Game-Day Snacks Made Healthy (Recipe Included!)
Author
South Shore Health
While our local team may not be in it this year, plenty of South Shore residents will be planning on watching the big football game on Sunday.
And while watching the action unfold on the TV is fun, one of the best parts of the festivities is the game-day snack spread!
Whether you're putting out a few munchies or up a feast to serve for the whole family, everyone enjoys snacking during a game.
Unfortunately, there's a downside: many of the traditional game-day snack foods can wreak havoc on your health.
However, there are healthy alternatives that are just as tasty as their heavier counterparts!
The Nutrition Team at South Shore Medical center has generated two menus:
| Traditional Tailgate | Healthier Tailgate |
| Nacho cheese chips & dip | Salsa & greek yogurt dip with veggies |
| Chex party mix | Popcorn |
| Hot wings | Buffalo cauliflower bites |
| Cheeseburger | Turkey burger |
| Potato salad | Mixed greens salad |
| Pasta salad | Grilled potato salad |
| Brownies | Fruit salad |
| 2,200 Calories 50g saturated fat | 750 Calories 5g saturated fat |
Those are some sobering stats!
Switching up your game-day menu to be a little healthier doesn't need to ruin your party atmosphere - instead, look for simple substitutions that offer flavor without the guilt.
One of those substitutions features a game-day flavor staple (buffalo sauce) with far fewer calories: buffalo cauliflower bites!
(This recipe is also a great option for vegetarian fans.)
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Yields 6 servings)
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 TBS olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 TBS hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 1-2 TBS sriracha sauce
- 1 TBS butter, melted
- 1 TBS lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Toss cauliflower, oil, and salt in a large bowl and then spread them out on the prepared baking sheet; reserve the bowl.
- Roast the cauliflower until it starts to soften and brown on the bottom, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the hot sauce, sriracha to taste, butter, and lemon juice in the large bowl; add the roasted cauliflower and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and continue roasting until hot, about 5 minutes more.
Nutrition information: Per ¾ cup serving: 100 calories; 7 g fat; 2 g sat fat; 288 mg sodium
Learn more about Nutrition Services at South Shore Health.
Recipe via EatingWell.com.
Author
South Shore Health
