Nutritional Foods To Eat On Game Days

Game days are notorious for big bowls of chips, dips and desserts. Hundreds of empty calories can be consumed within a few hours of watching your favorite team play. If you are trying to watch your waistline while you watch the big game, there are a few simple food swaps you can make to help you have a healthier game day spread.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a very healthy dip for you to have around on game days -- 2 tbsp. have 50 calories and provide 4.5 g of fat with 3 g of monounsaturated fat, 0 g of cholesterol and 1 g of protein. Avocados, the main ingredient of guacamole, are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, the B vitamins, potassium, fiber and folic acid. The monounsaturated fat content in avocados can help you lose weight and improve your cholesterol. Guacamole also usually includes garlic, a superfood that fights cancer and is a natural antibiotic.

Black Bean Dip

Black beans are loaded with protein, antioxidants and heart-healthy fiber. They reduce your risk for heart disease and cancer and stabilize blood sugar levels. Their high fiber content will help you feel full and reduce the chances of overeating while you watch the game. You can make a black bean dip with lime juice and cilantro to boost flavor while keeping the calories and fat content low.

Carrot Sticks

If you like to munch on something crunchy during the game, carrot sticks are a highly nutritional alternative to the usual chips. A low-calorie vegetable, carrots pack a nutritional punch with their high vitamin A content which has been linked to improved vision. For extra flavor, you can dip your carrots in the guacamole or black bean dip.

Strawberries With Dark Chocolate

If you are looking for a game day treat that is a little more on the indulgent side, you can try strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. Strawberries are high in antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavanols that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing your risk for heart disease. This nutritional dessert may be more popular than the game!