Healthy Football Foods & Game Day Tips

Pumpkin spice lattes often get all the fall attention, but football foods also deserve the spotlight! However, traditional football foods—like nachos, buffalo wings, and dips and chips—are often laden with added sugar, fat, salt, and calories.

Thankfully, many healthy game day solutions exist without sacrificing the fun and flavor. Stick to your health goals throughout the entire football season with these nutritious and delicious football foods and touchdown tips!

Healthy Football Food Recipes

Thanks to the help of our DIY Snack Guide and dietitian team, here are some of our fan-favorite recipes for your next game day!

Edamole

Now you might be wondering, “What’s edamole?” Great question, and we can think of it as a recipe “equation”...

Edamame + guacamole = edamole!

Edamole is a unique, higher-protein spin on traditional guacamole. It can be made by blending the following ingredients in a food processor until smooth:

• 2 cups frozen edamame, shelled and thawed
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 limes, juiced
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ of a sweet onion

Serve with your favorite raw veggies of choice!

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

Ranch dip is a staple come game day, but did you know you can enjoy that unique flavor with a protein punch? All you need to do is stir the following ingredients in a medium bowl (but also adjust seasoning amounts to liking):

• 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried dill
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: splash of lemon juice or white vinegar for extra tang and milk to thin as desired

For an even simpler version, combine Greek yogurt with a ranch seasoning packet. Allowing the dip to set for at least 30 minutes in the fridge helps enhance the flavor, but you can immediately enjoy it with veggies of choice.

Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Dip

Speaking of Greek yogurt, you can also whip up a naturally-sweetened, high-protein dip! Simply mix together the following ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Dash(es) of cinnamon to preference
• Optional: 1 Tbsp of nut butter

Pair with sliced apples, strawberries, bananas, and other favorite fruits to satisfy that sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.

Kale Chips

Speaking of dips… Irresistible crispiness meets undoubted nutrients, thanks to kale chips! Crunch into a healthy game-day snack using these simple steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Wash and thoroughly dry 1 bunch or bag of fresh kale. Carefully cut or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and add them to the baking sheet.

3. Spritz the kale leaves with olive oil until lightly coated, then sprinkle with desired seasonings—like garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, paprika, and black pepper.

4. Bake until the edges brown, about 10-15 minutes.

Customizable Crispy Chickpeas

For nutrition-packed crunch in every bite, these crispy chickpeas are for you! Here’s how to make the protein and fiber-packed football snack:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Rinse, drain, and dry a 15-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) then evenly spread on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, lightly tossing until evenly coated.

4. Roast for 25 minutes, gently shaking the pan every 10 minutes for even cooking.

5. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and enjoy.

For the ultimate custom snack, feel free to toss the chickpeas with your favorite seasonings—like a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and chili flakes!

Snack Kebobs

Elevate your game day experience by skewering various veggies, cheeses, and proteins cut or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Snack kebob combinations are endless, but here are some ideas for inspiration:

• Club: grape tomatoes + cheese cubes + turkey bacon + deli or cubed ham

• Fruity: fruit of choice (like chopped apples, grapes, and strawberries) + cheese cubes

• Greek: grilled chicken + cucumber slices + feta cheese + black olives

• Hawaiian shrimp: shrimp + pineapple chunks + bell pepper

• Cheesesteak: sirloin tips + onion + bell pepper + cheese cubes

Jalapeño Poppers

For those who like to bring the heat on game day, these healthier jalapeno poppers are for you! Let’s get into it:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Slice 8 jalapeños vertically in half and remove the membranes and seeds. Set jalapeños aside.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, and a dash of onion and garlic powder until combined.

4. Fill jalapeños with the yogurt and cheese mixture, set on a baking sheet, then sprinkle breadcrumbs atop, using just enough to coat lightly.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until jalapeños have softened to desired doneness, then broil at the end for extra crispiness.

Wonton Tacos

Taco ‘bout a fun twist on a fan favorite! Whip up these nacho average tacos to keep portions in check without missing out on fiesta flavors:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray.

2. Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin slot and bake for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.

3. Add desired protein (like ground beef or shredded chicken) and other toppings as desired (such as diced onions, peppers, and jalapeños) into cups, then lightly sprinkle with cheese (if preferred). Bake the cup for an additional 15 minutes.

4. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, hot sauce, or plain Greek yogurt and serve up!

Healthy Touchdown Food Tips

With these additional touchdown food tips in your pocket, you can easily and healthily navigate social events—football games included!

Touchdown Tip #1: Make Simple Food Swaps

Enjoying your favorite football foods doesn’t mean you must venture into entirely new recipes to stay on track. Consider these healthy, simple alterations to your beloved game-day dishes:

• Deviled eggs: Replace the mayo with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

• Chicken wings: Choose grilled chicken instead of fried.

• Potato skins: Top with plain Greek yogurt, hummus, hot sauce, salsa, roasted veggies, or any other garnishes that align with your personal preferences.

More broadly, opt for lower-fat versions of ingredients like cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. Also, replace sugary condiments with those that have little to no added sugars.

Touchdown Tip #2: Plate Foods Instead of Grazing

Mindlessly grazing often leads to overeating without truly savoring the food. Instead of grazing, plate your favorites, sit down, and slowly relish each bite.

Touchdown Tip #3: Rethink “Saving Up” Calories

“Saving up” calories for game day food may seem like the smart move, although showing up to the event ravenous can backfire. Instead of restricting yourself, honor hunger and eat a high-protein meal or snack.

Touchdown Tip #4: Focus On the Moment and Experience

While food often takes center stage, consider focusing on the overall experience and the moments spent with those you’re watching the game with. You could also shift the focus away from food by playing games or trivia during commercials and even place bets for a bit of friendly competition!

Touchdown Tip #5: Water First to Quench Thirst

Alcohol and sugary drinks can be tempting, but drinking water first is advisable. If you choose to drink alcohol, lean on smart sipping tips such as practicing moderation and limiting empty calories from mixers.