Throw a healthier super bowl party!
Ali Schneider
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
It’s Super Bowl time! Whether you are a huge football fan or just someone who likes a good party, chances are many of you have plans for the big game on Sunday.
It’s unlikely that “healthy” is at the top of your priorities when it comes to preparing for this annual party. I want to give you some quick tips on how to make your party a little bit healthier without taking all the fun out of it.
1 Offer healthy options to snack on. Put out a fruit and vegetable tray with some dips; use plain yogurt to mix the dips with rather than sour cream.
2 Replace your regular potato chips with Whole Grain Chips or Sun Chips. Both of these options are healthier, yet they still taste good! You don’t have to trust me. Try them for yourselves and see what you think.
3 Rather than the nachos loaded with cheese dip, sour cream and ground beef, set out pico de gallo and guacamole dips to go along with your healthier chips.
4 Instead of the chicken wings, make chicken fingers using skinless chicken breast.
5 As for the alcohol, if you are going to drink, do so in moderation. Rather than challenging yourselves to outdo your beer-a-mid from last year, just have some casual drinks with your friends.
You can have a good time at your Super Bowl party without completely throwing your New Year’s resolutions out the door. Check out some of these recipes for healthier options to some of the super bowl classics.
Emeril Lagasse’s Pico De Gallo
1 1/2 cups seeded, diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon diced jalapenos
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons cilantro, plus extra for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
In a bowl combine all ingredients. Makes about 2 cups.
Guacamole Dip
2 ripe avocados
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup red onion
1 medium tomato
1 medium jalapeno
1/2 cup cilantro
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to desired consistency. Do not over mix. Best when left chunky.
Taco Chili
1 pound hamburger, browned & drained (substitute ground turkey for an even healthier option)
1 small chopped onion
1 package taco seasoning
1/2 package Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
1 can (15 oz.) petite cut chopped tomatoes (undrained)
1 large (or 2 small) cans organic pinto beans (drained)
1 can organic tomato sauce
1 small can Rotel tomatoes and chilis (undrained)
1 can water (can add 1-2 cups more if you prefer thinner soup consistency)
Brown meat and onion. Add taco seasoning. Put seasoned meat into a slow cooker then add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer up to 6 hours. On stovetop, bring all ingredients to a boil, simmer and serve.
NOTE: If making this for a Super Bowl party, it is recommended that you double the recipe.
Food Network Grilled Orange Chicken Fingers
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Salt to taste
Cut chicken crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide strips. Whisk together mustard, orange juice concentrate, honey, sesame oil and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the chicken and toss to combine. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat grill or broiler. Lightly oil rack or coat with nonstick cooking spray. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, discarding remaining marinade. Grill or broil until no longer pink in the center, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Season with salt and serve.