Game Day Snack Makeover

Fell short on keeping New Year’s resolutions in January?  That’s no reason to give up on February as a month to continue making small changes and healthier choices.  And what better place to start than meal and snack planning for the big game?

Super Bowl Sunday brings to mind hearty game day foods including chicken wings, chili, seven layered dips, chips and of course beer.  Lots of beer.  But there are a few tweaks the chef in the house can make to keep the spirit of Super Bowl alive without sacrificing heart health, diet goals or flavor.

By substituting ground beef with turkey in chili, opting for baked whole wheat tortillas or offering fresh fruits and veggies with hummus or yogurt dips, footballs fans can gather without guilt and nobody feels deprived.   Salsa is also a good choice with two tablespoons adding only 10 calories and baked potato skins with turkey bacon, olive oil and green onion are a excellent source of fiber, iron and vitamin B-6.  And by using low-sodium broth, baking instead of frying or loading up a whole wheat pizza crust with veggies instead of pepperoni, game day doesn’t have to set back your healthy eating goals.  Here’s a update on the classic Philly Steak Sandwich, using whole wheat buns and limiting the cheese:

Philly Steak Sandwich

350 Calories per sandwich (serves 2)

Ingredients

1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
6 ounces lean roast beef, shaved
2 whole-wheat buns
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray.
Over medium heat, saute the peppers and onions until they soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the roast beef and saute for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Place 1/2 of the roast beef mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Place in the prepared baking dish. Top each bun with 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove and add the top of bun and serve.

Source:  Mayo Clinic Healthy Recipes

For more healthy Super Bowl snacks follow this link to cookinglight.com .