Super Snacking - Healthier Versions of Game Day Favorites

So guess how many chicken wings Americans will eat on Superbowl Sunday? More than one billion! That's a lot of chickens, but that is just the start of it. Chips, pizza, nachos, and beer are typical Super Bowl Sunday staples, making it one of America's biggest eating holidays, just second to Thanksgiving.

On game day, it is estimated that the average American will take 2,400 calories during the four to five-hour party. That's well above the number of calories recommended for most of us to eat in 24 hours!

No one is suggesting we eat tofu during the big game, but there are ways to make some of our favorites a little healthy-ish, especially if we are cooking at home. For example, we could skip the pepperoni on the pizza or bake wings instead of deep-frying them. Check out these tips and links to some recipes.

More Health Tips

Getty Images/iStockphoto/bhofack2
Getty Images/iStockphoto/bhofack2
1
Lighter Chicken Wings
More than one billion wings are consumed every Superbowl Sunday, and it doesn't help that delicious fatty sauces like buffalo and barbecue are added on to the wings. Add some blue cheese dressing and each wing is about 170 calories, but who eats just one? If you are making your own, bake them or use an air fryer. Go light on the toppings and dips. Here are a few recipes with lower-calorie versions.
Afisphoto/Viktor Fischer/Thinkstock
Afisphoto/Viktor Fischer/Thinkstock
2
Fruit and Veggie Platters
Fruits and veggies offer a delicious low-carb and calorie option that will give everyone a good source of fiber. This keeps us feeling fuller and reduces our chance of overeating the wings and pizza. They are also a great alternative to munching mindlessly on chips and nachos.
South China Morning Post via Getty
South China Morning Post via Getty
3
Sweet Potato Skins
Who doesn't love potato skins, but they can be loaded with fat. Sweet potatoes offer more fiber and low-fat cheese and salsa verde are sure to make these a hit. Check out the recipe.
The Washington Post via Getty
The Washington Post via Getty
4
Pizza with Pizazz
More than 12 million pizzas will be sold on Superbowl Sunday, making it one of the most popular foods during the big game. When ordering, stick with veggie toppings and skip the pepperoni and sausage. That adds a ton of extra fat. If you are making your own, here are some recipes that make pizza a little healthier.