Did you know that the Super Bowl has become one of the biggest food “holidays” in this country? While I’m sure you think it’s impossible, you can actually eat and drink somewhat healthily and need not send your blood sugar or insulin levels up in order to root for your team!
But first, here are some basic tips for planning a successful Super Bowl Party:
Everything should be able to be made ahead
Everything should be easily made self-serve
Everything should be able to be eaten while sitting in front of the TV — this is not a sit-down dinner. This means finger foods and food easily eaten out of a mug or bowl, which is probably why chilli is so popular.
First, let’s talk about the munchies:
Salt-free Pretzels, Nuts and Popcorn (with no butter of course) are great choices.
Pistachios and Cashews are the lowest caloric (and have the least amount of fat). About two dozen nuts equal one serving. And about 20 mini pretzels (1 oz.) are equal to one serving.
Vegetables like pepper strips, carrots, cucumber slices, celery, jicama go great with fat free dip.
Chicken WINGS (the white meat guys), baked or grilled, without the skin, and dipped in sugar-free barbeque or hot wing sauce and non-fat blue cheese sauce will go over with a bang.
Turkey or Chicken chili and Cajun Shrimp grilled on the barbie are also fan favorites.
As for the beverages, that’s easy folks. You should know water (regular or flavored – again without sugar), sugar-free iced tea or lemonade, low calorie or non-alcoholic beer and sugar-free margaritas should quench everyone’s palette. Adding too much alcohol can turn the Super Bowl into a Super Brawl, so keep it to a minimum. Remember, there may be kids around and you don’t want them to watch you instead of the game!
What’s for dessert? Another crowd pleaser…Angel Food Cake with Non-Fat Whipped Cream and Strawberries!