Healthy game day food hacks score a win for balanced eating

While the National Chicken Council asserts that more than 100 million pounds of chicken wings are eaten during the big game, that football feast does not have to derail the balanced eating commitment. Without just eating greens and fruits, there are some healthy game day food hacks that anyone and everyone will enjoy. Sometimes a simple swap can be a big food win.

Although the term cheat day might be frowned upon, some people appreciate that an occasional indulgence is vital to balanced eating. While that bowl of ice cream might be a sometimes treat, the over-the-top food choice isn’t the only option on the table. Sometimes a food hack can curb that craving without diving overboard into the food abyss.

Recently, Wellness Executive Chef Jen Welper of the New Mayo Clinic Diet shared seven simple healthy game day food hacks that are simple to apply. More importantly, the food swap is not one where anyone feels deprived. In some cases people may not even notice that healthy eating slant.

Healthy game day food hacks from the New Mayo Clinic Diet

• Add puree peas to your avocados to make guacamole
• Add salsa verde to your avocados to stretch out calories
• Use the air fryer for items that have a panko crust
• Panko crust vegetables and add buffalo sauce to replace chicken wings
• Make vegetable pepperjack cheese quesadillas with black beans
• Make your own blue cheese dressing by using the base of low fat cottage cheese
• Make stuffed mushrooms or other fun veggies like baby bell peppers, anything to bulk up your vegetable intake

Even though some people might prefer Buffalo Chicken wings to Buffalo Vegetables, a Buffalo cauliflower bite can be tasty. Even Chick-fil-A has jumped on that cauliflower concept. The reality is that people want certain flavors. As long as the heart of the dish comes through in that bite, people will feel satisfied.

Chef Welpher shared a crowd pleasing recipes that is perfect for balanced eating during the big game. The Parmesan Zucchini Fingers are a great example of healthy game day food hacks. It has the crisp texture similar to a fried mozzarella stick but still has a vegetable slant. It can be eaten on its own or dipped. It will definitely score a win with guests.

Parmesan Zucchini Fingers

• Cooking Tip: To help brown the zucchini, spray a little olive oil or cooking spray over each plank. Eggplant and yellow summer squash are great alternatives that can be used in place of the zucchini in this recipe.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray, 1 x two-second spray(s)
• Egg whites, 2 large
• Panko bread crumbs, 1 cup(s)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup(s)
• Garlic powder, 1 tsp(s)
• Onion powder, 1 tsp(s)
• Basil, dried, 2 tsp(s), leaves
• Oregano, dried, 2 tsp(s), leaves
• Kosher salt, ½ tsp(s)
• Black pepper, 1 dash(es), or more, to taste
• Zucchini, 2 medium, cut into 3- to 4-inch planks
• Marinara, 2 cup(s)

Method

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Mix egg whites in a medium to large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons water to thin out the egg mixture.
• In another bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan cheese and seasonings. If the mixture is really chunky, place it in a food processor and process a few seconds to get a more even consistency.
• Dip each plank into the egg white mixture, and then dredge in the panko mixture. Place on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd each piece. (Air around each piece will help it brown and become crisp.)
• Bake approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce (half cup each if serving individually).