Big Bites for the Big Game

    Big Bites for the Big Game

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA

    Get ready for the much-anticipated excitement of The Big Game, a day filled with food and fun! Elevate your game day experience by opting for snacks that are not only delicious but also easy to handle and perfect for sharing.

    Consider setting up “make your own” food stations with a variety of enjoyable and nutritious ingredients.

    Score a touchdown with your guests with these useful tips for satisfying your football fans without compromising your diet:

    1. Nutritious Nibbles: Keep your “team” satisfied with healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, dried fruits, raw veggies with a light ranch dressing, and popcorn.
    2. Fresh Dips: Kick off the festivities with fresh avocados for healthier dips, alongside options like hummus, salsa, and bean dip.
    3. Half Time Heat: Turn up the heat at halftime! Preheat your oven and whip up warm and hearty snacks by melting cheese over crackers, veggies, or hot sandwiches.
    4. Leaner Chili: Chili is a game day classic. Opt for the leanest beef or turkey and use more beans than meat to create a higher fiber, lower fat meal.
    5. Chicken Magic: Say goodbye to boring hamburgers and hotdogs. Chicken is the most popular meat, and for good reason! It serves as the base for delectable bites like avocado quesadillas, paninis, and chicken tacos.

    By incorporating these tips, you’ll make The Big Game not only a thrilling sports event but also a celebration of delicious, health-conscious choices. Enjoy the game and the tasty treats!

    Grilled Chicken Flatbread with Avocado Yogurt

    Love One Today Feature Grilled Chicken Flatbread Avocado Yogurt Chopped Salad Heart Checked

    Prep: 20 minutes

    Cook time: 10 minutes

    Makes: 4 Servings

    Ingredients:

    • 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced
    • 1 1/2 cups cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
    • 1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 2 Tbsp. plain 2% Greek yogurt
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided
    • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
    • 2 grilled Greenway chicken breast cutlets, sliced (about 2 oz. each)
    • 4 whole wheat pitas or flatbreads

    Directions:

    1. In a medium bowl combine cucumber, onion and salt. Let stand 20 minutes.
    2. In a blender, combine half of the avocado, yogurt, 2 tablespoons of water, half of the lemon juice, pepper and puree until smooth.
    3. Drain cucumber mixture. Add tomatoes, dill, remaining lemon juice and remaining diced avocado and stir to combine.
    4. Spread pitas with avocado puree. Top with chicken and cucumber mixture.

    Nutrition information: 250 calories; 24g carbohydrate; 22g protein; 8g fat; 330mg sodium; 6g fiber

    Recipe by: Fresh Avocados. Love One Today®