Football Season is here!

Sunday Football Low Calorie Recipe Ideas


Getting ready for Sunday football?  Want to indulge with some delicious football food without the feeling of guilt?  Well, get excited here are a couple great low calorie recipe ideas that will make you feel great about eating and watching football all day!

Guiltless Guac
Guac-a-holics can drop inhibitions and just chow on this low-fat version of the old Mexican favorite. Peas replace most of the avocado in this recipe, making for a creamy dip with less fat and more nutrients.

1 box (10 ounces) frozen baby peas, thawed
1/2 ripe avocado, chopped
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chili peppers
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons nonfat sour cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped red onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
salt and ground black pepper

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the peas, avocado, chili peppers, lime juice, sour cream, garlic, and cumin. Process until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Season to taste with the salt and black pepper. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Makes 12 servings. Per serving: 44.9 calories, 1.5 g fat, 0.3 g sat fat, 6.9 g carbs, 2.1 g sugar, 2.3 g fiber, 2 g protein

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Grilled Buffalo Wings
If a game means giving in to deep-fried foods like wings in your crew, take matters into your own hands and fire up the grill. The simple switch from fryer to fire saves you loads of fat and calories without losing flavor.

1 pound chicken tenders
salt
ground black pepper
1/3 cup prepared Buffalo wing sauce
4 ribs celery, cut into sticks
4 carrots, cut into sticks
2 kirby cucumbers, cut into spears
1/3 cup fat-free ranch dressing

1. Season the chicken tenders to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Coat a ridged grill pan with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat, or heat an electric countertop griller. Grill the chicken, turning once, about 4 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink in the thickest part. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the Buffalo sauce.

3. Place the chicken on a platter with the celery, carrots, cucumbers, and the ranch dressing for dipping. Serve with a good supply of wooden picks.

Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 218.9 calories, 4.3 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 19.6 g carbs, 7.6 g sugar, 4.4 g fiber, 28.7 g protein

©iStockphoto.com/Thinkstock

Spicy Roasted Nuts
These healthy fats and fiber have a kick that will help them disappear—maybe before kickoff.

2 cups unsalted almonds

2 cups unsalted pecan halves

1 cup unsalted walnut halves

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

2 teaspoons dried rosemary

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons smoked or regular paprika

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a bowl, combine the almonds, pecans, and walnuts. Add the oil 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing well in between to lightly coat all the nuts.

2. In a small bowl, combine the red pepper, rosemary, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to mix. Slowly sprinkle the mixture over the nuts, tossing to coat.

3. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Set aside to cool before storing in a plastic container or zip-top bags.

Makes 20 servings. Per serving: 186.3 calories, 18 g fat, 1.6 g sat fat, 4.8 g carbs, 1.2 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 4.4 g protein