Party Food (Not a Food Party)

I read this week that the day of the Superbowl is the second-highest day of calorie consumption during the year. Think about that for a second. Thanksgiving, the day with the highest calorie consumption, is ABOUT the food. The purpose is to gather with loved ones, prepare and eat a feast. The superbowl, however, is about the football. The mindless consumption of overly fatty and high-calorie foods is an afterthougnt, something we do automatically (think wings, nachos, chips, dips, and of course beer). A person can easily wolf down a day's worth of calories during a three or four hour game without even realizing it or really enjoying it.

To make your superbowl party a less-damaging day, rethink the menu. Choose a couple of those game-day favorites that you MUST have and that you really enjoy. For the rest of the foods, mix in more healthful, yet still delicious alternatives. If you are going to somebody else's party, bring your own healthy dish so that you know you will at least have one better option. Some ideas:

• Chili, made with beans and extra-lean meat. Soup is a great belly-filler.
• Salsa and baked chips
• Low-fat microwave or air-popped popcorn. Top with parmesan cheese, cinnamon sugar, or spicy Mrs. Dash seasoning.
• Try this artichoke dip from Fitness Magazine for a lower-calorie alternative. Serve with pita or bagel chips.
• Chopped fresh fruit and veggies with dip.

A word about dip: It can be good since it generally encourages veggie consumption, or it can be  really bad. Take this dill dip recipe:

1 Tablespoon chives
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons dill weed
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
Combine all ingredients and chill at least 2 hours before serving.

This recipe has something like 130 calories and 14 grams of fat in just two tablespoons! Forget that. You must discover, if you haven't already, one of my other favorite stealth ingredients: plain yogurt, particularly Greek-style yogurt that is extra creamy and excellent. Cut the sour cream out of this recipe, swith to nonfat Greek yogurt, and use reduced fat mayo and you've cut this recipe down to about 55 calorie and 5 grams of fat per 2T. That's a difference worth exploring.

Whatever your plans for the superbowl, remember that it is about good company and good football. Keep the food on the other side of the room, use small plates for small portions, and enjoy just enough to enhance your experience without beefing up like a lineman.