The basketball championship series is in full swing. Hopefully your bracket choices will do well. As you enjoy the games, why not score big at home with some slam-dunk snack? Don’t get sidelined by unhealthy snacks that don’t provide your body with the beneficial nutrients it needs to feel good. Use your defensive skills to block high-fat, high-calorie snacks - and create opportunities to try new healthier tasty foods. A great snack will include protein, fiber, whole grains and good-for-you fats.
Make some great game-day snacks that meet this criteria. Vegetables are a notable choice for dipping and are a good source of fiber. Bean dips are the ideal choice for dipping vegetables or whole grain chips, as these dips provide protein and fiber. Fiber may help in lowering cholesterol levels, giving a feeling a fullness and aiding digestion. Look for whole-grain tortilla chips, pita chips or crackers to complement your snack.
Avocado is a good for you fat. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that may lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Here are two winning combinations for your game-day snacks.
Avocado-Yogurt Dip can be served with pretzels, pita chips or vegetables. Black Bean Dip will meet your protein and fiber needs and is great served with whole-grain tortilla chips.
Avocado-Yogurt Dip
Serves 8 (2 tablespoons each).
All you need:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup Hy-Vee nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped onion
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Hy-Vee freshly ground pepper
- Hot sauce, to taste, optional
All you do:
- Place avocado, yogurt, cilantro, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth. Season with hot sauce, if desired.
- To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition facts per serving: 51 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 1g sugar, 1g protein.
Source: adapted from Eating Well, Inc.
Black Bean Dip
Serves about 24 (1 tablespoon each).
All you need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
- 1/2 cup prepared mild or hot salsa
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
All you do:
- Combine black beans, salsa, lime juice, cilantro and cumin in a food processor.
- Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 17 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 1g protein.
Source: www.eatingwell.com
This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
