Let’s be honest: When the quarterback drops back, breaks a tackle, locks eyes with his open receiver, and launches a rocket 40 yards downfield for a touchdown, who’s wondering, “Is this my third or fifth deep-fried jalapeño popper?”
Football and snack foods are as inseparable as turkey and Thanksgiving: Most of us can’t imagine having one without the other. But munching away in front of the TV whether you’re hungry or not can have a serious impact on your body.
The American Heart Association is so alarmed by mindless snacking and the more than 60 percent of adult Americans who are overweight that it has created football season-specific food recommendations. The foods people usually snack on (over-processed junk foods like oily chips, sugary cookies, deep-fried foods, and high-calorie dips) tend to be high in unhealthy omega-6 fats, refined carbohydrates, and empty calories.
The Toll Snacks Take
When binge snacking becomes part of your routine, you can expect several negative impacts on your body.
Constantly consuming high-glycemic foods made from processed sugars and refined carbs will set your insulin levels on a hellish roller-coaster ride. Extended periods of sugar spikes and drops make your body insulin resistant and leave high concentrations of sugar in your bloodstream. This can lead to numerous health issues, especially diabetes.
Long hours snacking while watching a game can also seriously drain your energy. The last thing you want to do after a day of cheese dip and fried pizza bites is get off the sofa and hit the gym. The culprit of this lethargy? The volatile insulin levels and increase in chemicals from artificial ingredients. This cocktail causes inflammation and adds unnecessary stress to the body, which your body responds to by releasing the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is also the main culprit behind belly fat.
Snacking Done Right
So how can you enjoy football season to its fullest but avoid wrecking your body with processed snacks? It just requires a little thinking ahead, and when you know you have healthful foods in front of you, you can settle down in front of the big game worry-free. Try these five healthy and delicious snacks:
1. Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado
This light meal is jam-packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and the anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of vitamin E. It’s a great alternative to the many popular deep-fried snacks people often choose on game days. Not only is this avocado-based snack delicious, but it’s also simple to make and comes in at fewer than 350 calories. Find out how to prepare this protein-packed dish here.
2. Spicy Avocado Dip with Two Bean Pico De Gallo
Unlike most store-bought dips, this heavenly avocado dip is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. It goes perfectly with everything from fresh veggies to quinoa chips. You could even put it on a flame-grilled steak. The pinto and black beans, which add even more healthy fiber and protein, pair perfectly with it. The recipe for this creamy superfood dip, which has only 166 calories per serving, can be found here.
3. Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Goat Feta and Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce
These meatballs are versatile; they make great appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, or entrées. So whether it’s just you on your couch or you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, these are a great option. Their lean, organic, free-range ground turkey base makes them an excellent source of protein. And the Greek yogurt dipping sauce, which adds even more protein, is full of probiotics, which contain good bacteria that keep your digestive tract healthy. The mint aids in digestion, too. You can find out how to make these meatballs and their dipping sauce, which contain just 316 calories per serving, here.
4. Roasted Chicken Deep Dish Pizza
Pizza is one of the ultimate football foods, but it doesn’t have to be bad for you. This deep-dish roasted chicken pizza, in addition to being gluten-free, is a low-carb, high-protein alternative to most pizzas. The arugula, mushrooms, and garlic are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that take this dish to the next level. To learn how to make this pizza that serves eight people at just 340 calories per person, click here.
5. Banana Almond Ice Cream with Coconut Caramel Sauce
This delicious treat is a great way to end a long day of watching football. And while this creamless ice cream is made up of just four powerful ingredients, it’s loaded with protein and potassium. For an extra splash of flavor, drizzle caramel sauce and sea salt flakes over it. For anyone unable to eat dairy, please note that the caramel sauce is not dairy-free. But the ice cream is still amazing without it! Find out how to make both the ice cream and the caramel sauce, which are just 325 calories per serving, here.
Football season doesn’t have to include consuming loads of unhealthy snacks. Try these healthy alternatives to processed foods while rooting for your team. Your taste buds and your immune system will thank you!
