Let me begin with a confession. I don’t really like football. There I said it. I tried, but it’s just not happening. I like to play it, but I can’t sit still in front of the TV on Sunday for hours and pretend I’m interested. However, there is one day a year that I will muster up all the enthusiasm I can for the sport and put my game face on. That day, yep, you guessed it…Super Bowl Sunday!
If Super Bowl Sunday was just the hilarious and memorable commercials plus the halftime show, I’d still be excited, and I don’t think I’m alone on this one. The money spent on the commercial spots alone is reason enough for anyone to wonder what the company’s going to do with those precious 30 seconds that are costing them millions!
The other reason I love Super Bowl Sunday is the snacks! It’s a day to simply forget you even made resolutions about being healthy a little over a month ago, and become a chip monster on a mission to consume any Dorito in sight.
But alas, this is a blog entry I’m writing here, and it needs to have something useful in it…so I will be providing you with some healthy snack ideas…and trust me they’re good! I’m not suggesting turning your football bash into a fat free, pinky up soiree, but if you intermingle healthy treats you might not feel like you have to walk to work on Monday…when you work 15 miles away.
Here are a few recipes that will be game winners:
This recipe for Edamole is an awesomely delicious spin on guacamole. Sure avocados provide health fat, but because it’s so irresistible, and you end up eating half the bowl, too much of a good thing might not be so good. Edamole is very healthy, and filled with protein, while containing much less fat, so snack away!
Recipe for Edamole
recipe from a running buddy
Ingredients
3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed, 3 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice , 1/4 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I use Cholula) , 1 garlic clove, halved, 1 Roma tomato, diced
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients except for the tomato in a food processor until smooth.
2. Add the diced tomato and stir gently.
3. Cover and chill.
Serve with toasted pieces of pita, whole wheat crackers, corn chips, or veggies.
Here’s a recipe for mango salsa that will be a perfect compliment to the Edamole, and it’s just as tasty as any sour cream based dip.
Recipe for Mango Red Pepper Salsa
Recipe by Lindzey Chaffin
Ingredients
2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced , 1 red pepper, diced, half a red onion, chopped, 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped , 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, dash of cayenne pepper , salt and pepper to taste
Directions
4. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
5. Cover and allow to sit in the fridge for at least one hour.
6. Serve with chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
These recipes are delicious, healthy, and would be great prepared and paired with veggies from your local farmers market.
If you do need the chips, believe me I understand because I do, consider buying bulk and cut back on wasted packaging from smaller bags.
Lastly, here’s a recipe for tofu chili. Throw this on a veggie dog, and enjoy!
Tofu Chili
Recipe from Nasoya Tofu
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chili powder , 1 teaspoon ground cumin , 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon salt , 1 teaspoon sugar , 1 package extra firm tofu, patted dry, 1 tablespoon canola oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 onion , 1 carrot, chopped, 1 red bell pepper , 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
Directions
7. In a medium bowl, blend chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and sugar. Crumble tofu into bowl of spices and stir until coated. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Sauté garlic, onion, and carrot for five minutes. Add red pepper and sauté for five minutes. Add the tofu and cook for five minutes. Add tomatoes and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste.
For more info about these recipes, or to find more delicious healthy snack ideas visit:
http://www.fitsugar.com/
In addition, I’d like to add a few tips on how to make your Sunday a little greener. I’m not sure about anyone else, but anytime I have people over, and the number of people exceeds 5, there is always a cup crisis. No one remembers which cup is theirs because they all look the same, and the only way to solve that problem is to just get another cup…but then that one goes missing, etc. Here are my proposed solutions:
If you are using plastic cups, get a Sharpie and write names on them.
If you’re using non-disposable cups, make them different varieties, or use stickers or tape with the guests name on it to differentiate.
Cut back on the paper towel use!
With all the touchdown celebrating, there are bound to be spills. Keep a dishtowel on hand to avoid wasting paper towels.
Make recycling easy! Let your guests make a touchdown with their trash by providing separate labeled bins for recycling and non-recyclable waste.
If you’re buying soda or beer for your football celebration, choose 2 liter bottles instead of cans or bottles. For the beer, consider a mini keg to cut back on waste. Remember to bring your reusable bag when you show for your bash, and you’ll be a winner in my book!
Hope you all have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday! Let’s make it green this year, and may the best team win!
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