Go! Fight! Win! ... Eat healthy?
Although that mantra isn't usually present at what's also known as the "Nachos and Beer Day" (Super Bowl!), as a registered dietician that helps you with all areas of your life, I'm coming to the rescue. The whole point is to live your life and not your diet. But back to football.
You want to be celebrating out with friends or having friends over to your house. Whether you're in a potluck scenario or just going to a bar to watch the game (or watching "Real Housewives" -- I won't judge!) I wanted to offer five great recipes -- three snacks, one dessert and one cocktail -- that are sure to please both your guests and your waistline.
Snacks
You know how delicious the spread can be when it comes to watching games with your buddies or other couples -- try calorie-laden nachos, burgers, pigs in a blanket, what have you. I'm not forbidding you from having any of it, because we know that certainly is only going to backfire and make you binge (or enter the Plunge as I call it in my book). Bring these to your friends' party or make it and be the hostess with the mostest:
Cucumber Feta Dip (From Chobani)
• 2 C (16oz) Plain 0% Chobani Greek Yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, finely chopped, and squeezed dry in a kitchen towel
• 1 C (8oz) crumbled feta
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsp minced onion
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or so overnight before serving. Served with carrots, celery, broccoli, any raw veggie.
Only 22 calories/tablespoon and has 2 grams of protein!
Spicy Popcorn
So simple -- A sprinkle of cayenne peppers and a dash of hot sauce (drizzled on top right before serving).
Tomato Basil Skewers
• 16 small fresh skim mozzarella balls
• 16 fresh basil leaves
• 16 cherry tomatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle
• Coarse salt & fresh group pepper to taste
• Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Less than 50 calories/skewer!
Dessert
You can't forget dessert. I think it might be my favorite part of any dinner party. But it's important to load up on healthy foods before you go nuts (well, go brownies) over the dessert table. Here is a great brownie recipe:
Ice cream: Adonia by Ciao Bello -- Greek frozen vanilla yogurt (130 cals plus 9 grams of protein!)
Brownies With No Oil or Butter:
•1 cup sugar
•3/4 cup flour
•1/2 cup cocoa
•2 egg whites (this is for cake like brownies and is optional)
•2 teaspoons cornstarch
•1/4 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•2/3 cup 0% yogurt (Chobani or Fage)
•nonstick cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients. Add yogurt and egg whites. Spread batter in 8x8 pan (sprayed) Bake 30 min for 16 squares at
Drink
We know a lot of sporting events can be about the drinking. I'm telling you to be responsible, but also to let loose once in a while! This margarita recipe is sure to please and won't ruin your healthy eating.
Margarita:
•1 oz- Premium Tequila
• 4 oz Honest Tea Organic Limeade (made with a lot less sugar than other mixers!)
•.5 oz Cointreau
•Top with a splash of club soda
•Garnish with lime
Check out my site, Nu-train.
Order my book, "Bread is the Devil," on Amazon!
For more by Heather Bauer, RD, CDN, click here
For more on diet and nutrition, click here.