The Super Bowl, aside from game watching, typically consists of hours of beer guzzling, wing nibbling, and chip dipping in vast amounts that can lead to a consumption of over 2,000 calories in one sitting. Game day does not have to be unhealthy. Here are some simple, nutritious, and delicious dip and chip ideas that won’t leave you in a greasy, salty coma by the 4th quarter.
Why settle for fried, over salted potato or tortilla chips when you can make your own healthy version in 15 minutes? I used Ezekiel taco sized sprouted whole grain tortillas, corn tortillas can be utilized if you want a gluten-free alternative.
Za’atar Baked Whole Grain Tortilla Chip
- 4-6 whole grain or corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Za’atar
- Sea salt
Preheat oven to 350
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
Stack tortillas and cut lengthwise 4-5 times until you get 8-10 triangles.
Put triangles in a bowl and toss with oil and za’atar.
Spread triangles out evenly on your sheet pan. Bake 10-15 minutes, rotating the pan half way through. Finish with a light dusting of sea salt.
What is a Super Bowl viewing without guac? Try my fire roasted jalapeño, lime, and pistachio guacamole to liven up your game day.
Jalapeno Lime Pistachio Guacamole
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 avocados
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup pistachios-roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp cilantro- chopped
- Sea salt
Over an open flame, roast the jalapeno until charred. This takes about 5 minutes or less. Allow to cool. Remove the charred skin and slice lengthwise. With a spoon, scrape out the seeds. Finely chop and place the jalapeno in a bowl. Scoop out the meat of the avocados and place in the bowl. With the back of a fork, mash until you have your desired guac texture. Add the lime juice and most of the pistachios and cilantro and mix to combine. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and garnish with the remaining nuts and cilantro.
Who needs seven layers of fat when you can have this spicy caramelized onion “refried” bean dip?
Spicy Caramelized Onion “Refried” Bean Dip
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 onion- thinly sliced
- 1 can/bag cooked sodium free pinto beans
- Sea salt
- Garnish- sunflower spouts, kale sprouts, cilantro, or parsley
Heat canola oil in a cast iron skillet. Add chili powder and toast for 1 minute. Add onions and allow to cook down until browned and soft, about 15 minutes. Add the can/bag of beans with its liquid. Fill a quarter of the bean can with water and add to the pot. Allow beans and onions to meld together and reduce. As the beans cook, mash the beans with the back of a fork to form a cohesive mixture. Continue cooking until all the liquid is dissolved, about 20-30 minutes. Allow to cool. If a smoother texture is desired, blend the bean mixture in a food processor. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and garnish with greenery of your choice.
Brighten up your football viewing with this beet and feta dip.
Beet and Feta Dip
- 3 large beets
- 4 ounces creamy feta cheese (such as French or Australian Feta)
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 small garlic clove, chopped
- Sea salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
Steam beets about 40 minutes until tender. Allow to cool. Remove skin, quarter, and puree in a food processor with garlic and lemon juice. Mix all but a few crumbles of the feta cheese with the beet puree. Finish with a pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with the remaining goat cheese crumbles.
Game Day Slim Down Tips:
· Make sure that you have plenty of fresh vegetables to go alongside your dips so you are not continually opting for chips as your dipper. I selected baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and, of course, radishes to dip.
· Get in your exercise. The Super Bowl is centered on sitting around eating and drinking. Make sure that you workout out in the morning so you truly earned a splurge or two.
· Keep your water near by, sparkling or flat, to prevent yourself from consuming too much alcohol.
· Do not starve yourself before the main event. Make sure you have had a protein and complex carb-rich breakfast so that you are not ravenous when the game starts.
· Use a small plate instead of sitting in front of the TV mindlessly eating. Put an assortment of colorful food on your plate so that you can monitor how much you are actually consuming.
· If you fall off the wagon, don’t beat yourself up…. just get right back on in the morning.