Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just for football! It’s also for bowls of chips, dips and oversized snacking. Before you head to the store, get your game plan together so you can score some delicious, but nutritious, swaps that will kick your health up a notch.
Chips and Dips
Recipe: Sheet Pan Queso Nachos
- Choose organic, non-gmo chips to reduce your exposure to the toxic chemicals and pesticides often found on processed grains, especially corn.
- Try bean-based chips for increased protein and fiber or grain-free chips such as those at Siete Foods.
- Experiment with dips such as hummus, guacamole, nut-based dips, fresh salsa and vegan ranch. Reach for high-quality, non-gmo, organic ingredients or whip them up at home.
- Even better: Replace the chips with crunchy, colorful fresh veggies!
Fried Favorites
Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Modify your fried favorites with minor ingredient adjustments…like making breading with a gluten-free, grain-free coating; fry in heart-healthy avocado oil (instead of in high omega-6 oils like canola or corn) and add a creamy dairy-free sauce such as garlic aioli or honey mustard—touchdown!
- Top your pizza with a generous pile of veggies and homemade sauce instead of cheese.
- Bench the sauces laden with sugar, artificial ingredients and preservatives.
- Even better: Go for it…try buffalo cauliflower or a cauliflower pizza crust!
Tacos
Recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Pass on the preservatives and ingredients you can’t pronounce by blending your own taco seasoning at home. It’s easy, quick and you can make a big batch to keep on hand
- Fresh guacamole and salsa will naturally add flavor, and valuable nutrients.
- Choose organic, non-gmo corn tortillas or grain-free tortillas to reduce pesticide exposure.
- Even better: Build your taco on a lettuce wrap!
Sweets/Crunch
Recipe: Brownie Batter Hummus
- Choose raw, unprocessed nuts instead of flavored options that are drowning in sugar and trans fats
- Non-gmo homemade popped corn sprinkled with savory additions like chili powder or ‘everything bagel’ seasoning
- Fruit drizzled with high-quality dark chocolate or dipped in chocolate hummus
- Quarterback Sneak: Add avocado to brownies or chocolate mousse
As with all foods, try to boost your overall nutrient intake, eat what works with your body and most importantly…enjoy!
Dr. Mike Cohen is a chiropractic physician and certified acupuncture provider at First State Health & Wellness—Newark. He integrates chiropractic care, acupuncture and nutritional counseling for optimal pain relief and healing. First State Health & Wellness has been providing award-winning healthcare and education for over 30 years. If you’re ready to discuss conservative wellness options for you and your family, call 302.454.1200 or e-mail mcohen@firststatehealth.com to schedule a consultation.