Hi Everyone! My baby Layla is 2 weeks old today
- Sleep when the baby sleeps has (in general) worked well thanks to the help of the husband and my dad! I think I’m averaging about 6-7 hours total per day (in 1-2 hour increments ha)
- Layla already looks different from when we brought her home from the hospital, and she’s surpassed her birth weight (yay!)
- My days are spent holding Layla, breastfeeding, changing her diaper, putting her to sleep, and then making sure I’m sleeping, eating and showering. It’s simple and repetitive but I’m getting into a groove with things and starting to love it.
- Breastfeeding was definitely a challenge in the first two weeks! But thanks to a lactation consultant and lots of support, I’m getting the hang of it and it’s a much more peaceful experience now (hopefully that continues!)
- It truly takes a village to raise a child. I don’t know what I would do without my husband and my dad taking care of all the household stuff, running errands, and supporting me every step of the way; and my community of mom friends to share experiences and get advice!
I haven’t made it into the kitchen yet, but I’m sure that will change in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, since the Super Bowl is right around the corner, and since Layla will be 3 weeks old exactly on Super Bowl Sunday, I thought I’d post a recipe roundup for all of you.
Super Bowl party menus can often be a land of temptation – who can resist mozzarella sticks and 7 layer dip and fries? I’m all for those foods in moderation, but I also want to be able to enjoy all of my favorite Super Bowl party treats, totally guilt-free. This menu has all of the classic game-day dishes, but they are all totally made over to be much healthier than the original versions. They still taste amazing though, so you won’t notice the difference!
First Up: The Appetizers
Guilt-Free 7 Layer Bean Dip
What makes this recipe healthier than the original? Refried vegetarian black beans, mashed avocado, 0% greek yogurt instead of sour cream, veggies and a tiny bit of cheese! Serve it up with baked tortilla chips and it’s actually a great meal. Check out the recipe here.
Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks from Gina’s Skinny Recipes
Thanks to Gina’s amazing swaps, these ooey gooey mozzarella sticks have only ~87 calories for 2 pieces, and only 4.8g fat!
Arugula, Corn and Tomato Salad
If you want a salad for your Super Bowl spread, try this one. It has barely any calories because it’s basically veggies with just a tiny bit of goat cheese added for some tang. Try the recipe here.
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Swapping in sweet potatoes for regular potatoes and baking these fries in the oven makes them super healthy for you, rich in fiber and Vitamin A, and guilt-free! They only take about 5 min of prep time too, and then just throw them in the oven and wait for the deliciousness to happen. Here is this amazing recipe.
Homemade Guacamole
While yes, guacamole/avocados do have a lot of fat – it’s all healthy fat! And with the spices and texture of this particular guacamole, a little bit goes a long way. Try the recipe here.
Now it’s time for the entrees:
What’s a super bowl party without burgers, mac and cheese, and chili? These three healthy recipes will make you forget they’re actually good for you!
The Best Vegetarian Chili Ever
You won’t even miss the meat in this smoky, hearty chili. And the best part is, two huge ladle-fulls are only about 270 calories, and have 16g protein and 16g fiber! Here is the recipe for the chili that my husband can’t get enough of.
5 Different Ways with Veggie Burgers
You can take a frozen veggie burger patty and make it into a delicious meal! These 5 recipes prove that to be the case. There’s a different type of burger for every type of Super Bowl Party goer. If you want to try making veggie burgers from scratch, these Southwestern Pinto Bean Burgers are absolutely delicious.
Lastly, Made-over Mac & Cheese
This healthified mac & cheese has only 250 calories per serving, but is still super cheesy and creamy! Its bound to be a hit with all of your party guests.
Now, for a few tips for those of you who don’t have control over your super bowl party menus. Because all of us won’t be hosting our own super bowl parties, and while there is an opportunity to bring a dish to help contribute to the spread, there might be some of the traditional game-day recipes waiting for you at whichever party you go to! So while you’re watching the game, keep these 5 tips in mind:
1. Eat Mindfully: Don’t graze at the buffet table at every commercial break. Take one small plate of food and stick to it. Try to fill up 2/3 of it with healthier/nutritious options, leaving 1/3 for indulgences. If you want a bit of everything (which I often do), take a small (golf-sized) portion of each item – think small bites. Also, sit as far away from the buffet as possible so you’re not tempted after you’re done with your plate!
2. Try to stay away from the fried stuff: And if you have to, just take one chicken wing or one mozzarella stick for an indulgent taste.
3. Remember that drinks have calories too! 1 glass of beer has 100 calories, as does 1 glass of wine. Mixed drinks have way more calories and sugar, so stick to beer and wine if you can!
4. Work out on game day: The players are working hard, why shouldn’t you too? I like going for a run in the morning before I head out for the day – it energizes me and gives you a bit of wiggle room if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet.
5. Don’t overdo the sweet treats: Again, if you want a bit of everything, take literally 1 bite of each dessert – about 1-2 Tbsp worth. Or, if you’re feeling really healthy – go for some fruit with a scoop of fro-yo.
Hope these tips are helpful to you, and if you’re throwing your own super bowl party – try some of these recipes! You won’t be disappointed. Happy (early) Super Bowl Sunday!
