Healthy Recipes to Make for the Big Game

Just because the Seahawks are in the Super Bowl, doesn’t mean you should forget about any health-related new year’s resolutions you might have started. Case in point: I haven’t had a single drop of alcohol since December 31 and I don’t plan on imbibing again until February 5.

So it’s sparkling mocktails for me come Super Bowl Sunday! And that’s OK. “A U.K. study (on men) discovered that participants consumed 30 percent more calories if they enjoyed an alcoholic beverage before or during a meal,” says Seattle certified nutritionist and wellness coach Deborah Enos. She recommends cutting the sugary cocktails and going with a flavored sparkling water instead–Kent-based LaCroix is a good option. Or if you can’t cut the booze entirely, use it as your mixer.

Herewith, Enos let’s us in on some of her healthy recipe secrets–bevies and bites–that are ideal options for your gameday celebration. (Want non-healthy options? We’ve got those too.)

Seahawks Salad
Why I like it: First of all, no Seahawks were injured in the making of this salad. And, second, this salad uses grilled veggies not salad greens, so it can be made well in advance of the game without getting soggy.

Chop into bite sized pieces any veggies you have. I used cukes, broccoli, carrots and snap peas; drizzle them with olive oil and throw them into a barbecue basket. I cook until slightly soft, about 5-8 minutes on medium heat. I drizzle with my homemade vinaigrette and then add sliced avocado. I find that the barbecued veggies add so much flavor that I can use less dressing.

Vinaigrette:

3 smashed garlic cloves (I use the already peeled Christopher Ranch garlic)

3/4 cup of olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lemon (adds flavor without calories)

1/4 to 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar (I use the Costco Kirkland signature brand)

1 Tbsp. of Dijon mustard

Salt & pepper to your liking

Smash the garlic on a cutting board and toss it into your blender bottle or into a bowl. Add the remainder of the ingredients to the blender bottle (or bowl) and whisk, whisk, whisk! This will blend the flavors and make it taste great. Too tart? You can add a touch more oil or even mashed avocado.

Seahawk Game Day Green Smoothie
Why I like it: Wven if you spend the rest of your Super Bowl Sunday eating chips and wings, at least you’ll get your veggies in!

Ingredients:

1 handful of spinach

1 lemon, peeled

1 inch piece of fresh ginger

1/3 cucumber

1 celery stalk

1 small handful of cilantro

1 small handful of parsley

1 cup of water, or more

Serving of protein powder (pick a protein powder without fake sweeteners such as Splenda or aspartame)

Optional fruit (I use an Apple)

1 packet of Oxylent

1 tablespoon of Barleans Flaxseed oil (vegan formula)

Instructions:

Peel the fresh ginger

Peel the lemon

Chop up the apple

Step 2: Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend!

Seattle Hawk-Tail
Why I like it: Almost no calories!

Ingredients:

1 cup club LaCroix Lime (or your favorite flavor) Sparkling water

1 packet of Oxylent (powdered multivitamin)

3 sprigs of mint

Fruit kabob

Directions:

In a glass, add mint and pour in LaCroix Sparkling water. Add packet of Oxylent, stir, add fruit kabob and enjoy!

Hawkville Hurried Curry Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Why I like it: It’s quick and healthy! It’s also easy to make in advance of the big game or tailgating, and makes terrific leftovers for work the next day.

Ingredients:

½ Costco (or any other) Rotisserie Chicken

3 ribs celery, chopped

1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

½ cup shredded carrot

4 scallions, chopped on an angle

1 cup plain yogurt OR reduced fat mayo

2 tablespoons curry powder

Salt and pepper

¾ cup mango (or just substitute more grapes or add chopped apples if you can’t find mango)

¼ cup (2 ounces) sliced smoked almonds, cashews or walnuts

Directions:

Combine meat, celery, red grapes, carrot, mango, nuts and scallions. Add yogurt (or mayo) and curry to the salad and toss to evenly distribute the curry. Season the salad with salt and pepper, to your taste.

Leftover Meal Options:

Place the leftovers on a green salad for a high-protein delicious meal.

Hollow out a tomato or bell pepper and fill with the salad for high-energy lunch.

Place a scoop of the salad on top of brown rice or Quinoa and round out by adding in a side of sliced veggies or fruit salad.