Superbowl LI is right around the corner, and besides the half-time show, I have to say I really look forward to the food that goes along with it! With all the dips, chips, and treats, it’s no surprise that researchers at Cornell University discovered that the average American consumes 6000 calories on Superbowl Sunday! (1) With a few simple swaps, we make sure our superbowl party is still tasty and delicious…while preventing the day-after food coma.
Here are my favorite ways to make sure that you see more touchdowns than carbs on Sunday:
Instead of pizza, try veggie-crust pizza!
Most of the carbs in pizza come from the dough (36 grams per slice), but you can still enjoy a slice or two with all of your favorite toppings by swapping out the usual crust for a zucchini crust. Simply grate 2 zucchini, and squeeze out most of the moisture with a dish towel or paper towel. Combine with an egg and some grated cheese. Pat the mixture out into a pizza crust shape and bake in a hot 500 degree oven for 7-8 minutes. Add toppings, then finish with another 4-5 minutes. Super easy. And if you aren’t a zucchini fan, make your own thin-crust pizza or build-your-own using whole wheat pita bread. All are great options and cut back on carbs while increasing the nutrition.
Skip the bun and try portobello bun burgers!
Cut 20 grams of carbohydrates by switching out the burger buns for portobello mushrooms. I simply wash the mushrooms, scoop out the ‘flesh’ with a spoon and drizzle both sides with a bit of olive oil. Take the mushrooms straight to the barbeque with your burgers, for a speedy solution to lower the carbs. Pop the hamburger patty between one or two portobello caps, and eat that burger like you usually do. Caramelized onions? Avocado? Anything you like!
Instead of tacos, try lettuce wraps!
When building your tacos, use butter lettuce leaves or collard greens as the tortilla. This simple trick saves you about 15 grams of carbohydrates per taco!
Instead of pigs-in-a-blanket, go with naked shrimp!
Pigs-in-a-blanket are known to be wrapped in a thick biscuit/roll dough. Shed that blanket layer (and 15 grams of carbs for 4 pieces) for something a bit lighter. Plus, sausages are often packed with sodium and preservatives- major penalty. Opt for a less processed protein by using boiled or sautéed shrimp instead. This is a great appetizer to start with since it is high in protein and will help keep you full without raising blood sugar levels.
Instead of potato skins, try cauliflower skins!
We all know potato skins are an all-time Superbowl favorite, but it couldn’t be easier to switch out the potato for cauliflower. Here’s how: Pulse a head of cauliflower in a food processor a few times, until it forms a “rice texture”. In a bowl, mix cauliflower, 2 beaten eggs, and ⅓ cup of shredded cheese. Take a few spoonfuls of the mixture at a time, forming thin patties on a baking sheet, mimicking the shape of a potato skin. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes until golden-brown, then add toppings and broil for 4-5 minutes. Enjoy!
Improve your dips
High fat dips that are paired with chips and crackers can be a tough combo for blood sugars since the carbs from the chips/crackers will digest fairly quickly if they aren’t whole grain or high in fiber. When they are paired with high fat foods, it tends to keep our blood sugars higher, for longer periods of time. Any easy swap is to use greek yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes and use veggie sticks instead of tortilla chips. Veggies dipped in hummus or guacamole are also filling and nutritious substitutions.
Try some of these swaps for the big Superbowl party this year, and you can feel great about keeping the carbohydrate content of your favorite game day foods in check. Regardless of who is playing, that is a major win!
If you are looking for more low carb meal and snack ideas, click HERE for my free 7 day diabetes meal plan.
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