Healthy foods to eat on Super Bowl Sunday

AUSTIN, Texas - The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and as fans gather to watch the big game, they'll, of course, be indulging in the typical Super Bowl fare. Lots of chips, dips and other fatty foods. 

Mackenzie Foster, lead clinical dietitian at St Davids Medical Center, joined FOX 7 Austin's Rebecca Thomas to discuss.

What they're saying:

REBECCA: Of course, Mackenzie, we don't want to rain on anyone's parade, right? This is the Super Bowl. People want to indulge at least a little bit, but what are some of the worst foods Americans eat on Super Bowl Sunday?

MACKENZIE: I think it's really hard to, you know, create the negative space of that. We eat really unhealthy foods. So I think dietitians like to think about it more like in moderation. So just kind of avoiding more of those high processed foods, a lot of the fried foods as well, and kind of eating more of like the veggies and dip that day instead.

REBECCA: Again, there are healthier options out there. So what are some simple swaps people can make and still enjoy game day food?

MACKENZIE: Yeah, so the veggies are always a great choice. Choosing dips that are low fat, low cal, kind of staying with more of the protein-based foods instead. That way you get your protein in for the day, and it keeps you full. My biggest recommendation to clients is to actually bring a dish that they feel comfortable eating. That way, if there are a bunch of fried foods all over the place, they know that they'll be able to eat something healthy, and they'll be able to enjoy their day.

REBECCA: And guacamole is a great dip, right? I mean, it's got good fat and it's delicious. 

MACKENZIE: Yes. Yes. Healthy fat, which is great for your heart. Got the amigo threes, which is anti-inflammatory. So that's fantastic.

REBECCA: All right. Let's talk about the morning of Super Bowl Sunday. How can we start the day off right, in terms of nutrition?

MACKENZIE: Yeah. So that morning, I definitely would advise getting some protein in and some fiber, making sure you're not skipping breakfast and lunch just because you're thinking, I'm going to have so many unhealthy foods later. I would rather have you guys eat the breakfast, eat the lunch, and then go to your party. Full and ready to snack on some good food and then not be so hungry that you're going to overeat during the party.

REBECCA: Okay. We can't forget about beverages. Alcohol will be flowing along with sugary sodas. What do you recommend? So people don't overdo it and that they stay hydrated? 

MACKENZIE: Yeah, I mean, there's always the eat before you drink. Make sure you've got some food in your stomach beforehand. If you do want to, you know, drink some alcohol and you want to be on the lighter side of calories, I would advise kind of like a light beer, some seltzers doing like a vodka club soda type deal instead to decrease those calories.

REBECCA: All right. Mackenzie Foster, lead clinical dietitian at St Davids Medical Center. Thank you so much for sharing your time and expertise with us tonight.