Super Bowl: Ideas for a Healthier Menu

The Calorie Control Council estimates that the typical Super Bowl fan can consume at least 2400 calories and 121 grams of fat during the 4-5 hour football game. Patients who had bariatric surgery are not typical. Your new lifestyle demands rethinking portions and the types of foods that are available to you.

Chips and dips are frequent guests at Super Bowl gatherings. These are basically fat and salt. There are bariatric friendly versions you can make a part of your lifestyle. Try using hummus, refried beans or a healthy version of Ranch dip as a menu item instead. A bariatric friendly Ranch dip is thoroughly mixing a 5.3-ounce container of plain, fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of low-fat mayonnaise and 2-3 teaspoons (or to taste) of powdered Ranch Dip mix. You can use crackers like Ritz, Club or Saltines as dippers if you are on the soft and puree food part of the post-surgery diet. Once you can have fresh veggies, think about using bell pepper strips, snow peas, cucumber or carrot sticks or slices to dip in the Ranch dip. If you’d like more Super Bowl ideas, check out the www.bariatriceating.com website. Click “recipes” and check out “Super Bowl Food.” That Southwestern Bean Dip is super easy and looks delish. Hope your team wins!