit mixture)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup whole wheat shredded cereal squares
• 4 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion salt
• 1/2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1. Mix together the olive oil, spices, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the nuts, seeds, fruit, and shredded wheat squares.
3. Drizzle the dressing mixture over and toss to coat.

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