Super Bowl LII is almost here! This year’s game will be held on February 4 in Minneapolis, Minn. If you are preparing to host a Party for friends and family, putting together a tasty but healthy menu might be at the top of your “to do” list. 

Because older adults tend to require special diets due to chronic health conditions, finding ways to lighten up traditional Super Bowl Party Foods is important so everyone can enjoy the party. From chili to chocolate, we have a few menu options to consider.

Healthy Super Bowl Party Foods

• Skinny up your chili recipe. Chili is a staple at many Super Bowl parties. While it’s easy to make and serve, it can also be loaded with fat and calories. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to make this party favorite lower in fat, calories, and sodium. Try one of our three favorite healthy chili recipes this year.
• Veggies and dip. A fresh vegetable tray with a few tasty dips is a simple but popular party treat. Substituting out high-fat ingredients can cut the calories and fat—for instance, replacing sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. Protein-rich hummus makes a great dip for vegetables and can easily be purchased in the refrigerated section of your favorite grocery store. For a more creative spin on a dip, try pureeing avocado with low-fat yogurt and adding freshly-pressed garlic!
• Chicken sweet potato skins. Swap bacon- and cheese-laden potato skins for a more nutritious version made with sweet potatoes and chicken. This tasty treat is loaded with healthy fiber and protein.
• Spicy popcorn. Another quick snack for your guests to enjoy is spicy popcorn. Find a low-fat, butter-free microwave popcorn and spice it up with chili powder or cumin.
• Rice Krispie treats for grown-ups.  This childhood favorite remains popular with people of all ages. The good news is it is easy to substitute a few ingredients and make this treat gluten- and dairy-free.
• Dark chocolate strawberries. Another healthy treat that can appeal to everyone’s sweet tooth is strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. Berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while good quality dark chocolate contains heart-smart flavanols.
• No-bake brownies. Vegan brownie recipes typically rely on heart-healthy nuts like walnuts and almonds, as well as dark chocolate and almond milk. They can make a nutritious and delicious addition to your Super Bowl party menu.

Another fun idea is to consider adding a few games to this year’s Super Bowl viewing party. Sites like PrintYourBrackets and The Spruce make this easy to do.

Learn More About Senior Nutrition

Senior nutrition is an important part of everyday life at Sunrise communities. If you are interested in learning more about healthy nutrition for older adults, we encourage you to bookmark the Senior Eats section of our blog. We routinely add new recipes, articles, and resources so that seniors can read the latest news about nutrition and aging well.