Festive Heart Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Did you know Super Bowl Sunday is the second largest food consumption day on the calendar after Thanksgiving?! I’ll be honest, I rarely watch the Super Bowl, but on the rare occasions that I do, I am always in it for the food. And, as that statistic suggests, it appears others are, too. While all foods have a place at the table on game day, I want to provide you with some festive, yet heart healthy super bowl snack options that won’t weigh you down.

Tackle the game day munchies with these festive heart healthy super bowl ideas.

Dips:

Many dips are high in sodium and saturated fat, too much of which can cause harm to our hearts. It is easy to eat far more than intended, consuming much more sodium and saturated fat than you may think.

Tips for Dips:

• Go for guacamole. One hundred thousand tons of avocados are consumed by Americans during Super Bowl week each year! Avocados in guacamole provide heart healthy fats, not only making it creamy and smooth but also filling. Make guacamole at home to easily control the amount of salt and flavor. Adding extra garlic, lime, and cilantro can reduce the need for salt, while still tasting great!
• Bulk up on beans. Beans provide fiber, protein, and more! Hummus, using chickpeas, is a common option. But any bean can be mashed or purred into a dip! Consider this Quick and Savory Pumpkin Bean Dip or this Lemony White Bean Dip.
• Grab some Greek yogurt. Swap sour cream in dips for low-fat Greek yogurt. Choosing Greek yogurt increases protein and decreases saturated fat, plus adds probiotics to help your gut!

Small Bites and Bowls:

Pigs in a blanket, bacon wrapped (fill in the blank), fried chicken wings, and bowls of potato chips or chili are all popular on game day. Maybe these favorites are included in your repertoire of game day foods, but why not consider some lighter, more heart healthy options as well. Balance is good!

Balanced Bites and Bowls:

• Serve skewers. Skewer cubes of vegetables, fruits, and cheeses of your choice. What about a combination of apple and sharp cheddar or blanched broccoli and gruyere?
• Choose chocolate with fruit. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries or chocolate dipped dried apricots make for a great sweet treat with some added fiber and nutrients, too.
• Pop some corn. Popcorn is a great low cost, whole grain snack. Making popcorn at home costs a fraction of the price and allows you to control the seasoning, too. Try this Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn to fill your party bowl.
• Nosh on nachos. Load corn tortilla chips with beans and veggies of your choice (tomatoes, corn, peppers, etc.). Top with shredded cheese. Bake at
•  350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven until cheese melts. Top with cilantro, avocado, sliced radishes, and lime.
• Sip on soup. What about a pot of lentil soup? Lentils are a nutrition powerhouse, providing fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals. Serve in small cups for sipping as a snack, or a larger bowl for a meal.

Do Game-day right. To help you choose foods and eat mindfully, consider these things:

• Scope out all the food options first before deciding what you want to take.
• Use a plate to put your food on; don’t stand by the food table and munch away.
• Take a small amount at first, then only get more if you are still hungry.
• Choose a variety.

Go, team, go!