Super Bowl Sunday is not only a day of sports, it’s a day of food. And by food I mean the greasiest, fattiest, meatiest meals out there. Go to any Super Bowl party and you’ll find a bacon-wrapped this or a beer-battered that; Chips and dips and cheese galore! It’s a time when you test out all the ideas you gathered from eating food at the county fair and don’t have to lie about owning a portable deep fryer. According to an article by nwi.com, Americans consumed approximately 11 million pounds of chips and 1.25 billion pounds of chicken wings last year on Super Bowl Sunday. Not to say that you can’t enjoy a bite or two of your friends famous cajun chipotle chili cheese dip, but unless you want to be catapulted into a giant food coma by 3rd quarter, you better incorporate some snacks that your body won’t hate you for eating the next day.
Don’t know what to make? It’s cool. I got you covered.
MINTY CUCUMBER VEGGIE DIP
WHAT YOU NEED:
• ½ English cucumber (seeds removed)
• ½ cup mint leaves
• 1 large container Greek yogurt (approximately 10oz)
• Lemon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Spoon yogurt into a large bowl. Finely chop mint leaves and cucumbers and combine with yogurt in bowl. Add salt, pepper, and lemon (optional) to taste. Serve with fresh cut veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Cucumbers are sometimes referred to as a superfood because of their endless nutritional benefits. They help hydrate the body, nourish the skin and hair, are a good source of B vitamins, contain cancer-fighting properties, help aid in digestion and weight loss, relieve bad breath, and help relieve gout and arthritis pain. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and contains healthy bacteria such as acidophilus and lactobacillus.
SPICY CHICKPEA POPPERS – These are super quick and easy to make. And they are perfect for nibbling as well as satisfying a craving for something spicy.
WHAT YOU NEED:
• 2 15oz cans chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 1 tsp cayanne pepper (This makes them moderately spicy. Adjust according to your spiciness needs)
• salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 375°. Toss chickpeas with grape seed oil, cayanne, salt and pepper. Place in large baking dish or cookie sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until they become slightly crisp and golden in color (be careful not to over bake). Add more salt and pepper if needed before serving.
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Chickpeas are low in fat and high in fiber. They lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss, and help promote a healthy intestine. They also are a good source of protein - a benefit to keep in mind if you are a non-meat eater.
CHICKPEA DIP – I had some leftover chickpeas, so I decided to make another chickpea dish. The great thing about this dish is that it’s simple and you have the ability to be creative. Feel free to switch up the herbs or adjust the spices to your liking. You can eat this with fresh cut veggies, crackers, or any other healthy side. It may also go well as a dressing for a sandwich or wrap.
WHAT YOU NEED:
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or grape seed, olive, walnut, etc)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• Juice from half a lemon
• Juice from half a lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
Place chickpeas, oil, cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice, and a few dashes of salt and pepper into a food processor. Pulse on low until well combined. Spoon into a bowl and serve with crackers, fresh cut vegetables, etc.
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
You already know the health benefits of chickpeas! And cilantro also promotes healthy cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) with its many antioxidants, essential oils, and vitamins, including vitamins A and K.
BEET CHIPS - I saved the best for last. These are absolutely delicious. In the past, I had a bit of a chip addiction and these help fill the void without adding the guilt. This recipe I actually borrowed from marthastewart.com but added my own touch by including a bit of salt and pepper. You’ll need a mandoline to slice the beets for this recipe, as well as a vegetable peeler.
WARNING: DO NOT wear a nice outfit while making this dish. The beets are difficult to slice and have the potential to go flying. And they definitely like to leave their mark. Washing your hands after handling these guys is going to make you feel like you just did something you only see in horror flicks.
WHAT YOU NEED:
• 2 medium red beets, washed and peeled
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Small dash of pepper
*Depending on the size of your baking sheet, you may need to cook the beets in two batches.
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°. Thinly slice beets with a mandoline, then toss in a bowl with oil, salt, and pepper. Line beets on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges of the beets begin to dry and curl up. Remove beets and place on cooling rack. They will become crispy as they cool.
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Beets are literally a nutritional powerhouse. They contain vitamins A, B, and C, magnesium, potassium, fiber, iron. and phosphorous, to name a few. They are an aphrodisiac and aid in new cell growth during pregnancy. They have cleansing properties, particularly in relation to the liver. They help prevent cancer. They lower blood pressure. They promote good mental health by containing the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Feeling down, anxious, or tired? Eat a beat. It will help boost your mood as well as provide your body with many, many other nutritional benefits.
Now it’s your turn. What are YOU bringing to this years Super Bowl party? Or- Did you try any of the recipes above? Let me know in the comment section below!
