When the leaves turn and the weather turns cool, it's time for some football. Whether that means tailgate parties, packing the stands at a local university, or just hanging out at home and watching the game with friends, snacks are part of the fun. However, if you aren't careful, those goodies can show up on the scale. Fortunately, you don't have to give up the snacks to maintain your healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of football snacks that are as good as they are good for you.
Low Fat Sausages
Hot dogs are a classic football food, popular at tailgate parties, but not always good for you. For a healthier option, look for reduced-fat hot dogs made from lean beef or turkey. Many of these, reports "Good Housekeeping," come in at a diet-friendly 100 or fewer calories and 3 or fewer grams of saturated fat. If there are any vegetarians in your group, larger supermarkets and health-food stores offer tasty soy-based sausages that offer fiber as well as protein.
Pita Chips
Chips are another football favorite, especially when gathering around the big-screen TV on game day. You don't have to buy high-calorie, fat-laden potato chips to enjoy a delicious, crunchy snack. Make healthier chips from whole-grain pitas. To do this, "Cook's Illustrated" magazine recommends snipping the two layers along the edge with scissors and separating them, brushing the rough side of the pita with a little olive oil, sprinkling on some salt, and toasting the layers in a 350-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Serve the pita chips with salsa for a snack packed with fiber and vitamin C.
Trail Mix
Trial mix is a protein-packed snack that will keep you full even if the game goes into double overtime. Nuts, reports MayoClinic.com, are a good source of heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Pair them with dried fruit for some high-fiber sweetness. Good trail mix doesn't need bite-sized candies, but if you must include it, choose dark chocolate, as this kind of chocolate is high in beneficial antioxidants. You can also add sunflower seeds or low-fat granola for extra flavor and texture.
Veggie Sticks
Veggie sticks are easy to eat by hand and a good way to get the vegetables your body needs without interrupting the game. Some produce departments even carry carrots and other vegetables cut into chip shapes. For extra flavor, dip them in low-fat ranch dressing spiked with herbs such as dill, hot sauce, or even lemon juice. For extra fiber and protein, make your own hummus out of chickpeas or edamame. Add grape tomatoes and olives to your veggie plate for some extra color and flavor.
References
- "Good Housekeeping"; Taste Test: Healthy Hot Dogs; Samantha Seneviratne
- "Cooks Illustrated"; Basic Pita Chips; December 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Nuts and Your Heart
- "The Doctors Book of Food Remedies"; Selene Yeager; 2006
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