Healthy snacks for Super Bowl

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Hosting a Super Bowl Party but don't want the "food comas" and stomach aches that come with overeating junk foods? This year prepare some simple healthy snacks that won't bite back. Game day favorites will keep rolling during the party but there are small changes that can ensure the snacks feel lighter, with fewer carbohydrates and more protein to keep everyone’s energy high.

Instead of dipping chips in salsa and guacamole, why not try a shrimp cocktail garnished with the two and arranged as individual servings. By preparing the snacks as individual servings guests will be more likely to try one of everything or limit the amount on their plate. This also makes it easier to keep the food in the kitchen instead of one large bowl on the living room table for everyone to share.

To please the crowd keep a bowl of homemade hummus handy with a plate of great dipping vegetables like french green beans, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, alongside a few slices of pita bread. Another crowd pleaser is sushi. Offer a variety on a serving tray for easy picking.

Of course any Super Bowl Party would be incomplete without some meat. Cook those traditional chicken wings but instead of eating them fried, heat up the grill. While the grill is going make some kabobs with your choice of meat and vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and squash are a simple addition to those tasty skewers.

If guests still feel like munching later in the game, keep a bowl of mixed nuts on the table in place of extra pizza, fried wings, and chips with dip. Remind guests that dessert is available too and bake up some healthier brownies made with whole wheat flour and coconut sugar or grade B maple syrup.

On game day, all eyes are on the television. Keep those minds focused with some power food without giving up on taste. Of course with healthier food to snack on, guests will also free up some calories for another beverage of choice or that extra brownie. No one ever said they can’t splurge a little.