5 Guilt-Less Snacks and Recipes for Game Day

 

Microwave Cheese Crisps

They are as delicious as they sound and so easy.

You will need:

• Hard cheese (example: mozzarella, cheddar, manchego, parmesan, romano, sharp cheddar, gouda).
• You can use shredded cheese for this snack. But stay away from soft cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, and camembert.
• Parchment paper (not to be confused with wax paper)

 

How to prepare:

Line a plate with parchment paper. Add a thin layer of cheese—microwave at full power for 1 1/2 minutes or 2 minutes. Microwave ovens vary, so start with 1 1/2 minutes. Let rest 1 minute after it beeps. The result will surprise you, as the cheese turns into a delicious crisp with zero carbs.

Guacamole

Simple, delicious guacamole makes this list because it is flavorful and low in calories and carbs.

For an easy recipe, you will need the following:

• 4 avocados
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/4 cup onions cut up
• 1/4 cup tomato cut up
• 1 tsp salt
• Cilantro to taste
• Optional* hot sauce

 

How to:

Smash avocados with a fork. Add ingredients and mix. Voila! You have made guacamole.

Pssst: You can use the cheese crisps to scoop up the guacamole.

 

Hummus

I love hummus. I use it as hair gel (just kidding, but yeah, I love hummus).

You can buy hummus premade, or you can make your own with a few simple ingredients. Hummus is full of protein, and it's low in carbohydrates.

Here's a basic recipe:

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed.
• 1 clove garlic.
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more for serving.
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste; optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
• kosher salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika.

Throw everything together in a food processor until it's smooth inconsistency.

 

*Pro-tip* cut veggies like bell pepper, celery, and carrots to dip into the hummus to keep it low carb

Pork Rinds

You read that correctly; I said pork rinds. Did you know that pork rinds have zero carbs and are gluten-free? You can find low sodium pork rinds too. 

Bread-less Meatballs

When it comes to sport watching snacks, I really like cocktail meatballs. However, when I buy premade frozen meatballs, they are high in carbs, and that's the result of the manufacturers using breadcrumbs in the mix. Most recipes call for breadcrumbs, but you don't need them for great meatballs.

Here's an easy recipe:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• 1 pound ground meat, such as beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or veal, or a mix
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (or grated on a coarse grater)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional* Sugar-free BBQ sauce for dipping. 

Prepare it:

Beat eggs. Mix in herbs, salt, and chopped vegetables. Lastly, knead in the meat. Mix well. Shape into balls and bake in a shallow pan—Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. The meatballs are done when the outsides are browned and when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Note* Baking is the recommended cooking method because if you cook them in sauce, they can come apart.

 

If you really want to get creative, there are many low carbs, high protein snack options to try. Don't forsake your snacks. Instead of snack smart and have fun.

 

Any other fabulous snack ideas? Let us know below- and share with your friends.

 

XOXO

Ana

IG: @ana_vsg_miami