Super Bowl Sunday may be synonymous with indulgent spreads, but Huntington Hospital’s nutrition team says fans can enjoy game day without sidelining their health goals. Registered dietitian Crystal Kwan, RD, MPH, CDCES, outlines simple substitutions that can help reduce calories, fat and sodium during Super Bowl gatherings.
Kwan advises using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or cream cheese for dips, baking or air-frying chicken wings instead of deep-frying, and choosing low- or no-sodium tortilla chips. She also recommends sliced vegetables for dipping, ground turkey in meatballs and chili, bite-sized portions of comfort foods, and lower-calorie flavored beverages instead of sodas and juices. Whether hosting a large party or spending time with a smaller group, she notes that choosing what to eat doesn’t have to sabotage health goals.
The hospital highlights several lighter recipes to anchor a healthier spread. Cowboy Caviar, a bean-and-vegetable dip, boosts fiber and can be paired with corn tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. The recipe allows for canned or fresh ingredients, offering flexibility for hosts. A Super Bowl charcuterie board can showcase at least two fruit choices such as grapes, berries or sliced apples; two vegetable choices such as cucumbers, jicama, mini bell peppers or grape tomatoes; two whole-grain cracker choices; and one to two cheeses and one to two sliced lean meats.
For fans who crave wings, crispy baked chicken prepared with baking soda achieves the same texture without the grease. Pairing wings with celery, carrot sticks and low-fat dips keeps the appetizer balanced. Dessert can also get a makeover: instead of tossing over-ripe avocados, they can be blended with dates and cocoa powder into a 10-minute chocolate pudding. The mousse is easy, indulgent, can be made ahead of time, and can be topped with freeze-dried berries for added color and antioxidant punch.
For more information about Huntington Hospital’s clinical nutrition counseling services, go to: Nutrition Counseling | Huntington Hospital.
