Healthy Superbowl Snacks

January 31, 2017

Updated: 02/10/23

Whether you are watching the Superbowl for the game or just for the commercials, you are likely going to be eating appetizers, pizza, chips, soda, beer… Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to avoid your favorite game day snacks because that’s just unrealistic. I strongly believe all food has a spot on the table. In fact, this is how I approach counseling with my patients too. And just because these are your favorites, doesn’t mean we can’t make your experience a little healthier!

Interested in working with me? Check out my MEDication Freedom Method program.

Let’s look at some ways we can make those Superbowl snacks healthier:

  • Choose popcorn to munch on during the game instead of chips to satisfy that crunchy, salty craving. Popcorn has more fiber helping to satisfy that hunger.
  • Craving potato chips (and popcorn won’t do it)? Choose lightly salted potato chips instead of the regular. This will save you about 105mg of sodium per serving.
  • Portion snacks like chips and popcorn into a bowl instead of eating straight from the bag. You might find yourself eating more than you realize when your mind is focused on the game.
  • Add some vegetables on those nachos like avocado, tomato, onion, and peppers.
  • Load up your pizza with vegetables too. I suggest adding mushrooms, spinach, tomato, and onion with some grilled chicken.
  • If you’re ordering from a restaurant, take a peek at the nutrition facts online to help you make a more informed decision for your health goals.

Not sure what to have? Check out some of these delicious ideas!

What about alcohol?

Did you know that beer is the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage during the Superbowl? That may be no surprise but what can be surprising is how quickly the calories add up by halftime. I suggest not having more than 2 beers throughout the game – 1 before halftime and the second after.

If you maybe want to switch to something a bit stronger during halftime because your team is not doing so great, opt for a lower sugar cocktail such as 1 oz of gin mixed with diet tonic or 1 oz of rum in diet coke.

And just like the commercials say…Please drink responsibly.