Super Bowl parties are usually filled with fatty, greasy, high-calorie foods. You can't expect a group of football fans to switch from foods like fried wings and nachos to lettuce salad and cucumber sandwiches, but you can offer healthier versions of some favorite foods. The key to eating healthier is to prepare everything yourself to ensure that no extra calories are sneaking in.
Snacks
Finger foods are a staple of any big get-together. Any of your favorites can be made with lower calories by making smart choices. Use mini turkey dogs wrapped in low-fat crescent rolls to update Crescent Dogs. If you can't find mini turkey dogs, buy regular sized ones and cut them in four. Potato skins are usually fried, so baking them will make for a significant fat reduction. Top them with low-fat cheese or simply with salsa and fat-free sour cream. Purchase baked or low-fat chips and prepare your own dips using dried mixes. You can use fat-free mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese to prepare the dips and most guests will never know the difference because the flavors of the mix will dominate.
Main foods
Slimming down foods like chili and wings is easy. Chili itself has many healthy ingredients, like tomatoes and beans, but the beef can add many fatty calories. Choose a super lean beef or ground turkey or chicken to cut out a significant amount of the fat. Chicken wings are a very popular sports event food, but they are usually fried and sometimes soaked in a buttery sauce. Bake the wings in the oven to cook them through and crisp them up. Toss them in a prepared hot sauce. Slim down pizza by letting guests make their own. Have low-fat crusts and a variety of low-fat and regular cheeses available, as well as lots of vegetables for topping. This allows your guests who aren't as concerned with their calorie intake to pile up the cheese, while others can have healthy options on hand.
Desserts
You can keep dessert sweet and simple with a fruit tray. Cut up favorites like pineapple, melons, apples and strawberries. Make a simple fruit dip using equal parts of light cool whip and light vanilla yogurt. If your guests prefer to have a cake or pastry, make a light version of strawberry shortcake by preparing an angel food cake and serving it with strawberries and light whipped cream.
Tags: foods like, mini turkey, mini turkey dogs, sour cream, Super Bowl