By Justine Mattiussi and Gina Garrett
AmesEats Flavors writers
You made your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthy and decided this year is the year you stick to them. But, just like last year, things come up … like the Super Bowl. Luckily, you can have a good time, eat good food and stick to your New Year’s resolutions. We’ve created a simple menu of things to serve at your Super Bowl XLIV get together.
Before you head to the grocery store, here are some general tips for success:
- First, remember to focus on the guests at the party and having fun; don’t hang out by the food table.
- Second, get some extra exercise Super bowl Sunday.
- Lastly, carry a water bottle with you. It keeps your hands busy, keeps you hydrated and makes you feel fuller. Take it one step farther and add water bottles to your cooler or ice bucket, your guests will be grateful.
- Now, for the plan.
Munchies:
- Vegetable tray with low calorie dip.
- Pumpernickel (or honey wheat) pretzel sticks with honey mustard for dipping.
- Tiny Dixie cups, for portion control, filled with homemade trail mix: Almonds (or any other healthy nut), dried cranberries, dried apricots and maybe just a few chocolate chips thrown in.
- Layered Mexican dip: Layer a little guacamole, light sour cream, salsa, and fat-free refried beans in a dish. Serve cold with tortilla chips in portion-controlled plastic cups, about 10 in each cup. Not only does this help your guests eat less, but it’s also more sanitary.
Appetizers:
- Veggie spiral wraps: Spread a plain or flavored wrap thinly with light cream cheese or hummus. Lightly top with fresh spinach, chopped tomatoes, shredded carrots and whatever you like but be careful not to overload. Tightly wrap and slice into 1 inch servings.
- Meatless meatballs: Find them in the freezer section. They are lower in calories and fat than real hamburger and you can have a chuckle when your guests don’t notice the swap! Heat them in the oven or microwave and top with teriyaki sauce from a jar. Serve with toothpicks.
Sweets:
- Fruit salad: Use whatever fresh or canned, drained fruit you want and stir together in bowl. Before serving, add a small container of low-fat vanilla bean yogurt
- Angel food cake: It’s fat free and fewer calories than some other desserts. Bake or buy an angel food cake then top with sliced strawberries or drained mandarin oranges and drizzle on a tiny bit of chocolate syrup for pizzazz.
Alternative Beverage:
- Mocktail: Use 1 oz of your favorite bottle juice, like peach, orange or pomegranate, with 1 oz of club soda and a splash of lemonade; shake and pour over ice with lemon wedge as a garnish. Only 34 calories, so enjoy!
Other party essentials:
- Purchase plastic or re-useable cups, plates, spoons and forks and napkins as well as a 5 or 25 pound bag of ice, depending on your party-size. Remember: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold for safe, especially if the game goes into overtime.
These tips and tricks will keep your guests full and happy, yet healthy while maintaining New Year’s goals. Remember to have fun rooting on your favorite team and stay hydrated to avoid any unintentional hangovers the next morning.
