Did you know the Super Bowl is the second highest day of food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving? Or that the average fan will consume 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat from snacks? And yes, that’s just from snacks, not including actual meals.

So how can you prepare for the Super Bowl?  Here are some tips to survive the Super Bowl without consuming over a days’ worth of calories at one party.

• Don’t go to the party hungry. Make sure that you consume a breakfast and lunch high in protein.  Start off with some egg whites and a slice of whole wheat toast. Have some grilled chicken with veggies for lunch.
• Get some quick exercise in. Even if it’s just a brisk walk, try to be active for at least 30 minutes. Get your day started off right.
• Walk away from the table. Avoid standing near the food table. Prepare a plate and then walk away. Try to focus more on the company you’re with and the game on TV (or the commercials if that’s what you’re interested in).
• Go with a game plan. Know what’s going to be on the menu at the party. Pick a smaller plate and focus on high protein options and also veggies.
• Bring a healthy dish to the party. This way you know that there will be some healthy options for you. Here’s a healthy take on the ever popular Buffalo chicken wings that gives you the heat and flavor of Super Bowl. A full ½ cup serving of this chicken has the same amount of calories as just one chicken wing!

Buffalo Chicken Salad (adapted from The Novice Chef)

• 5 oz non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup Franks Red Hot Wings Buffalo sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, minced
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) crumbled blue cheese

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, buffalo sauce, garlic powder and black pepper. 
2. Stir in shredded chicken, celery, cilantro and blue cheese. Refrigerate until serving or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Yield: ~ 4 cups chicken salad (~8 servings, 1/2 cup each)

Nutrition Information (per 1/2 cup): 100 calories; 2.5 g. fat; 34 mg. cholesterol; 381 mg. sodium; 1.6 g. carbohydrate; 0.25g. fiber; 16.3 g. protein; 1.0 g. sugar

So whether you’re watching the Super Bowl to cheer on your favorite team, or if you’re just watching for those commercials, try to make the party about the actual event, and not the abundance of food surrounding you.  Enjoy the healthy recipe!