Healthy Football Snacks - Total Gym Pulse

It’s football season and we all love to gather with friends and family to watch the big game. With that comes the unhealthy snacks. Everyone loves their Buffalo chicken wings, their nachos, and of course their pizza!!! After eating all of that heavy food I just want to take a big ‘ole nap! And to add to that I always feel disgustingly guilty about the food that I ate. So I came up with some healthy versions of the same food. Why not give at least one of them a try at your next game day gathering and see what your friends and family think? They are filling and delicious and best of all they are guilt free!!!

Cauliflower Buffalo Nuggets

Cauliflower flowerets cut into bite sized nuggets

Whole Wheat flour (at least a half cup)

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt and pepper

Water (at least a half cup)

Buffalo Wing Sauce (ready to use)

Blue Cheese dressing ( I like the Greek yogurt kind)

Carrot and Celery Sticks for serving

Heat oven to 450.
In a bowl, add the whole wheat flour (at least a half a cup depending on how much cauliflower you make)
Season the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Add some water (a half cup or so depending on how much flour you use) and stir to combine adding more water if necessary to make it the consistency of watery oatmeal.
Pour over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Pour onto a well greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes turning once halfway through.
Remove from the oven and put them into a bowl. Add the wing sauce to coat stirring carefully making sure all the cauliflower is coated.
Put back onto the cookie sheet and bake for another 10 minutes until nice and browned and caramelized, turning once halfway through.
Serve hot with blue cheese dressing and veggie sticks

Whole Grain Pizza Bites

Whole grain crackers ( I like the round ones that are made with sprouted grains )

Tomato paste ( Plain is fine, but I like the one seasoned with garlic, oregano, and basil )

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Sliced turkey pepperoni or turkey pepperoni sticks sliced into small pieces

Spread a very thin layer of tomato paste onto each cracker. Top with cheese and pepperoni. Bake at 400 for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

Healthy 7-Layer Dip

1 can refried beans

1 Cup Greek yogurt

Ranch dressing mix (optional)

1 Cup guacamole

1 Cup finely grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack too!)

1 Cup sliced canned black olives

1 Cup finely diced cherry or grape tomatoes

1 Cup chopped scallions

Lime wedges

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Blend some of the ranch dressing mix (to taste) into the yogurt and set aside. In a serving dish, layer the ingredients in order starting with the refried beans. Garnish with cilantro and a spritz of fresh lime juice. Serve with multigrain or corn chips, cut veggies (large cuts so they can scoop the dip) or you can spoon it onto crackers.