Watching the Super Bowl game is one of the most exciting days of the year for football lovers. It’s a time to celebrate your favorite football team, spend time with friends and family, and of course, enjoy the delicious food! While Super Bowl snacks are as tasty as they come, consider making some game day tweaks to add nutrients to your spread. Check out my 5 tailgate tweaks that are sure to score big with your fans!

1. Grilled or Baked Chicken Wings: Typically, chicken wings are deep-fried in oil, which is higher in saturated fat and calories. Instead, try grilling or baking chicken wings for an option that is lower in saturated fat. And if you really want to show off, try naked wings (Naked as in no skin!) Before and after cooking, coat the chicken wings in your favorite sauce. Pair the chicken wings with a side of fresh carrots and celery, as well as a yogurt-based ranch or blue cheese dressing for dip, for a more satiating snack. 

2. Loaded Sweet Potato Skins: Not only are sweet potatoes high in vitamins and fiber, but they are versatile and can be utilized in many recipes. First, cut the the sweet potatoes in half vertically and bake until soft. Next, carefully scrape the sweet potato inside out of the skin. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato in with lite sour cream and reduced-fat cream cheese. Next, add chickpeas and cooked spinach into the filling. Add the filling in the potato skins and add reduced fat mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, bake the potato skins until the cheese has melted on top. This game day treat is packed with a balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients to create a nutritious, AND delicious snack. 

3. 7-layer Dip: Take the classic 7-layer dip and twist and tweak for a nutrient-loaded dip. In a deep bowl or casserole dish, layer fat-free refried beans, Greek yogurt mixed with taco seasoning, guacamole, salsa or pico de gallo, reduced-fat shredded cheese, romaine lettuce, and diced tomatoes, and top with cilantro and jalapeno (if you like it spicy!). Serve this dip with tortilla chips, pita chips, and/or any vegetable for a dip amped up with protein, fiber, and nutrient-rich color!

4. Meatball Sliders: Meatball sliders can be a balanced snack/meal with just a few tweaks. Here’s the game plan: Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner), whole grain slider buns, 2% cheese, slices avocado, and colorful veggies.

5. Jalapeno Poppers: There are various tips to making better-for-you jalapeno poppers without compromising taste. When making jalapeno popper filling, try replacing full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese. Pro-tip, add cooked lean ground beef to the filling to boost the protein. Stuff the jalapenos, and instead of deep-frying, try air frying them to keep the saturated fat low. 

This Super Bowl Sunday, get creative with color, fiber, and protein! Your fans are sure to love every bite!