Black Bean Corn Dip Hi Res

3 ways to Lighten Up Your Game Day Spread

We love nachos and wings as much as anyone else, but we also know many people might be looking for some lightened up options to help balance the Big Game Day spread.

Our RDs put together a few quick tips for helping navigate the Big Game feeding frenzy, while still indulging in some better-for-you and traditional options while cheering on your favorite team!

1. LIGHTENED UP SIPS

Heavily sweetened and alcoholic beverages can really pack on the empty calories. Swap some of your sips with our recommendations below to save calories for some extra indulgent snacks instead of wasting them on beverages that won’t fill you up. Make Iced Lemon Cucumber Matcha for something refreshing & fun!

  • LIGHT BEER
    Why we like it: Heavier beers and those with higher ABV such as stouts, Tripels and IPAs can be upwards of 300-400 calories per beer. Sip on light or ultra light beers which ring in at about 100 calories per beer.
  • ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC SELTZERS
    Why we like it: If you usually opt for a sweeter alcoholic beverage such as a wine cooler, spiked lemonade or other malt beverage, opt for a boozy seltzer instead. These are about 100 calories per can with fewer added sugars and artificial colors. If you’re looking for a mixer to add to spirits such as vodka, tequila or gin, use plain or flavored seltzer over juices, mixers, or soda. Lime seltzer + fresh lime + jalapeno + tequila = our favorite spicy Big Game margarita.
  • INFUSED WATER
    Why we like it: Staying hydrated helps kick hunger cravings and can help prevent a not-so-fun hangover. Sip on infused water between alcoholic beverages, and if you’re not drinking alcohol, replace diet or regular sodas with infused water. Keep things interesting with seasonal flavors such as rosemary, pomegranate, and grapefruit.
Matcha Lemonade 4

2. DIG IN WITH DIPPERS Plan ahead by bringing healthier options to the party. Chips, pretzels, crusty bread – yum, but let’s face it, our most common “dippers” tend to be laden with empty calories, fat, carbs, and sodium. Choose a few better-for-you dippers to go with your favorite dips to lighten your overall load for the big game. Every swap makes a difference!

  • VEGGIES
    Why we like them: Veggies are low in calories, fat, and sodium and provide the body with fiber, vitamins and minerals which are often not consumed enough in our diets. Try using raw veggies (endive leaves, bell peppers, radishes, celery) as hearty, nutrient-dense dippers for favorites like buffalo chicken dip or our Black Bean Cheddar Tomato Dip or for added flavor and texture, opt for roasted eggplant, zucchini, or asparagus to pair with roasted onion dip, hummus, or Butternut Squash Queso Dip.
  • WHOLE GRAIN CRACKERS
    Why we like them: Whole grains provide the body with fuel, fiber, vitamins and minerals – all the good stuff that is stripped from refined crackers. Mixing in a few whole grain crackers can help with satiety and also kick those salty cravings. When reading the ingredient list, look for “whole” listed before the grain to be sure you have chosen correctly.
  • POPPED OR BAKED CHIPS Why we like them: Some things just require a chip, like salsa. When choosing a chip, aim for a popped or baked options to cut down on added fat and calories. Other options such as multigrain, nut or lentil chips are good options.

3. INGREDIENT SWAPS: Choosing higher protein and fiber options will leave you feeling more satisfied, while constant grazing can lead to over-indulgence. Swapping ingredients is an easy way to transform a favorite recipe into something a little healthier. Try some of our favorite substitutions to save on calories without skimping on flavor.

  • LEAN POULTRY
    Why we like it: Lean protein helps to keep you feeling fuller, longer, and opting for lean (97%) ground chicken or turkey breast over beef reduces calories and saturated fat. Make protein the center of your plate to boost satiety. Try chicken meatballs, turkey chili, or even Lemon Herb Feta Chicken Sliders as an alternative. If you’re opting for wings, baking or grilling provides crispy skin without frying, or opt for skinless chicken tenders or thighs dredged in your favorite wing sauce.
  • GREEK YOGURT
    Why we like it: Greek yogurt is thick, creamy, and delicious. Use fat free or 2% plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo in dip recipes such as Greek Yogurt Spinach Artichoke Dip to cut down on fat and calories while adding protein, calcium, and probiotics.
  • MORE MUSHROOMS
    Why we like them: Mushrooms have become a secret ingredient these days. They provide a meaty flavor, bulk up recipes, and are a dietary source of vitamin D, fiber and phosphorus. Try blended recipes by using only half the animal protein + mushrooms like Moroccan Beef Mushroom Kefta Meatballs, burgers or Portobello Mushroom Chili, or opt for mushroom forward favorites like veggie stuffed mushroom caps or portobello “pizzas” topped with sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings.
Butternut Squash Queso Hi Res

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At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.

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