Before you know it, the Big Game will be here. Two teams will battle it out for the winning title while everyone in the country watches. But whether you’re a die-hard football fan or not, there’s one universal thing that’s on everyone’s mind: the snacks. Finding food that pleases your partner, your kids, and is healthy can be exhausting — especially when it comes to big events like this one. Plus, it’s easy to get blindsided by extra calories and added sugars when preparing your more traditional game day cuisine. Check out these healthy recipes for the big day that will please everyone, even the kids (we promise).
Turkey Burger Sliders
Turkey burger sliders are easy to make and look just like regular hamburgers — except without the calories or health concerns that typically come with red meat. This alternative packs 17 grams of protein and only 150 calories per serving, making it the perfect option for your game-day eats. Find the easy recipe here.
Homemade Flavored Popcorn
Beyond tasting delicious, popcorn provides a number of excellent health benefits such as improving digestion, lowering cholesterol and even preventing cancer. Tread carefully, however; traditional microwave popcorn found in the grocery store can have several hidden health concerns. Fortunately, it’s super easy to pop your own at home with just some coconut oil and popcorn kernels. You can either season traditionally with a tiny bit of butter and salt, or try a more adventurous recipe like chili lime or apple cinnamon.
Color-Coordinated Fruit and Veggie Platter (with Nut Butter)
There’s no better way to convince your family to eat their fruits and veggies than to color coordinate them with their favorite team. Pick out some yummy choices like celery sticks, kiwi or peppers for a team with green colors, or coordinate some banana, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries for a team with red, white and blue colors. Add some healthy nut butters like almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a delicious, low sugar and high protein dip.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Swap out your traditional chips, packed with high-sodium, calories, and trans fats, and make your own healthy alternative using sweet potatoes. DIY baked sweet potato chips allow you to control the amount of sodium, and are packed with essential Vitamins C and D that you won’t find in your regular store bought potato chips. Just go easy on the oil and try to choose a healthier alternative like coconut oil or olive oil. Check out this recipe here.
Veggie Loaded Healthy Nachos
For some families, it wouldn’t be a game-day party without some delicious nachos to snack on. If nachos are a game day staple in your household, try out this recipe using ground turkey, zucchini, and bell peppers for a high veggie and healthy protein intake.
Healthy Rice Krispy Treats
Rice crispy treats are definitely a fan favorite and easy to mold into whatever fun shape you like. Check out this healthy recipe that uses only three ingredients–no butter, marshmallows or oil needed. Added bonus: it’s gluten-free and vegan!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Footballs
We know chocolate isn’t exactly healthy, but a little bit of chocolate never hurt anyone. To satisfy your family’s sweet tooth, try out this super easy recipe for chocolate covered football strawberries. All you need are strawberries, white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips.
