Healthy Dips, Nachos, Wings and Chili for Game Day

Game on with these healthy game day foods!

If you're as excited as I am about the Super Bowl, you've already started planning the menu. My game-day spread includes better-for-you versions from the four football food groups – dips, chili, wings and nachos!

Dips

Warm and cold dips provide a great opportunity to invite some fresh veggies to the party. Serve carrots, celery, cucumber slices and bell pepper strips for dunking, and incorporate vegetables like spinach, artichokes and roasted peppers into the dips. For even more goodness, serve along with whole-grain crackers and pita chips.

Chili

Make a big batch of hearty and high-fiber chili ahead of time. Keep warm in a slow cooker and serve fresh toppings on the side.

Wings (and a vegetarian alternative)

These deep-fried and blue cheese-smothered delights can pack in more than 200 calories per piece! Instead, try these recipes (and get more fresh ideas for lightening up chicken wings).

Nachos and Salsa

With tortilla chips, cheese and fresh vegetables, there's essentially nothing unhealthy about nachos – IF you can keep the portions in check! Using whole-grain chips and some reduced-fat cheese and sour cream can also help shave off a few extra calories.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

Next Up

5 Fun Ways to Eat Chili on Game Day

Keep the whole team happy with these creative eats.

Game Day Snacks That Food Network Staffers Swear By

Go the whole nine yards with these winning recipes!

8 Reasons You Take Nachos More Seriously Than Probably Anyone

The big game is upon us, and while not all of us may speak the language of touchdowns and fumbles and interceptions, we can all agree on one thing (besides the commercials): nachos.

These Store-Bought Hacks Will Win Big on Game Day

You won’t miss a second of the action with these time-saving tricks!

Is Falafel Healthy?

This classic dish is loaded with fiber- and protein-packed chickpeas, but is it good for you?

Is Oat Milk Healthy?

The popular non-dairy milk is now found in coffee creamer, ice cream, yogurt and more.

Is Activated Charcoal Healthy?

Sorry, but that charcoal-spiked cocktail, smoothie and juice won't detox your body.

Is Air Frying Healthy?

The biggest myth about air fryer chicken nuggets, busted.

​​Taco Bell Teases ‘Big (Food) Innovation’ Slated for Game Day Weekend

But for all the games between now and the big one, the chain is dropping the 'Ultimate GameDay Box,' which bundles pizza, tacos and its Crispy Chicken Wings (yes, they’re back!).