Super Bowl parties a tough time to eat well

Published 10:08 am Thursday, February 1, 2018

For someone trying to watch what they eat, an invitation to the neighborhood Super Bowl party this weekend might be a little intimidating.

However, there are healthy ways to enjoy the game this year without skipping the snacks altogether.

“Of course it’s OK to go to a Super Bowl party and enjoy yourself with your friends. If you’re going to splurge on some snacks, it’s a good idea to try to fill half your plate with vegetables—like a half plate of veggies and dip—and eat those first before you go to your usual favorites,” said Katie Jordanhazy, a registered dietitian at Novant Health who lives in Advance. “Then, if you can plan ahead, it’s also never a bad idea to get some exercise earlier in the day before the game.”

Worried about your healthy snacking options this Sunday?

Here’s a healthy option you could prepare and bring yourself, if you’re worried about the options that will be waiting for you wherever you’re going to watch the game. The following is a Greek Yogurt Ranch dressing recipe that has all of the taste of a regular ranch without the additives, preservatives and saturated fat that most ranch dressings have. It’s a good option whether you’re rooting for the Eagles or Patriots on Sunday.

The Greek yogurt provides some protein and the entire recipe only has 200 calories. For a 2 tbsp. serving this dip has 25 calories compared to a regular Kraft ranch dressing at 110 calories. It is so quick and easy to make at home and will last about five days in the refrigerator. It can be used for salad dressing, as a dip for veggies or anything you would normally use ranch dressing for.

Homemade Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1/2 – 2 teaspoons garlic

   powder

1/2-2 teaspoons onion pow-

   der

1/4 teaspoon ground black

    pepper

1/2-1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh chives

1 cup non fat plain Greek

    yogurt

1/3 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place the spices (dried parsley, fresh chives) into a food processor and pulse a few times, until the spices have been ground up a bit.

2. Scrape down the sides.

3. Place the remaining ingredients – Greek yogurt, buttermilk, Dijon and lemon juice – into the food processor and pulse until the ingredients have been fully incorporated.

4. Scrape down the sides, if needed, and pulse again.

5. Transfer into a sealable container and place in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Notes: Some people like more or less garlic/onion powder, so start with a little. This is a thin dressing, if you like thicker dressings, slowly add in the buttermilk, until the consistency you prefer is reached.