Super Bowl Snacks: Healthy Eats for the Big Game!

Avid football fan or not, I'm going to bet you have a Super Bowl Party to attend this weekend. And let's be honest, unless you are a fan of the two teams playing, this Sunday is much more a gathering for good food, ranking your favorite commercials during the Super Bowl and of course, watching the Halftime Performance. 

Worried about how you are going to stay on track with healthy alternatives during Gametime? Fear not, My Engineered Nutrition is to the rescue! I've gather my FAVORITE healthy recipes perfect for watching Big Game. You'll be a hit at your Super Bowl Party if you bring one of these dishes...and no one will be the wiser that it's healthy!

APPETIZERS

Brussels Sprout Chips

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Gametime Guacamole

Avocado Lime Dressing

MAINS

Buffalo Chili

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bison Sliders

BBQ Chicken Pizza on Cauliflower Crust

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Pumpkin Protein Waffles

Yum

Where the heck did Summer go? I feel like I blinked and all of a sudden, it's October. Rather than dwell on the fact that this year is racing by, lets celebrate with all things pumpkin! 

Since moving to California, I really miss seeing the seasons change. We have no turning leaves or crisp Fall air (unless you can count fog?). We do, however, have plenty of pumpkins! It may be sunny and 70 outside, and I may still be spending my weekends out at the beach, but in my kitchen - it's full on FALL!

I love using pumpkins in baked goods. Not only does it add flavor, it can also be a substitute for oil or butter in a recipe. Delicious fall flavors AND low fat? Yes, please!

Waffles are one of those decadent, once in a blue moon special indulgent breakfast or brunch items. Normally, these are loaded with sugar and high in fat. If you are like me, you love waffles and want to be able to eat them whenever you damn well please. Enter: Protein Waffles. 

We have two secret substitutions in these waffles: protein powder (instead of flour) and pumpkin purée (instead of butter). These waffles SCREAM fall and are so easy to make its stupid. They are still crispy on the outside and soft and chewy in the inside. These are a perfect post-morning-workout treat. Each waffle packs 11 GRAMS of protein and less than 3 grams of fat!

Do yourself a favor and make a double batch of these waffles and freeze whatever you don't eat so that you can have these any day of the week!

Pumpkin Protein Waffles

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

Servings: 6 waffles

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops (1/2 cup) whey protein powder, vanilla 
• 1/2 cup brown rice flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional topping: pure maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender (except the syrup), incorporating into a batter.
3. Ladle recommended amount of batter onto waffle iron. Close top and cook until waffle is golden brown and removes easily from waffle iron, about 2-4 minutes. Continue making waffles with remaining batter. Serve immediately. 

Nutritional Information (2 waffles):

250 calories - 22 g Protein, 30 g Carbohydrates, 4.7 g Fat