Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: "Super" Healthy Snacks for Your Super Bowl Bash

It's coming! Whether you are a huge football fan, an occasional spectator or you really couldn't care less what happens in the world of NFL; the odds are you will either be hosting or attending a Super Bowl party this weekend. Aside from all of the Cheesehead-wearin', TerribleTowel-twirlin' fans, there is going to be a spread of tempting, tailgating treats. The nachos, the hot dogs and the sliders, oh my! Super Bowl Sunday can become a day of overindulgence OR it can be just another day full of flavorful, healthy snacks...with a little football.

If you are hosting the party, then here are some ideas for healthy appetizers to sneak into the spread. Attending a party elsewhere? Bring a healthy dish to share! At least you can be sure there is one healthy dish to snack on instead of being forced to eat the all other stuff.

TOP TEN "SUPER" HEALTHY BOWL SNACKS

1. POPCORN ~ Pop up a few bags of Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop! (Butter or Kettle Korn) & dump it in a bowl. In minutes, you have a guiltless snack to last the game. {120 calories per bag!}

2. VEGGIES & HUMMUS ~ Need something to "crunch"? Cut up fresh peppers, carrots and cucumbers and pair it with some homemade or store bought hummus.

3. ONION RINGS ~ Not fried rings...baked. Check out this recipe for healthy rings & a yummy dip!

4. CHICKEN FINGERS ~ I don't care how old you are, you are never too old for chicken nuggets! Try this recipe for healthy "baked" chicken nuggets and honey-mustard dipping sauce.

5. CHILI ~ Chili is a classic tailgating treat. Made with lean ingredients, it can be the perfect thing to keep you satisfied throughout the game. Check out my version of Jamie's Chili. Don't forget the fat free sour cream and Kraft Shredded Cheddar to top it off!

6. CHIPS & DIP ~ Baked Lay's are a great substitution for the regular potato chip. Mix one packet of Lipton Onion Soup with 16 oz. of Fat-Free sour cream and you have a delicious low-fat dip!

7. FINGER SANDWICHES ~ When you need a little more than veggies or chips, a couple little sammies to nibble on are a great idea. Try Paula Deen's Lean Pimento Cheese Sandwiches or my personal favorite, Giada's Light Mini Italian Club Sandwiches.

8. NUTS ~ Walnuts, almonds and pistachios; all great tasting snacks with nutritional benefits. Although high in fat, it is healthy fat; always welcome in moderation.

9. FRESH FRUIT ~ Need a sweet option? Why not use Mother Natures cure for the sweet tooth, fruit! A platter of fresh sliced apples, strawberries and melons is always good. If you want, whip up a non-fat dip by mixing 8 oz. of Fat-Free Philadelphia Cream Cheese with one jar of Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme.

10. JALAPENOS ~ These stuffed peppers are a "hot" tailgating item; gaurenteed to go quick. Try out my lean version of Paula's Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos or this tasting lookin' recipe for Jalapeno Poppers from eatingwell.com.


Super Bowl parties are a great time to get together with family and friends. Allow yourself to have fun and eat great food; some healthy and perhaps a little that's not. Everything in moderation.

Good luck to you if your team made it to the big show! I am still waiting for my chance to really, truly be excited about the Super Bowl. Oh, the life of a loyal Redskins fan.

Have a great day! Stay safe and warm out there in all that snow and ice!