One of the best things about football season is the delicious food that accompanies each game. Unfortunately, pizza, chips and dips can be high in calories, fat and sodium. While many guys balk at the thought of eating healthier foods, it is possible to throw a football party with healthy foods that even guys will love. Use these five tips to make your football party great while keeping the calorie count low.
1. Choose Healthier Grilling Options
Grilling can be a great way to add lots of flavor to food. Ribs, hot dogs, chicken legs and hamburgers, however, can all be high in saturated fat. When grilling, choose lean meats such as boneless, skinless chicken and lean ground beef for hamburgers. Basting chicken with sauce while it grills will keep it moist and flavorful. When choosing a grill seasoning for meat, instead of piling on the salt, opt for herbs, spices and chopped vegetables that will add lots of flavor while reducing the sodium level in the food.
Skewers can be loaded up with onions, peppers, mushrooms and zucchini before being lightly grilled to give guests a healthy side to their main dish.
2. Serve Vegetables with Dips
Chips and dip make a perfect appetizer while watching a game. Both can have high calorie, fat and sodium counts, however. Instead of chips, try serving vegetables with your favorite dip recipes. Crunchy vegetables, such as baby carrots, celery sticks and jicama, will provide the perfect accompaniment for chips that will mimic the crunch that normally comes from chips. If you do want to serve chips, try a version that is baked rather than fried to keep the party healthy.
3. Make Lower-Calorie Versions of Dips
Dips that have a base of sour cream or cheese can quickly add lots of calories and fat. Dips with a bean base, such as hummus and refried bean dips, will provide your guests a dip that has lots of flavor and fiber, keeping everyone full and blood sugar levels stable. Salsa is another great low-fat option that tastes great with vegetables or baked chips.
4. Serve Lightened-up Drinks
Full-calorie sodas and beer can quickly add hundreds of calories to a football party. Cocktails, seltzers and water are healthier drinking options. If you do want to serve beer, look for a version that has fewer calories and carbohydrates.
5. Try Fruit for a Sweet Finish
Instead of cupcakes, cookies and candy, try serving fruit. Pineapple and peaches can be grilled, which will add flavor and allow the sugars to caramelize. Serve the grilled fruit with a side of whipped cream. Fresh fruit is also a great option for a party. Strawberries that are lightly dipped in dark chocolate or that are served with a fun fruit dip can help to satisfy your guest's sweet tooth without adding too much sugar to their diets.
It is possible to enjoy a football game without having to work out extra the next day to burn off the calories that were eaten. Try these tips at your next football party that will keep everyone satisfied while keeping the calories, fat and sodium low.
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