Game day food is part of the fun — but if you’ve set health goals for the new year, it doesn’t mean you have to sit out the snack table. The key isn’t “perfect” eating. It’s giving yourself options. When healthier choices are actually on the spread, it becomes much easier to enjoy the party and feel good afterward.
Try a few lighter and nutrient-dense swaps for classic Big Game favorites without sacrificing flavor or comfort:
Chips
Instead of traditional fried chips, offer:
- Popcorn
- Baked pita chips
- Roasted chickpeas
- Thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers
They still bring the crunch, but with less saturated fat and more fiber.
Burgers
Swap out high-fat beef patties and burgers for:
- Burger skewers with a small piece of burger with cheese, pickle and cherry tomato
- Black bean or lentil patties
- Portobello mushroom “burgers”
Use whole-grain slider buns or lettuce wraps for an extra nutrition boost.
Dips
Trade sour cream or heavy mayo bases for:
- Plain Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning packet
- Blended cottage cheese
- Hummus
- Pre-portioned 6-layer dip with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, tomatoes and jalapeños in plastic cups
These swaps add protein and reduce saturated fat—without losing creaminess.
Cookies, brownies and cupcakes
- Fruit platter
Smashed Gyoza Bites
These crispy shrimp dumplings strike that sweet spot between comfort food and mindful eating. Instead of deep-frying, the wontons are pan-seared in a small amount of high-smoke-point oil, giving you golden, crackly edges while keeping things lighter. Served with a bright, zesty soy-lime dipping sauce, these dumplings deliver lean protein, bold flavors and a nice crunch.
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- ½ lb. cup chopped raw peeled tail-off shrimp
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce
- 2 tsp. Thai seasoning paste
- 1 Tbsp. sambal oelek
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Wonton wrappers
- 1 tablespoon high-smoke-point neutral cooking oil (such as vegetable oil)
- For the sauce: 3 Tbsp. soy sauce, 1 tsp. sambal oelek, 2 tsp. lime juice and ½ tsp. Thai seasoning paste
Instructions:
- Stir together the shrimp, scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Thai seasoning paste, sambal oelek, sugar, garlic and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the filling on a wonton wrapper. Smear the filling in an even layer on half the wrapper using a spoon, then fold over. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
- Coat a large pan over medium heat with oil until the oil shimmers.
- Work in batches and add the dumplings to the pan. Cook until the bottoms are crispy, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the wrappers crisp up, about 1 minute.
- Serve with a dipping sauce.
Focusing on prevention like healthy eating and exercise can lead to lower health care costs and more affordable insurance for all. Learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) commitment to affordability here.
Shanthi Appelo is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at BCBSM. For more health and wellness information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.