EAT FIT/NOT FAT

Healthy Football Fare

WRITER: SHEMIR WILES

Score a touchdown in the kitchen by snubbing the pizza man and preparing this healthy game day snack.

Football season is upon us and you know what that means: tailgating and football parties. Nothing can be more fun and exciting than cheering on your favorite team alongside friends and family. It’s a great time to strengthen bonds and build relationships, but unfortunately, football season is also a time when consuming an ungodly amount of calories becomes the norm every single weekend. But don’t fret! You can still have a good time and eat healthy. The trick is making snacks that will not only satisfy hunger but will also please the palate.

Be Aware

Nothing tastes better than a piece of greasy pizza. But two slices of a 14-inch pepperoni pizza will cost you approximately

596 calories

24g total fat

68g carbohydrate

26g protein

Better

To satisfy that pizza craving, a cheese pita bread pizza may do the trick. You will consume

239 calories

2g fat

42g carbohydrates

15g protein

Researchers found that football fans’ saturated-fat consumption increased by as much as 28 percent following defeats and decreased by 16 percent following victories. SOURCE: well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/16/when-teams-lose-fans-tackle-fatty-food/?_r=0

Best

For all the taste without the guilt, try this recipe for wonton pizza rolls. One roll equals

30 calories

1g fat

5g carbohydrates

2g protein

Ingredients:

24 wonton wrappers

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup tomato sauce

20 turkey pepperoni slices

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of black pepper

Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and gather ingredients.

2. Cut turkey pepperoni slices into quarters. Combine turkey pepperoni pieces, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.

3. Lay out wonton wrappers and place about a tablespoon of the mixture into the center of each wrapper. Try not to overstuff them.

4. Seal the wrappers by dabbing a finger into a bowl of water and running it along two edges of the wrappers. Once the edges are moist, seal the wrappers closed by pressing the dry edges against the wet edges.

5. Place each wrapped pizza roll on a large baking sheet lined with parchment or aluminum foil that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each rolls and bake for 10–15 minutes or until golden brown.

Adapted from Survival Guide by The Working Mom, www.guide4moms.com