Healthy Super Bowl Snack Recipes (Healthy Hollywood)

Super Bowl Sunday is just days away and while we’re excited to see the Denver Broncos face off against the Seattle Seahawks, we’re even more excited to kick back and enjoy some Super Bowl snacks.

However, when you’re trying to keep your diet in check, wings, nachos, and chips can be a bit of an obstacle.

Healthy Hollywood caught up with Heidi Skolnik, former team nutritionist for the New York Giants and author of “Grill Yourself Skinny,” to fill us in on how to make healthier choices during our Sunday snack blitz.

“Party Time does not have to mean Pig Out Time,” according to Heidi. “Choose leaner meats or opt for venison, buffalo, or turkey to make Super Bowl classics like sliders or chili.” If you’re like me and can’t possibly give up wings on Game Day, Heidi suggests to “choose a flavorful marinade or glaze, and try them baked instead of fried.” You’ll save tons of calories and you can enjoy your wings guilt-free.

If you’re facing the snack table head on, there are always smart choices to make. Between nachos and Mexican dip, Heidi suggests “Go Nachos! Portion control is easier with nachos than with a layered dip. Go light on the cheese and load your plate with salsa instead of sour cream.”

In the brawl between Buffalo wings and sliders, choose sliders! “Sliders are the more nutritious treat, especially if they’re made with lean meat. Flavor is the only benefit to Buffalo wings. Fried chicken skin and blue cheese dip can set you back over 1,000 calories.”

When choosing between pigs in a blanket and pizza rolls, go for the pizza rolls. “With their buttery pastry crust and processed meat, pigs in a blanket are a double whammy,” says Heidi. “Opt for pizza rolls to save 100 calories.”

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party and looking to provide some healthy options for your guests, why not try out a “Build Your Own Fajita” station? It’s easy to prepare with chicken or steak and your guests will love that they have “the option to load up or stay lean,” according to Heidi. She suggests providing your guests with fresh toppings like peppers, onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes to really kick up the flavor.”

For an easy snack to serve your guests, try out Heidi’s Chicken Satay with Fiery Mango Dipping Sauce.

Satay:

• 14 ounces to 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips.
• 8 bamboo skewers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray as needed

Dipping Sauce:

• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 mango, ripe, peeled, pitted, and rough chopped
• 1 red jalapeno or Fresno pepper
• 1/2 cup roasted and chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

*Preheat grill to medium. Weave the bamboo skewers through the chicken strips; season; and grill. In a blender, add all the dipping sauce ingredients and puree until smooth. Serve the mango sauce on the side of the grilled chicken.