Football Season is Back! 10 Healthy Game Day Snacks Your Whole Family Will Enjoy
Elizabeth Rose Vitality, EST 2022
There is nothing like a Sunday afternoon in the fall. Your windows are open, the smell of warm homemade chili runs through the house, and you're getting ready to cheer on your favorite team. The NFL season brings the whole family together through moments of triumph, tough losses that you’ll still feel on Monday, and of course… football food. Loading your plate with deep fried appetizers and filling your frosted mug to the brim is almost a requirement every single weekend of the season. The endless food is always enjoyable at first, but by the second half of the game, the typical symptoms kick in: bloating, upset stomach, and exhaustion.
I’m here to tell you a secret: you can still have the full Sunday football experience with healthy, mindful recipes that your entire family will enjoy. I’ve gathered the 10 best recipes that hold tremendous nutritional value, but still have that same game day feel that you’re craving. Even better, these recipes include options for all food preferences and allergies! Check out the list below:
This dairy free buffalo chicken dip will be your new favorite shareable snack. The recipe includes customizable ingredients to cater to your exact nutritional needs and heat preferences. Pair it with grain free chips or crackers (Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips are my current favorite) and you can snack on this the whole game… guilt free!
This minimal ingredient appetizer is perfect if you’re on a budget. The ingredients list is simple: jalapeños, reduced fat bacon or turkey bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and garlic powder. Added bonus: this recipe is Keto friendly!
Chili is an absolute must for Sunday football and this takes your classic chili to a whole new level. This recipe replaces ground beef with turkey and can easily incorporate low-sodium ingredients. Looking for a hands free recipe? Cook this in a crockpot and keep on low heat throughout the day!
I LOVE this homemade Pineapple Mango Salsa. It’s super easy to make and ten times better than any store bought salsa. It’s gluten free, Paleo, vegetarian, and vegan - great for everyone in the family!
The perfect one bite appetizer to get ready for game day! Pro tip: Before assembling your mini pizzas, crisp the zucchini in an air fryer or in the oven for a more satisfying crunch!
Here we have another bite sized snack! This sweet pea pesto uses fresh ingredients and incorporates the perfect blend of garlic and Italian seasoning. Spread the pesto on individual bread slices or add to a medium size bowl for dipping!
A delicious 15 minute recipe to replace deep-fried chicken. Be sure to cut the cauliflower into mid-sized bites and evenly coat each piece with seasoning. To make a variety of flavors, season the cauliflower with salt and pepper only, and bake in the air fryer as per the instructions. Then, toss the bites in your favorite sauce: BBQ, honey mustard, buffalo, ranch, etc!
This is a five ingredient spicy queso that incorporates hummus - a nutrient packed dip made from chickpeas. This recipe uses a spicy hummus, but can easily be replaced with your favorite flavor!
A vegan take on pizza that tastes incredible! This recipe is super easy to make and can be customized for everyone in the family. Bonus: the crust in this recipe is store-bought, which cuts down on the prep time. Once the crust is baked, you can add whichever toppings you like!
A sweet, salty, chocolate infused snack perfect for dessert! For a football party or tailgate, add the mix to individual bags for people to easily grab and go!
Staying motivated to eat healthy during the football season can certainly be a challenge, but my hope is this list makes it a little easier! It’s important to be mindful of the foods you are putting into your body, while still enjoying weekends with your family. And don’t forget, it’s always okay to reward your hard work with the classic snacks you love!
