As game day celebrations ramp up, so can the desire to overindulge at the party food table. Here are three snacks that can help you stay on goal without missing out on the fun!
1. Bean and Basil Dip with Carrot Sticks
Replace the chips and salsa with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed dip. If you’re not a basil fan, simply replace with parsley.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:- 1/3 cup canned black beans (preferably low sodium or no-salt-added), drained and rinsed
- 1 tbs chopped fresh basil leaves (or parsley or cilantro or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil or other dried herb)
- 1 med carrot, cut into sticks
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbs water
- A dash of salt
Instructions:
In a food processor, combine beans, oil, basil (or other herb), water and salt and process until smooth, about one minute. Transfer bean mixture into a small bowl and serve with carrot sticks.
Calories: 151, Total Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrate: 15 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Dietary Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 3 g, Sodium: 208 mg.
2. Almond Popcorn
This popcorn comes with a kick! Be sure to watch the amount of chili powder or cayenne you use to flavor – or not if you like the heat.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:- 2 cups air-popped popcorn
- 8 unsalted, dry-roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/8 tsp salt
- A pinch of chili powder or cayenne
Instructions:
Combine popcorn and almonds in a bowl. Toss with oil, salt and cayenne. Serve.
Calories: 163, Total Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1.1 g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrate: 15 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 1 g, Sodium: 295 mg.
3. Pita Melt
This is a great alternative to pizza, and it's so easy to make that you won't miss any important game plays.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:- 1 whole wheat pita (about 6 inches in diameter)
- 2 tbs mustard, preferably one with no more than 50 mg sodium per teaspoon
- 3 oz reduced sodium sliced roast beef (Vegetarians: Substitute 3 ounces thinly sliced tempeh seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and a dash salt)
- 1/2 sweet red pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1 slice Jarlsberg light cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to broil. Place pita on an ovenproof dish and spread with mustard, top with roast beef (or tempeh), sweet pepper, onion and finish with cheese. Place under broiler and cook until cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Serve.
Calories: 383, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat:2 g, Protein: 38g, Carbohydrate: 37 g, Cholesterol: 63 mg, Dietary Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 4 g, Sodium: 349 mg.
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