John Ruibal, RDN, CSSD

Prowers Medical Center Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The Broncos may not be in this year’s Super Bowl but many of us will still plan a celebration for the big game. Now is the time to start planning your menu to have all the fun foods you like but to also have some alternatives to keep you and your guests on a healthy eating plan.  Here are a few tips to make your party a successful, healthy and fun event.

  1. The game starts in the evening, so make sure not to skip meals prior to the game. Just like going to the grocery store hungry, going to a party that has a lot of food is the same. If you go to a Super Bowl party hungry it will be harder to stick to your eating game plan.
  2. Beverages can add a lot of extra calories. Having plenty of low calorie options available will give you and your guests some good choices to stay on track with their eating plan. A good option during parties is to alternate water with caloric beverages. This will not only keep you hydrated but will decrease the number of calories you drink. Go for the one to one rule – one caloric drink, one glass of water.
  3. Have a variety of cut up vegetables for dipping in those great dips that you have prepared. If you are going to a party, offer to bring a platter of cut up veggies and fruit.   Another good option is to have a meat tray with lean meats like turkey, roast beef and Canadian bacon for sandwiches. Choose cheeses that are lower in fat, such as part skim mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Your guests may opt to just have the meat and cheese as many people are following high protein and keto diets.
  4. Planning on serving chicken wings? Serve a few choices both breaded and un-breaded. Have different dipping options that are a little lower in calories, like soy or teriyaki sauce in addition to the traditional blue cheese and ranch. A variety of hot sauces are also a good choice.
  5. Offer smaller plates. We tend to eat with our eyes and it is human nature to fill our plates. It also takes about 20 minutes to start feeling full once we start eating. One small plate may satisfy both you and your guests as much as a larger plate.
  6. Get your exercise in prior to going to the party. The game is in the early evening so you will have plenty of opportunity to get your work out in before you have to head to the game. Exercising not only burns calories, but it fires up your metabolism for a while after your workout ends.
  7. Eat a little lighter on Saturday and save a few calories for the big game.
  8. Always be safe. If you plan on drinking adult beverages make plans to get home safely for you and your family.

The Super Bowl is a great time for friends and family to get together to enjoy each other’s company with good eats and drinks—and with a little prior planning, you can enjoy it all guilt free.