The most vital part to any successful game day is of course, the snacks. But did you know that the average number of calories for BBQ wings is 70 calories per wing? Or that even a small plate of nachos can contain up to 500 calories? And let’s not forget the fact that alcoholic beverages can have anywhere from 70 to 600 calories per beverage.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to skip game day festivities to stay on track with your fitness and nutrition goals. Instead, try these healthier game day snacks that also won’t skimp on taste.
Protein-Packed Nachos
It’s time to change up your nachos game. Instead of using flour or corn chips, try using chips made with chia seeds, flaxseeds, nuts or sprouts. Layer chips onto a microwavable platter and top lightly with low-fat cheese or a non-dairy cheese. Add toppings like black beans, edamame, jalapeños, avocado, salsa, ground turkey, chickpeas, paprika or onions. Microwave until the cheese melts and enjoy!
Cauliflower Pretzels
Cauliflower pretzels have protein, are lower in fat and have more fiber than your standard pretzel. Pair these yummy, crunchy snacks with peanut butter, low-sodium marinara or mustard. You can also make a healthy spinach dip with Greek yogurt, spinach, feta, garlic, lemon juice and dill.
Hummus and Veggies
Chop up your favorite veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers or peppers. Dip them into one of many delicious hummus flavor options. Choose from garlic, red pepper, eggplant, original, olive and more. Hummus is the perfect tasty snack that’s also low-calorie and low-sodium.
Blackened Shrimp with Avocado
Cut a cucumber into thin to medium-thick slices and place them onto a platter. Dab a dollop of guacamole onto each cucumber. Cook peeled shrimp in a skillet with your favorite Cajun seasoning. Place one shrimp onto each cucumber and serve. Each bite has fewer than 50 calories and is full of protein, fiber, potassium, iron and other nutritional benefits.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Swap heavy, high-calorie pizza for these lighter, pizza-inspired bites. Cut zucchini into thin slices and lightly sauté them in a skillet with garlic and olive oil. When they’re almost done, top with low-sodium marinara sauce and some low-fat or non-dairy cheese. Remove from heat when cheese is melted.
Don’t sabotage your fitness and nutrition goals when you can have all the flavor andfun with healthier game day alternatives like these.