Photo: These are my Kale & Wild Greens Chips.

When it comes to parties, receptions and SUPER BOWLS, food is at the heart of our fun. And living in Seattle, our entire region is very proud of our Sea Hawks. We’re the 12th Player!

Whichever team you’re rooting for, let’s keep priorities straight. Your health and your waistline.

[ctt title=”The Super Bowl doesn’t need to be a reason to trash your waistline with regrettable foods. Our favorite players aren’t eating trash – why should we? ” tweet=”The #SuperBowl doesn’t need to be a reason to trash your waistline. Football players aren’t eating trash – why should we? #gohawks @FrancesLArnold http://ctt.ec/cH8fa+” coverup=”cH8fa”]

Yummy food doesn’t have to be junk food – you know, the stuff that makes you tired, sick and fat.  Those foods are deplete us from minerals and vitamins that are responsible for keeping us youthful, healthy, and happy. So, if you want to join in on the food fun – without trashing your waistline, energy, and nutrition – then check out the following recipes.

 I’ve scoured the internet for low-carb, high-nutrient recipes. Some of these foods you will have to make gluten-free, and I’ve added my suggestions for doing so. Of course, as a dietitian, I’m going to insert my professional recommendations for how to upgrade the nutrition on some of these recipes. What better way to show your guests that you care about them than to share high-quality, homemade foods? They will love you for loving them. And I love you  . . . just because I do!

[ctt title=”Superbowl food should respect your waistline. Tell your friends about this collection of low-carb recipes. Please share!” tweet=”#Superbowl food should respect your waistline. See this collection of #lowcarb #recipes. @FrancesLArnold http://ctt.ec/b4c8u+” coverup=”b4c8u”]

 

Cue: Angels, please sing.

Photo Credit: Seattle SeaHawks

Ahh, yes. Now, where were we? Oh yes, DELICIOUS FOOD.

Beverages:

If you’re interested in non-alcoholic, low-sugar beverages, check out my suggestions for flavored water, herbal teas, and alcohol alternatives.

APPETIZERS

 

#1. Low-Carbo Tacos 

Photo credit: Iowa girl eats

To keep this gluten-free, make sure you follow the recipe for homemade taco seasoning.

Grab the yummy recipe here.

 

#2. Bacon-apple cheddar quiche

Photo credit: Karista’s Kitchen

Make this gluten-free with non-gluten crust, or without any crust at all.

Get the yummy recipe here.

#3. Low Carb Burgers 

Photo credit: The Pioneer Woman.com

To keep this gluten-free, omit the Worcestershire sauce (you can substitute with Tamari + Molasses or brown sugar).

You can make this with Falafel for a vegetarian version. I bet it tastes amazing with grass-fed beef or grass-fed lamb!

Get the crispy recipe here.

#4. Caprese Salad

Photo Credit: The Pioneer Woman

If you can, I recommend buying organic mozzarella.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), found in conventional dairy products, is strongly correlated with tumor growth. Yummy, right?

Get the recipe here.

 

#5. Paleo Bruschetta

Photo credit: Civilized Caveman Cooking

Be sure that you are using gluten-free salami, as gluten is sometimes in the casing.

Also, kale is one of the items on the dirty dozen list, so I recommend buying it organic.

Nab the recipe here.

 

#6. Smoked Salmon Wonton Tacos

Photo credit: Karista’s Kitchen

Yield: 24-36 tacos

You can make these gluten-free by putting these ingredients into crisp butter lettuce, instead of inside of wontons.

Grab the wonton recipe here.

 

#7. Deviled Eggs

Photo credit: Primal Palate

You eat what your hens ate. And that’s why I recommend buying pastured or organic eggs (there’s no GMO feed in organic hens!).

Grab the recipe.

 

#8. Cauliflower Fritters

Photo Credit: The Healthy Foodie

These would be delicious with the two dips below.

Nab the recipe here.

 

DIPS

 

#9. Lemon Yogurt Dill Dip

Photo Credit: Mountain Mama Cooks

This would be great on with the cauliflower fritters (above).

OR, dab it on top of sliced cucumbers and salmon lox. Yum!!

Nab the recipe here.

 

#10.  Eggplant Caponata

Photo Credit: Mountain Mama Cooks

This vegetarian Italian relish is both sweet and savory. It’s perfect served on the cauliflower fritters, or with organic corn chips (again, avoid the GMOs).

Grab the recipe here.

DESSERTS

#11: Easy Chia Seed Pudding

Photo Credit: Namaste Nutritionist (That’s me =0)

This is my own recipe. It’s easy and yummy! My version is low sugar, so adjust as needed for personal preferences.

Get the recipe here.

 

 #12. Kale Brownies

Photo Credit: Namaste Nutritionist (I realize it’s actually a photo of chard.)

Lots of delicious recipes here. Pick your favorite!

#13. Hazelnut Maple Oat Bars

Photo Credit: Pink Patisserie

Be sure to use gluten-free oats, as oats are often contaminated with gluten.

Grab this yummy recipe here.