5 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks
Even though the Patriots aren’t playing, we know that many households will be tuned into Super Bowl LVI this Sunday. And what does game time mean? Usually a Super Snack overload! We’re not saying not to indulge in the good stuff, but we’re here to provide you with some healthy alternatives to incorporate into your super spread.
Kick Off with a Veggie Tray and Hummus
You didn’t think we would forget to include this tried and true appetizer as a part of your healthy spread, did you? Jazz up your veggie tray with key players like carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers and more. And spice up your dipping options with roasted red pepper, roasted garlic or everything hummus. This colorful explosion of veggies boasts oodles of dental health benefits. Carrots and celery can help to clean plaque from teeth and freshen your breath. Many veggies can help to protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection because of antioxidant vitamins that they contain.
Don’t Forget the Chili!
Just because we said healthy, it doesn’t mean you have to leave your favorite foods off the menu. Instead of doing a pot of meaty chili, consider trying a recipe like white chicken chili, turkey or a bean-based version, which will help you to keep the flavor while cutting the saturated fat! By choosing a lean protein and mixing in kidney beans or black beans, you reduce unnecessary fats and calories. Fatty foods can linger in your mouth longer or stick to your teeth, and can eventually increase your risk for tooth decay.
Lettuce Wrap…Up the Game on a Satisfied Stomach
Wraps are just as good when their fillings are surrounded by lettuce versus bread or taco shells. Load up your lettuce wraps with lean proteins, veggies, or any other flavorful delight that whets your whistle. Not only do lettuce wraps help you cut down on calories, but they also contain a number of beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Leafy greens like lettuce promote dental health by fortifying your tooth enamel.
Stuffed Peppers for the Win
Empty that veggie drawer and grab some brown rice or quinoa to stuff your favorite colored pepper with. Peppers act as a good base for food stuffing options – this fresh combination of flavors are not only filling, but they also offer dental health benefits. Peppers contain Vitamin C, which is necessary for healthy gums as your gums help to keep your teeth firmly in place.
Avocado Toast…to the Champions
Whether you’re rooting for the Bengals or the Rams, or if you’re just here for the food, you can still cheer for adding avocado toast to your menu. If you’re going to incorporate bread into your spread, we recommend topping it with avocado and maybe even an egg! Avocados have high levels of potassium, which helps to lower your risk of tooth decay. It’s a mineral that works to strengthen and prevent bones from breaking down. If you add an egg to your avocado toast, you can look forward to enjoying the benefits of phosphorus, which aids in the mineralization of teeth. Remineralization can contribute towards restoring strength and function within the tooth structure.
This, of course, is just a short list of menu items to feature in your Super Bowl spread. What are we missing that you absolutely must have come Super Sunday?