Have a Healthy Super Bowl Party

Millions will sit around big-screen televisions to watch the Super Bowl this year – especially New Yorkers who want to see the local boys win big.  As Super Bowl party-goers watch the game and the commercials, they will eat this and munch on that.  While pizza, wings and chips are some of the most popular foods consumed at these parties, there are ways to offer your guests delicious snacks without having them pack on the pounds (and you too!). So let's get started...........

Make your own pizzas

Ordering a pizza is by far the most popular thing to do when a few people show up to watch the game. If you prepare the pizza instead of ordering it from Dominos, it will surely help party-goers stay on track. The first trick is to swap out a few of the ingredients. For example, instead of using pepperoni, use turkey pepperoni. Instead of using sausage, think about grilled chicken. To give it some added flavor and nutritional content, consider adding tons of veggies. And of course use low-fat cheese. 

Slim down those sandwiches

Sandwiches have long been a mainstay of most Super Bowl parties. But if you are serving “subs” this year, think about using low-fat cheese. Of course, turkey is a much better choice than ham and wheat bread rather than white. And don't forget the low-fat mayo. Mustard is also a good alternative. 

Fruit can be fun

Fruit does not have to be viewed as unpopular because it is part of the food pyramid! It can be dunked in a tasty dip or low-fat chocolate. And be creative so it can be a hit – one idea would be to shape the fruit like a football.  Use grapes, pineapples, apples, kiwi, oranges and any other fruit that will awaken your senses.

Don't let the dip tip the scale

Some type of dip is likely to be part of your menu. If it calls for cheese, you already know that it should be low fat. But if the recipe calls for sour cream or cream cheese -- or even salsa -- be sure to grab the container with the least amount of calories. If you prepare one of those really delicious dips that have sausage or ground beef, swap the meat out with turkey. And if you have gone out of your way to lower the caloric content of the dip, make sure that what your guests will be dipping with is healthier, too.  Grab a wheat nacho or a baked chip. If that's getting a bit too healthy for you, just be sure to grab the bag of chips that has the least amount of sodium. Yep, sodium intake contributes to gaining weight.  

Pour some low-cal drinks

Light beer is definitely a top seller, so be sure to grab plenty. If liquor is your choice, don't use a lot of juice, syrup or mixer. Make it low-cal and then be sure to only make it a splash of orange juice or cranberry juice. Don't forget that the liquor can also be served on the rocks.  You need to have bottled water on hand that people can go to in between those bottles of beer.

Ready, set – go Giants!!!!