The Super Bowl is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, enjoy some good food and new commercials, and cheer on your favorite team. But it doesn’t have to mean loading up on greasy, processed snacks. With a few clean and healthy swaps, you can keep the festiveness and flavor while also nourishing your body.
Here are some suggestions:
• Swap chips for veggie dippers. Instead of reaching for processed potato chips, opt for colorful vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Pair them with homemade guacamole, hummus, or a creamy Greek yogurt-based ranch dip, says Rebecca Kastin, a nutritional wellness coach in Boca Raton, Florida.
• Upgrade your wings. Buffalo wings are a game-day staple, but they’re often fried and loaded with unhealthy fats. Try baking or air-frying chicken wings and tossing them in a homemade hot sauce. For a plant-based option, buffalo cauliflower bites are a flavorful and satisfying alternative.
• Choose clean dips. Many store-bought dips are packed with preservatives, sodium, and artificial flavors. Whip up fresh guacamole, a popular seven-layer dip with black beans and fresh salsa, or a creamy avocado yogurt dip.
• Lighten up pizza. Skip greasy delivery pizza and create your own at home. Use a whole-grain or cauliflower crust, load it with veggies, and opt for cashew cheese or light mozzarella. You can even make mini pizzas using sweet potato rounds or zucchini slices.
• Air fryer loaded zucchini boats. These loaded zucchini skins are a fresh and healthy twist on potato skins. They’re stuffed with cheddar, tomato, and avocado for intense flavors and color. Get the recipe here.
• Shrimp tostada bites. Make these tasty, bite-sized appetizers by filling tortilla scoops with guacamole, and topping with grilled shrimp seasoned with lime juice, paprika, cayenne pepper and ancho chili powder. Here is the complete recipe.
• Turkey lettuce wraps. Cut the carbs by wrapping sliced turkey topped with a little hoisin sauce and sliced tomatoes in butter or bibb lettuce leaves, says Good Housekeeping.
• Sweet treat swaps. Instead of candy or sugary desserts, set out a fruit platter with a dark chocolate dipping sauce. For a fun twist, make frozen banana bites dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts or seeds.
• Hydration over soda. Sugary sodas can leave you feeling sluggish. Serve sparkling water infused with fresh fruit, a splash of juice, or herbal iced teas for a refreshing and hydrating option. Here’s a delicious citrusy mocktail that’s a crowd pleaser.
• Healthier nachos. Trade fried tortilla chips for baked ones or use sweet potato rounds as a base. Top with black beans, fresh salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast for a flavorful crunch.
“With these clean and healthy swaps, you can enjoy a guilt-free Super Bowl celebration that’s as nourishing as it is delicious,” says Kastin. “Remember, the best part of game day is spending time with loved ones — and these healthy options will keep everyone feeling their best!”