Prepare a healthier Grey Cup party
If you’re watching your weight, you’ll have a choice to make on Grey Cup Sunday: Splurge on calorie-heavy foods or opt for a healthier spread. While it’s fine to indulge in moderation, it’s also possible stick to your healthy-eating plan while enjoying delicious game-day snacks. These healthier nibbles are sure to impress your party guests-and help you avoid Monday-morning regrets.
1. Vegetable Chips with Spicy Peanut Dip
Oven-baked vegetable chips are not only healthier than those that are fried, their flavour is fresher and more concentrated, too. Here, thin slices of beet and potato are baked in a hot oven to make dippers for an Asian-inspired spicy peanut dip.
Each serving has 288 calories, 18 g total fat (2 g saturated fat) and 7 g protein.
2. Amy’s Organic Chili – Medium with Vegetables
Even die-hard meat lovers will enjoy this medium-spice vegetarian chili. It’s low in fat, cholesterol-free and made with all-organic vegetable ingredients.
Each serving (240 mL) has 190 calories, 6 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat) and 7 g protein. ($5, 398 mL).
3. Crudites with Three Dips
Few foods are healthier than raw vegetables, so serve these crudites with tempting low-fat dips to munch on before kick-off. You can also offer fruit and whole-wheat pita bread for dipping.
Each serving has 110 calories, 4 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) and 8 g protein.
4. Silani All Natural Omega 3 Provolone Cheese Slices
Treat football fans to a healthier cheese platter. These provolone cheese slices are made with omega-3 pasteurized milk, s are other Silani cheeses, including Parmesan and ricotta. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce your risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Each slice of provolone (15 g) has 48 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat) and 4 g protein. ($3, 90 g).
5. The Coup’s Balsamic Eggplant Dip
Guests will love this delicoius vegetarian eggplant dip from acclaimed Calgary restaurant The Coup. Serve with toasted pita chips or flatbread.
Each serving has 158 calories, 3 g protein, 11 g fat (1 g saturated fat) and 7 g of fibre.
6. McCain Superfries Low Salt Straight Cut Fries
If fries are an absolute must at your Super Bowl shindig, choose a brand with lower salt. A diet high in sodium can contribute health problems such as hypertension and weaker bones. A serving of these low-salt McCain fries have 130 mg less sodium than a serving of the regular Straight Cut option.
Each serving (14 pieces) has 110 calories, 2.5 g of fat (0.2 g saturated fat) and 40 mg sodium. ($4, 900 g).
7. Spiced Mayan Chocolate-coated Walnuts
This simple and flavourful recipe adds a fiery kick of cayenne pepper to make these walnuts a perfect healthy snack to spice up half-time. Adding spicy foods to your diet can help prevent diabetes and boost metabolism.
Each serving (60 mL) has 200 calories, 20 g total fat (3.5 g saturated fat) and 4 g protein.
8. Organic Mary’s Gone Crackers Sticks & Twigs – Chipotle Tomato
The smokey flavour and satisfying crunch of these wheat-free, gluten-free and whole grain sticks make them a great alternative to pretzels. Serve them with dip or leave them out in bowls for guests to munch on throughout the game.
Each serving (15 pieces) has 150 calories and 5 g total fat (0.5 g saturated fat) and 160 mg of sodium. ($6,1 package).
9. Sesame Cheese Twists
These crisp sesame cheese twists are delicious served fresh from the oven. Enriched with egg yolks and flavoured with Parmesan cheese, they are made with a combination of wholewheat and all-purpose flours, so they are substantial without being at all heavy.
Each serving (one stick) has 32 calories, 2 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) and 1 g protein.
10. Kashi TLC Crackers Original Seven Grain
These preservative- and sweetener-free crackers make a tasty addition to a healthy cheese plate.
Each serving (10 crackers) contains 90 calories, 2.5 g total fat (0.3 g saturated fat) and 130 mg of sodium. ($4, 255 g).
Related:
• Quiz: How much sodium is in your food?
• Why it’s hard to say no to comfort food
• Why you overeat on Mondays