Making Substitutions for Healthier Big Game Snacks

By Brandi Swieter

Countless people throw Super Bowl or tailgate parties to bring friends together to watch the big game. These special athletic events -- the NCAA Final Four is another biggie -- often feature various foods to keep guests eating and mingling as they enjoy rooting for their favorite team. Plenty of snacks often fill the menu, but not many are healthy. Making some substitutions this year would help turn unhealthy options into nutritious choices for those hoping to work on their wellness.

Offer Pretzels Over Chips

Chips are commonly provided during game day, often side-by-side with dip. This is a fattening and sodium-rich option that people should avoid. If people do want to serve up something crunchy, it’s a better idea to offer pretzels over chips. Find a lightly salted or unsalted version so the sodium content is not overdone.

Make Homemade Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes are great dessert offerings at parties. They provide a cake option without having to purchase an entire cake for everyone. Most cupcakes are full of sugar and high in calories. To combat this problem, hosts can make homemade dark chocolate cupcakes instead. Use coconut oil instead of butter in the recipe, and choose a white whole wheat flour rather than the regular kind. Unsweetened cocoa powder will make it chocolate-flavored.

Provide a Healthier Party Snack Mix

Party snack mix, or Chex mix, is a common staple at many parties. Rather than throwing in peanuts and M&M's, some healthier choices should get utilized. Use Wheat Chex instead of the regular version for a healthier solution, along with Multigrain Cheerios. Pretzel sticks can get added in place of larger pretzel sizes, and almonds or walnuts should go in place of peanuts.

Create Healthy Peanut Butter Bars

All-natural peanut butter options exist, so that kind should be used in any peanut butter dessert. Healthy no-bake peanut butter bars are a great choice to include at a Super Bowl or any other party. The delicious treat will be enjoyed by most. With the help of some Greek yogurt and reduced fat cream cheese, the peanut butter portion of the bars can get made. Wafer cookies and semi-sweet chocolate create the basis of the bottom layer.

Enjoy some healthier big game party snacks after making substitutions to popular offerings. Just a few simple changes can go a long way in helping a dish go from fattening to nutrition. Give a few a try before the big day and see which ones to offer when it’s time.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Meridian, Idaho.