7 Healthy Game-Day Snacks from an Intuitive Eating Dietitian!
I don’t know about you, but with the Superbowl right around the corner, my mind is on snacks!
As an Intuitive Eating dietitian, I’m a firm believer that any food can fit in a health-promoting diet without guilt. Which is another way of saying I’m not here to hate on your traditional game-day favorites.
That said, I’m also a champion for gentle, flexible nutrition that supports your health and wellbeing and helps you feel good in your body. So, if you’re looking for nutrient-dense options to include at your Superbowl or other game-day spread — or if you just want some new healthy snack ideas — here are some yummy suggestions.
Game-Day Snack Idea: Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
These nachos are loaded with colorful veggies and fiber and taste delicious! You can make them one of two ways.
Option 1: Replace the chips with thinly sliced and roasted sweet potato rounds and pile them high with melted cheddar cheese, black beans, chopped tomatoes, black olives, slivered spinach or cilantro, and avocado chunks.
Option 2: Use blue or yellow corn tortilla chips and top them with the ideas above along with roasted, cubed sweet potato chunks.
To use the sweet potato rounds, slice a couple of sweet potatoes about ¼ inch thick, spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray, layer the potato rounds in a single layer, and spray the potatoes themselves with olive oil. Roast them at 400° for about 15-18 minutes or so, until golden brown, turning them once halfway through.
If you want to use the roasted sweet potato cubes, cut them into ½-inch cubes, toss them with olive oil, and roast them at 425° for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown, slightly crispy, and fork tender.
Game-Day Snack Idea: Everything-Bagel Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a high-protein, high-fiber snack and, if you ask me, everything bagel seasoning makes just about everything taste yummy!
Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas. Spread them on some paper towels or a clean dry dish cloth and dry them well. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper and toss the chickpeas with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and sprinkle generously with the seasoning.
Roast at 425°, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes. Keep checking in because ovens can vary. But you’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy. Cool and enjoy!
Want to learn more about Intuitive Eating and how it can help you find the happy, healthy sweet spot with food? Sign up for my FREE 5-day Challenge, Discover Intuitive Eating.
Game-Day Snack Idea: Air-fried Eggplant Chips with Tzatziki
I shared this recipe on the blog awhile back and they’re still one of my favorite snacks, especially right out of the air fryer. If you want something other than tzatziki, try black bean dip or guacamole.
If you’re not an eggplant fan, you can switch it up with zucchini for the same effect. Grab the recipe here.
Game-Day Snack Idea: Edamame with Sea Salt
Edamame is an awesome and easy snack, packed with protein and nutrients. Plus, if you get them in the pods, they’re fun to pop out and eat (kids usually love edamame too).
Buy them frozen, boil them in the pods for a few minutes, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Who doesn’t love a simple, satisfying, healthy snack that comes together in just minutes!
Game-Day Snack Idea: Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
You probably have your own method for making quesadillas. I like to make them in a panini maker or, occasionally, in a small frying pan.
Here are some nutrient-dense filling ideas: a smear of canned pumpkin or sweet potato (trust me, it adds a yummy sweetness), black beans, cheese, sautéed bell peppers and onions, spinach or arugula, mushrooms, small-cooked broccoli florets or asparagus, shredded chicken or pork.
Really, the sky’s the limit. Top them with a fresh tomato salsa or guacamole. To add additional fiber, use whole wheat tortillas.
Game-Day Snack Idea: A Colorful Charcuterie Board
Make a pretty board full of a variety of cheeses, walnuts or almonds, plenty of fresh fruits or berries, and raw veggies. Snap peas, baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes are all great options. You could even grill some veggies for your board if you want to be extra fancy.
Include some small bowls with dips or dressings, such as ranch dressing, cottage cheese (try mixing in everything bagel seasoning and chopped greens!), tzatziki, black or white bean dip, hummus, or beet hummus.
Serve it with whole grain crackers or sliced whole wheat sourdough bread.
Game-Day Snack Idea: Sliced Apples with Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip
Slice apples and sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Stir together 1 cup of plain 2% Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter, and 1 or 1-1/2 teaspoons of honey.
Serve the apples with the dip.
There you go, some fresh ideas for healthy snacks that are perfect for game (or any other) day.
Answers to Common Questions About Healthy Snacking…
As a dietitian, I get lots of questions about snacks. If you’re wondering whether snacks are good or bad for you or how and why to build a balanced snack, be sure to check out my guide to 33 healthy pantry snacks where I answer these and other common snacking questions!