Game Day: Top 10 Picks For Healthy Snacking

Football and food go hand in hand. But all that snacking can add up to unwanted pounds by the playoffs. What can you do this football season to satisfy those couch potato cravings without over consuming calories? Give these healthy appetizers a try.

1. Baked Buffalo Wings – Chicken wings don’t have to be a forbidden treat when they are baked in the oven. Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon red pepper sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce in a resealable plastic bag. Add 2 pounds (about 24) chicken drummettes (with skin removed) and seal bag. Refrigerate a minimum of 15 minutes up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Place chicken in a foil-lined baking pan and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until crisp and done. Serve with low-fat or fat-free ranch dressing.

2. Crab Deviled Eggs – Try this unique variation of an old favorite. Cut 6 hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise, removing the yolks. Put half the yolks in a bowl and mix with ¼ cup shredded crab meat (or lean ham if you prefer), 2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper, 2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion, 2 tablespoons low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, a dash of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon parsley flakes, and black pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into the egg white halves.

3. Cashew Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches – Combine 1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked chicken (or turkey), ½ cup finely chopped celery, ½ cup chopped cashews, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion. Add ¼ cup low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and ¼ cup light or fat-free sour cream and mix well. Make sandwiches, trimming crusts off bread. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles, squares, or rectangles.

4. Fruit with Coconut Dip – Fresh fruit with this delicious low-fat dip will be a hit. Combine one 8-ounce can of crushed unsweetened pineapple (undrained), ¾ cup skim milk, ½ cup fat-free sour cream, and 1 package instant coconut cream pudding mix in a blender; process for one minute or until smooth. Serve with fresh pineapple, grapes, strawberries, melon, or any other favorite fruits.

5. Ginger Meatballs – These meatballs will warm up football fans on a chilly game day. Combine 1 egg, ½ cup finely crushed gingersnaps (about 11 cookies), and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Crumble 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place meatballs onto greased rack in shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Combine 1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger in skillet; add meatballs. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until heated, stirring gently. Alternatively, a crock-pot can be used for heating the meatballs and sauce, and it’s a great way to keep this appetizer warm for serving.

6. Create Your Own Salad – Set up your own salad bar with favorite salad toppings and let your football fans customize their own individual salads. Iceberg lettuce has almost no nutritional value, so go with spinach or a blend of the darker salad greens. Include an assortment of vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, radishes, snap peas, and broccoli. Fruits such as pineapple, raisins, strawberries, and apple slices will add sweetness. For a heartier salad, offer hard-boiled eggs and lean meats in lieu of fried or processed meats. Other toppings such as croutons, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits finish it off right, but use these in moderation to avoid excess calories. Top with low-fat or fat-free salad dressing. Salad toppings are endless – be creative! Your family and friends are sure to enjoy customizing their own salads. Maybe you’ll start a new game day tradition!

7. Baked Pita Chips – Greasy potato chips can quickly expand the waistline. Fortunately, there are healthier – and delicious – alternatives. Try cutting whole wheat pita bread into 8 wedges and separate the layers. Place the pita bread triangles in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minutes until crisp. Serve with salsa, hummus, or a low-fat spinach dip.

8. Bruschetta – Toast ½-inch thick slices of your favorite French or sourdough loaf, then top with a mixture of chopped tomatoes and basil seasoned with oregano and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil over top. Yum!

9. Italian Popcorn – Oil-popped butter popcorn is loaded with fat and calories. Air popping your own corn is the healthiest choice. Try this new flavor twist – drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over 9 cups popped popcorn, then sprinkle with 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to blend.

10. Veggie Wraps – Heat veggie burgers and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Wrap in flavored tortillas along with diced tomatoes, lettuce, chopped roasted peppers, and low-fat dressing. Slice tortillas into smaller portions and secure with toothpicks.