Healthy Super Bowl

Super Bowl XLV will be here on Sunday with lots of gatherings, parties, and events with a big focus on food and eating. Healthy recipes and foods can be enjoyed for the Super Bowl.

Here are some tips to keep your Superbowl healthy this year.

• Make a fruit or veggie tray with whatever is in season. Carrots, celery, cucumbers, and green peppers are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Apples are inexpensive and simple too. To make a tasty and healthy veggie dip - compare 16 ounces of plain low-fat or fat free Greek yogurt with one package of Ranch dressing powder. The consistency will be similar to sour cream dips, but with added nutrients, less fat, and less calories.
• Use whole wheat pizza dough to make a veggie pizza.
• Serve grilled or baked meat instead of fried meat. You can bake or grill shrimp, wings, chicken breast, or steak.
  
• Try hummus instead of other dips. Hummus is made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans) so it's full of protein. There are different flavors available and it can be served with veggies, pita bread, or crackers. You can also find a recipe and make your own.
• Make your own trail mix. Nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, and cereal can make an easy and healthy snack.
• Don't eat while standing next to snacks or at the buffet. Put your food on a plate and move away from from where it is served. The distance helps prevent overindulging.
• If there is a big selection of foods that you want to try, serve yourself very small portions.
• Look online for healthy Super Bowl recipes or ways to make your recipes healthier.
• Drink low-calorie or calorie-free beverages. The calories from alcohol and regular soda can add up. Choose water, coffee, and unsweetened tea as your primary drinks.
  
• If you know you are going to overindulge that evening, make sure you do some physical activity earlier in the day.
• Eat small regular meals before Super Bowl festivities. Try not to skip meals before the event, that can lead to overeating later.