Superbowl XL

Just because it’s Superbowl XL this year does not mean you have to feel XL after the big game. I think this can be considered one of the major “eating” holidays of the year alongside Thanksgiving and Christmas which means it will take some thought and prep work ahead of time in order to stay on track.

Here are some thoughts to consider about Superbowl:

• 11.2 million pounds of potato chips are sold for game time snacking

• 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips make it to parties across the nation

• 30 million pounds of food will be consumed during the 4 quarters of the game

• 4 million pounds of fat is eaten while grown men in padded suits pummel each other in attempts to win a ring. (WHAT?!!)

We have decided to host a family party at our house for the big game this year. Coincidence? I think not. Having a party at my house means I can control the food and ensure it fits into our clean eating lifestyle. I can also get some extra exercise in by deep cleaning the house beforehand. The game doesn’t start until 3pm so I have set a tiny goal of hitting the gym that morning, too. All part of a winning strategy.

Here are some of my menu ideas for the party:

• Turkey Chili served with low fat sharp cheddar cheese, diced onions, and fat free sour cream (which is surprisingly quite tasty)

• Hardboiled eggs filled with hummus instead of crushed egg yolks (Costco sells a wonderful hummus – really cheap)

• Sliced veggies with hummus (all colors of bell pepper, carrots, celery, tomatoes)

• Baked chips with chunky veggie filled salsa

• Fresh fruit kabobs with a low fat pina colada yogurt for dipping

• Oven fried zucchini sticks with marinara

• Mini angel food cakes with berry reduction

• Light beer for the guys

Anyone else have any other ideas???

UPDATE: My healthy friend Stacey sent over these ideas:

Guacamole: healthy fat and would go great with your chips. Made from scratch there is no added sour cream.


Ground turkey meatballs with an apricot / honey glaze. Or –

Baked chicken wing with the sauce as an alternative to buffalo wings. (could even make it spicy apricot glaze.)

Roasted Turkey wraps: made on whole wheat, spinach or sun dried tomato tortillas (trader joes). Low fat cheese, tomato, red onion, green leaf lettuce, sprouts, whatever you like and a vinegrette dressing in place of mayo or cream cheese.