Winning at wellness: Healthy snacks for your Super Bowl party

Some people watch the Super Bowl for football, others for the ads; a third group of people watch it for the snacks. Super Bowl LVIII is coming up, and if you’re looking to enjoy your watch party in a health-conscious way, consider these recipes as simple, plant-based swaps or additions to your classic snack lineup. Adding extra veggies, legumes and protein to snacks that are typically less nutrient-dense is a great way to put your health first without sacrificing taste and enjoyment.

To reduce your risk of cancer, you should eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, limit red meat and foods high in salt and cut out processed meats. It’s also best to avoid drinks with added sugar. A large 2021 study found that three servings of vegetables (not starchy ones, like potatoes) and two of fruit (not juice) every day resulted in a 10% lower risk of death from cancer.

Dips

Photo by My Darling Vegan

Everyone knows that a football game is not complete without a chip and dip situation. Fortunately, there are ways to sneak in some all-important nutrients while enjoying your favorite snacks.

• Kale salsa – Have you ever thought to add kale—a leafy green that doesn’t change the overall taste of this recipe — to your salsa to boost nutrients? Whip up this recipe using a blender for a hassle-free dip that’s ready within minutes. 
• French onion dip – People often make this dip with sour cream and soup mix, but this version uses navy beans or Great Northern beans to add protein. If you’re a non-traditionalist, try it out and see how it compares to your go-to onion dip.
• Spinach-artichoke dip – The addition of Greek yogurt adds calcium, protein and probiotics to this dip, making it a great choice to nosh on while you watch your favorite team score big.
• Avocado hummus – Guacamole fans and hummus lovers, this one’s for you: Have you ever thought about combining the two? The healthy fat from avocado meets the protein from cannellini beans; plus, arugula, herbs and citrus (Vitamin C!) make this dip flavorful and nutritious.
• Dairy-free queso – While it may seem counterintuitive to make queso without the queso, consider this recipe, which combines cauliflower, veggie broth, sundried tomatoes, cashews, jalapeños and spices into a “cheesy” dip.

Mains

Photo by Ela Vegan

• Cauliflower wings four ways – One of the most common swaps for chicken wings is cauliflower. Not only can you do buffalo cauliflower, though, but you can also try BBQ, teriyaki and garlic parmesan. Plus, these recipes are all baked, meaning there’s less oil than frying would entail—and they’re easier to make (and clean up)!
• Ultra-crispy baked chicken nuggets – By making your own chicken nuggets, you aren’t relying on the processed ones from the frozen aisle. This recipe is also kid-approved, so the whole family will love them!
• Taquitos, buffalo chickpea style – Try some legumes this Super Bowl season by mashing chickpeas into a pan with veggies and hot sauce to create the perfect taquito. Add in your favorite cheese at the end, and you’ve got a snack your friends will love!
• Carrot pigs in a blanket – Hear this one out. Too much processed meat is linked to increased cancer risk, so if you’re looking to swap out the hot dogs in this game-day favorite for something healthier, get creative by marinating baby carrots. You can still enjoy your favorite snack while cutting back on nitrates.
• Corn, avocado and black bean salad – If you’re the friend who always brings a salad to the potluck, this recipe works perfectly for a Super Bowl watch party as it can be served with chips. Cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans and avocado pair amazingly well together in this salad that can be adjusted to your preferences.

Drinks

Drinking alcohol is linked to several cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, oral and liver cancers. To reduce your risk of cancer, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely. If you drink, limit your drinking to no more than one drink a day if you are a woman, and no more than one or two a day if you are a man. The more you drink, the greater your risk of cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol might increase your risk. Here are some alcohol-free options!

• Seltzer – Flavored seltzers are fun because they’re carbonated and taste great without the added sugar in soda. There are so many good brands and flavor combinations!
• Zero-proof beer – Many brands have alcohol-free beers. If the Super Bowl isn’t the Super Bowl for you without a beer, you can limit your alcohol intake by choosing some or all of your drinks to be 0% alcohol. (Note: these are different than non-alcoholic beers, which can still contain trace amounts of alcohol.)
• Blueberry-lemon iced tea – If you’re looking for a fruity drink that’s alcohol free, try this spin on an Arnold Palmer that adds blueberries for extra flavor!
• Non-alcoholic sangria – Did you know you can enjoy your favorite fruity drink without the alcohol? That’s cheers-worthy.

Healthy eating is one great way to help prevent cancer. Click below for others you should know:

READ MORE | Ways to Prevent Cancer