Super Bowl parties can be a little daunting for those of us trying to eat healthfully – whether that’s eating less sugar, fewer calories, or more real foods. People tend to bring or provide junk food and we all stand around munching on it for four hours while watching the commercials (and football game, I guess). I’m here to help you out! I’ve gathered some yummy, easy recipes to give yourself some less-junky options at this weekend’s gathering.
Before I get to the recipes, I have a couple tips for getting to the end of Super Bowl Sunday without guilt or feeling like garbage.
Guilt-Free Super Bowl Snacking Tips
1. Indulge in your favorites
I am not going to tell you to avoid all of the yummy things surrounding you at the party. No one is that strong! But if you go in with that unrealistic plan, you’re at risk of eating the whole bowl of Peanut M&Ms because “at least you’re avoiding the ______.” Been there.
Pick the things that truly sound or look good to you and enjoy them! And avoid the random dishes that you wouldn’t be sad to miss.
2. Focus on more than the snacks
You’re gathering with a group of other people – focus on them! Step away from the food table and socialize. The Super Bowl provides plenty of topics to chat about even if you’re not usually one to network and mingle with new people.
3. Not every dish needs a carb scoop
Tortilla chips are one of my favorite things. But we don’t need every bite to be half dip half chip! Most game day foods have a chip or other carby pairing, but that doesn’t mean you can only eat it that way. Eat some of the bites with a fork and some with the chip scoop.
Super Bowl Recipe Roundup
Beyond a veggie tray with dip or something from the store (though there’s nothing wrong with those things!), I’ve gathered some easy, delicious recipes to bring this weekend! One perk of contributing to the food spread is knowing exactly what is in the dish or snack you brought (including the store-bought things). For more about what I look for on food labels and how to read them, check out this blog post.
Real Food Chili Cheese Dip
Hugh and his family love the traditional version of this stuff (read: Velveeta and Hormel chili). He requested it for his birthday last week, so I hunted down a version of the recipe made with real foods. It was a hit! This recipe is a little more effort that melting three ingredients together, but it’s worth it. Great served in a crockpot.
Chicken Avocado Salad Roll Ups
These pinwheels or roll ups get their creaminess from mashes avocado and Greek yogurt and are full of flavor! I brought these to a tailgate before and everyone wanted the recipe. Super easy crowd-pleaser.
Skinny Greek Layer Dip
This one is a twist on the classic Mexican Layer Dip but with Mediterranean flavors like hummus, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Really easy and flavorful. I don’t recommend assembling too far ahead of serving because the tomatoes and cucumbers make the dish watery over time.
Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili
This chili recipe is one of my faves because it has unique ingredients and flavors! Sweetness from the sweet potato, spiciness from the chipotle, and full of veggies. The recipe has instructions for making this in a crockpot, too, which is always nice for parties like for the Super Bowl! It’s also Paleo and Whole30 approved.
Have a great Super Bowl Sunday! I hope you make and enjoy one of these yummy recipes! And GO CHIEFS!
What are you doing for the Super Bowl?
Going to a party or staying home? Do you like the commercials, Puppy Bowl, halftime, or the actual game the most? Comment below!
