Put A Healthy Twist On Football Sunday Snacks! (Healthy Hollywood)

Nutritionist Keri Glassman, who regularly shares her expertise on Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, is answering your nutrition, diet and health questions.

This week, Keri tackles the traditional game day snacks — with a healthy twist!

Football season is in full gear and I’m not just talking helmets and shoulder pads. For a lot of fans on the sidelines (aka their couches), the actual football game can take the bench — it’s the game time snacks that play first string.

But just how many weeks in a row can you and your crew scarf down pigs in a blanket and nachos?

You’re probably thinking, “But Keri, Sunday football might as well not even exist without halftime snacks!” And I agree. You don’t have to give up your weekly tradition of buffalo wings and football with your peeps.

But it’s time to tell the junk to hit the showers and sub in the MVPs.

In my latest segment from Access Hollywood Live, chef Richard Blais, host of “Cook Your Ass Off” on upwave on HLN, and I shared a few tricks from our playbook on how to revamp some classic game time recipes to make an all-star lineup of snacks.

Just a few simple swaps and you can turn your favorite foods into real nutrient-powerhouse players.

– Can’t get enough chicken wings? Well when you order them from take-out, your waistline definitely can. Chicken might seem harmless, but when you leave the skin on, coat it in breading, deep fry it in oil and smother it in sauce, the penalty flags start flying. Just one crispy wing can pack 120 calories and over 7 grams of fat – and that’s without dip. Try our recipe below and you can enjoy the spicy kick you crave from wings PLUS a cool cheesy dip at only 75 calories each. Touchdown!

– If chips and dip is your thing… spice it up a notch — literally. Put down the chips and make way for radishes. Simply cut each radish into discs, toss them with a little olive oil and spice, and throw them in the oven for about 35 minutes. Radishes are packed with flavor on their own so you only need a quick shake of turmeric and chili powder for an award-winning chip. To really impress your guests, serve them alongside a cool spinach dip made with Greek yogurt, avocado and spinach. You might just get a superbowl ring for this one.

– Who needs pigs in a blanket…when you can have a whole burger? Show your guests that you don’t play games in the kitchen and treat them to a hearty burger made with half ground beef, half roasted mushrooms. Serve them on whole wheat buns or with lettuce wraps and you’ll probably have to host the game every week. Halftime never tasted so good.

Just because your team is racking up the yards doesn’t mean your waistline needs to keep up. Keep the football tradition alive, but not at the expense of your health. Now get in the kitchen…Down, set, hut!

And check out “Cook Your Ass Off” on HLN premiering December 1 at 7 PM!!

Buffalo Wings

(Serves: 16)

Wings:

• 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 ounce portion strips
• 3 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Dip:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
• 1 oz blue cheese, crumbled

Mix olive oil and cayenne pepper together in large bowl. Add and toss chicken pieces to oil and cayenne pepper mix. Grill chicken and place cooked chicken on skewers. Combine all ingredients for dip in a bowl and serve on side.

— Terri MacLeod & Keri Glassman