HEALTHY Superbowl Foods.

We all know that "football foods" are usually cheesy, greasy, fried, fatty, but so delicious. But they are major waist-line busters too.  There are ways to modify and healthify... (is that even a word?... oh well. just go with it).  I found these recipes in SELF magazine.  The pictures just speak for themselves.  And then the added bonus of the nutritional facts...I am already drooling thinking of Sunday. And I don't have to think about the dreaded "next-day guilt" on Monday!


This is like a twice baked potato but in mini style!  Helps keep portion size in check.

Stuffed Baby Potatoes

2 lbs (about 20) baby red potatoes
4 slices of center-cut bacon (I am going to use pre-crumbled bacon)
12 oz ground turkey
1/2 cup salsa
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1/4 cup whole milk ( I will be using skim milk)
2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar 
vegetable oil cooking spray

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Place potatoes in a large saucepan; fill with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer and cool until potatoes are fork-tender, 20-22 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large nonstick skillet, cool bacon over medium-high heat; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate; let cool and break into small pieces.  In same skillet, add turkey, salsa, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and black pepper.  Cook, stirring to break meat into small crumbles, until turkey is browned, 6-7 minutes.  When potatoes are cool enough to handle , cut off 1/4 inch from the top of each. Scoop out inside and place in a bowl; add milk to bowl and mash. Stir in turkey mixture, bacon and 1/3 cup cheddar; spoon evenly into potato skins.  Top with remaining 1/3 cup cheddar.  Coat a backing pan with cooking spray.  Place stuffed potatoes on pan and bake until heated through, 15-17 minutes.  

THE SKINNY: 77 calories per potato, 3 g fat  (1 g saturated), 8 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein

**What I love about this recipe is that it uses ground turkey (which I cook with all the time).  Ground turkey is an awesome healthy substitute.  It is a little more expensive than ground beef, but a whole lot more healthy! And this recipe still has my favorite combination: bacon and cheese, which I can enjoy, but just not overindulge.



This next recipe is one of our favorite sandwiches to eat. Oh how I love a good Cheesesteak.  I found this other recipe on pinterest and it is so good too.  And I have been making it about once a week.  But I am going to step out of my comfort zone and try out something different.  The picture that was next to the recipe was calling my name. So I am going to test out this new recipe and see which one we like better.

Cheesesteak Sliders

1 tbsp oil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 green pepper, thinly sliced
12 oz top round beef, cut into thin strips
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 oz reduced-fat provolone, cut into thin strips
1 whole wheat baguette, 9 to10 inches, split and sliced into 6 portions

In a large nonstick pan, heat oil over medium high heat.  Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until soft, 2-3 minutes.  Add bell pepper; cook until crisp-tender, 3 minutes.  Move veggies to side of pan.  Season beef with salt and black pepper; add to pan.  Add Worcestershire and cook beef through, 3 minutes.  Remove pan from heat; stir in cheese, mixing beef and veggies together.  Evenly fill baguettes with mixture.

THE SKINNY:  249 calories per serving.  11 g fat (4g saturated), 18 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 20 g protein

Along with these 2 recipes I will also have a bunch of fresh veggies to snack on, you know the usual, carrot and celery sticks, green and red peppers, olives, cucumbers with ranch dressing (low-fat)...it helps my kids eat them better.  We will also have a fruit salad covered in Chobani yogurt, cut up apples, strawberries, bananas and peaches.  Yumm-o.

Kyle is also happy to know that I did buy some hot and spicy wings for him to enjoy too.  I knew that if I got the boneless wings, oh I would be popping those things like crazy, but it is all about preparing in advance.  Wings with bones= too much work, not enough enjoyment.

So now invite your friends over, flip on the game (or let's be honest...catch up on Nashville, Vampire Diaries, Downton Abbey) and chow down on some good HEALTHY food.  If only the Broncos were playing...if only!

oh and make sure you get a good workout in before the eat-fest.  Just a little tip.  Better prepare than regret.

Ravens or 49ers?? Favorite Superbowl food?

Anyone else loving Nashville?  What show are you addicted to right now?
I just barely got on the Downton Abbey bandwagon (I know, where have I been??!!) and I am addicted! Sleep has been sacrificed this last week because of it.

Saturday workout plans?
I am taking today off, enjoying family in town, but tomorrow I will be going on a long run...at least 10 miles (that is long for me right now).