Diets don't go on hold just because it is time for the NCAA Tournament, World Cup or Superbowl, but hosting a game-viewing party doesn't have to be unhealthy. Below are six food options to help those watching the game keep their diets on track. All it takes is a little preparation and consideration from the host person hosting NCAA Tournament party, World Cup party, or Superbowl party.
Finger Foods: Benefits of Guacamole
Made almost entirely from avocados, homemade guacamole is a great source of more than 25 valuable nutrients, including potassium and vitamin E. Low in cholesterol, the fruit, and thus guacamole, also is high in fiber an antioxidants.
Unfortunately, it also is high in calories and fat, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Avocados are full of good, or heart-healthy, fats, which are essential. Consuming heart-healthy fats is more beneficial than consuming empty-calorie fats because the consumer actually gets some use from the calories, rather than having them go straight to the waistline. Eaten in moderation, guacamole is a great, heart-healthy addition to any championship party.
Mix it up with Salsa
Salsa is made up of fruits and vegetables and contains no fat. Traditionally made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spices, salsa provides antioxidants and vitamins prevalent in those specific fruits and vegetables. Salsa variations can include beans and corn for additional fiber and nutrients. Like guacamole, salsa also is low in cholesterol.
Serve both salsa and guacamole with unsalted, baked, whole wheat chips for added nutritional and health value. Pita chips also are a healthy alternative.
Add Some Lean Proteins
Roasted chicken sandwiches served on whole wheat buns are a great option to add some protein to a finger-food party. Chicken is a lean meat, and if served moist enough, requires very little in terms of fatty condiments. Skip the cheese and mayonnaise, perhaps add some mustard, and relax in front of the game knowing that the lean meat will provide necessary proteins without the fat of red or deep-fried meats. Roasted turkey is another great option for game-time sandwiches.
Not big on sandwiches? Try some low-fat chili. Made with ground turkey, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, the warm soup will provide a meal in itself with protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Protein helps build muscle, while fiber stabilizes blood sugar by slowing the rate that sugar enters the bloodstream. And again, fruits and vegetables provide invaluable vitamins and nutrients. Skip the Fritos, cheese and sour cream to keep fat-content low.
Natural Sugar: Fruit Salad
Mixing together fruits such as apples, pineapple, strawberries, cantaloupe, berries, and honeydew can go farther than party-planners may think. In addition to the previously mentioned low-fat-high-vitamin content, the natural sugar in fruits helps to reduce cravings, keeping that sweet tooth at bay.
To keep fruit salad looking fresh longer, mix together crowd-favorites and add a dash of lemon juice to slow oxidizing. This will help to keep fruit from turning brown as quickly. Skip the whip cream, which is high in fat.
Stuffed Celery and Ants on a Log
To top off the healthy party, add some stuffed celery. Celery filled with peanut butter is popular with the health-conscious crowd because celery is a power food, meaning that it takes more calories to digest that are consumed. In addition, peanut butter is filled with protein and heart-healthy fats and is much better for the body than many people believe.
To turn the stuffed celery to ants on a log and satisfy a sweet tooth, add a few dark-chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is better than milk-infused chocolate because it carries many antioxidants. Stick to varieties with more than 70 percent cacao. Do not fill the celery sticks with them; place them in moderation.
No matter what type of game-party is hosted, it is possible to serve healthy and nutritious finger foods with a little preparation. Those listed above are just a few options. A variety of other options, specifically salads, can be explored to make the championship-game party a huge success.
Continue reading about healthy eating options.
Kristen Nichols - Kristen is a freelance reporter and copywriter covering Olympic and Paralympic sport for Suite101.com. Kristen's love of sport developed ...
