Better Snack Options for the Big Game
A Healthful Approach to Game Day Consumption
The Big Game is this Sunday. As friends and family squeeze onto the couch to watch football, unfortunately, it is also a time when all health-related resolutions for the new year go out the window. According to the USDA, it is the second biggest eating day of the year. (Thanksgiving is still king.) It is the cheat day to end all cheat days—with high calorie, high sugar canned drinks and fried foods consumed without shame over a four-hour period. You can finish the game feeling like you were just hit by a 400 lb. lineman.
However, there is hope! Here are a few tips to survive Sunday:
1. Try Homecooking
Instead of ordering something that will arrive in a grease-stained box or bag, you may want to fix something at home instead. It may take a little more time, but ordering pizza on Sunday could take even longer to arrive at your door. The goal is to find easy recipes with only a few ingredients to prep. For example, Saladmaster’s Buffalo Cauliflower Bites can be a good option.
2. Try Unfried
Dailyburn.com recommends avoiding fried foods. It's an easy task with the 12 in. Electric Oil Core and our Unfried Chicken recipe. You can add some extra kick with this popular unfried version of buffalo chicken wings.
3. Try Some Veggies
Healthyish on BonAppetit.com suggests roasted broccoli, stir-fried brussel sprouts, tempura green beans, and sesame-drenched celery sticks. By preparing vegetables in a new way, you can discover that some of these greens are delightfully versatile. It can bring out some surprising flavors—and be a big hit on the big day.
4. Try Substituting Ingredients
According to Greatist.com, you could replace potatoes skins with fiber-filled sweet potato skins. You could also consider an apple and arugula quesadilla or rice crisp treats that use peanut butter instead of marshmallows. With many recipes, nonfat Greek yogurt is a nice replacement for sour cream. A clever substitution here and there can make all the difference.
5. Try Popcorn
Many sites that we researched recommended popcorn as a satisfying low-calorie snack. Give it an upgrade with zesty seasoning. You can experiment with a variety and see what people enjoy most.
6. Try Smaller Portions
Portion control is crucial to avoid overeating. While the game is going on, we tend to unconsciously grab whatever food is in front of us. You can move the food to the kitchen (away from the TV), so it requires a few trips. You may also want to not put everything out at once. Maybe even consider rolling it out with the quarters? “Surprise! This is your fourth quarter snack!”
7. Try Sparkling Water or Unsweet Tea
Of all our suggestions, this one might be the most debatable. A lot of people love drinking beer and sodas during football games. It may be hard to give up. However, it’s not a bad idea to have some alternatives available. Sparkling water or a well-made unsweet tea can be a refreshing option, especially to wash down all that amazing food.
What are some of your favorite healthful snacks? Post about it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Use the #Saladmaster hashtag so we can see what you're cooking!
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