Healthy Foods to Snack on During Football Season

Why Healthy Snacking Matters

Before we dive into the delicious recipes, let's talk about why healthy snacking is essential, especially during football season. It's easy to get carried away with calorie-laden, greasy snacks, but they can leave you feeling sluggish and regretful. Healthy snacks, on the other hand, can:

1. Keep Your Energy Up: Football games can be long affairs. Healthy snacks provide the sustained energy you need to stay engaged throughout.
2. Avert Overindulgence: When you have satisfying, nutrient-rich snacks on hand, you're less likely to overeat during the game or binge on unhealthy options.
3. Support Your Goals: If you're on a fitness journey, you don't have to compromise. Healthy snacks can align with your health and fitness objectives.

Now, let's huddle up and explore some fantastic healthy snack options for football season.

1. Veggie Platter with Greek Yogurt Dip

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving
• Macros: Varies based on veggie selection
• Recipe: Arrange a colorful assortment of crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Pair them with a creamy Greek yogurt dip seasoned with herbs and spices for a guilt-free snack that's high in fiber and protein.

2. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per 3-ounce serving
• Macros:Carbs: 25-30g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Recipe: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss them with a touch of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy. These are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries and offer a boost of vitamins and fiber.
  
  

3. Guacamole and Whole Grain Tortilla Chips

• Calories: Approximately 140 calories per serving
• Macros: Varies based on portion size
• Recipe: Mash ripe avocados, mix in diced tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and cilantro for a classic guacamole. Pair it with whole grain tortilla chips for a satisfying and heart-healthy snack.
  
  

4. Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast

• Calories: Approximately 30 calories per cup (without butter)
• Macros:Carbs: 5-6g
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Recipe: Air-pop plain popcorn and sprinkle it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the added fat. Popcorn is a whole grain and can be surprisingly filling.
  
  

5. Mini Caprese Skewers

• Calories: Approximately 50 calories per skewer
• Macros:
• Carbs: 3-4g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 3-4g
• Recipe: Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a bite-sized taste of Italy.
  
  

6. Fruit Kebabs with Honey Lime Drizzle

• Calories: Approximately 70 calories per skewer
• Macros:
• Carbs: 15-20g
• Protein: 0-1g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Recipe: Create colorful fruit kebabs with chunks of pineapple, watermelon, grapes, and strawberries. Drizzle with a mixture of honey and lime juice for a sweet and tangy twist.
  
  

7. Mini Turkey Sliders

• Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories per slider (without bun)
• Macros:
• Carbs: 0-15g (depends on bun choice)
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fat: 6-8g
• Recipe: Grill or bake mini turkey burger patties and serve them with whole wheat slider buns. Top with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of Greek yogurt-based sauce.
  
  

8. Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

• Calories: Approximately 50 calories per strawberry
• Macros: Varies based on portion size
• Recipe: Melt dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), dip strawberries in it, and let them cool on parchment paper. Dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants, and strawberries add a burst of vitamins.
  
  

9. Greek Yogurt Parfait

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving
• Macros:
• Carbs: 15-20g
• Protein: 10-15g
• Fat: 5-8g
• Recipe: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries in a glass for a protein-packed, crunchy, and sweet snack.
  
  

10. Cucumber Slices with Hummus

• Calories: Approximately 50-70 calories per serving
• Macros:
• Carbs: 5-7g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 3-5g
• Recipe: Slice cucumbers into rounds and serve them with hummus for a refreshing, low-calorie snack that's high in fiber and protein.
  
  

11. Baked Chicken Wings

• Calories: Approximately 43 calories per wing (without sauce)
• Macros:
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 2g
• Recipe: Coat chicken wings with a light layer of olive oil, season with your favorite spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper), and bake in the oven until crispy. Serve them with a variety of sauces like buffalo, barbecue, or honey mustard for a healthier twist on a game day classic.
  
  

12. Big Mac Smash Tacos

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per wrap
• Macros:Carbs: 21g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 19g
• Recipe: Create your own healthier version of the iconic Big Mac by making smash burgers with lean ground beef. Cook thin beef patties on a hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and assemble them with small whole wheat tortillas. Grill the burger and the tortilla together, flipping it over so the bottom of the tortilla cooks on the flat top as well as the burger side. Add shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, low-fat cheese, and a homemade special sauce made from Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Enjoy the classic taste in a wrap with a nutritious twist.
  
  

13. Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per roll (depending on protein choice)
• Macros:Carbs: 15-20g
• Protein: 10-15g
• Fat: 4-6g
• Recipe: Create refreshing and low-carb summer rolls using rice paper wrappers filled with an assortment of colorful veggies and your choice of protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. Dip these rolls in a delectable peanut sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and a dash of sriracha for a touch of heat. These rolls are a delightful and healthy addition to your football season snack lineup.
  
  

14. Lightened-Up Queso Dip with Veggie Dippers

• Calories: Approximately 60 calories per 2-tablespoon serving (dip)
• Macros:Carbs: 4-6g
• Protein: 3-4g
• Fat: 2-3g
• Recipe: Prepare a healthier queso dip using light Velveeta cheese and add diced tomatoes, green chilies, and jalapeños for flavor. Pair this creamy and cheesy dip with an array of colorful veggie dippers like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices for a satisfying and guilt-free game day snack.
  
  

15. Light White Bean Chicken Chili

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving
• Macros:Carbs: 20-25g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 5-7g
• Recipe: Prepare a hearty yet light white bean chicken chili using lean chicken breast, white beans, diced tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano. This chili is low in fat and high in protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for your football season snacking. Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Compare Snack Calories and Macros