I recently posted the following blog on Heels & Helmets and wanted to share it with my HRX fans. It’s a compilation of some of my favorite healthy appetizers to help you enjoy the big game Sunday without popping a pants button. 🙂

Whether you’re rooting for the Ravens, the 49ers or just watching for the commercials, one thing we can all agree on is that no Super Bowl is complete without the snacks. Dips, chips, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried anything – Super Bowl parties are a cornucopia of delicious junk food. Sure, the occasional veggie tray might make an appearance, but for the most part, the Super Bowl is just an another excuse to eat a Bacon Explosion. I don’t know about you ladies, but after a month-long holiday binge, I’m just starting to get back on track health-wise. And, as much as I’d like to eat Deep-Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese, I’d rather enjoy the Super Bowl AND be able to fit into my skinny jeans.

So, how do you pull together a healthier Super Bowl party menu without leaving your guests craving some fried and greasy eats? Forget about that boring veggie tray and add these yummy appetizers to your menu. Each dish is vegetable and protein-focused but they are all flavorful, delicious, and fun enough to ensure that your guests will keep coming back for more (in moderation of course!):

Five-Minute Feta Bruschetta Dip – This easy dip is so addictive no one will even notice they are eating a bowl full of healthy tomatoes and olive oil. Serve it with baked pita chips or rice crackers if you have a gluten-free crowd.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus – This is one of my favorite party appetizers because it’s healthy, delicious, and ridiculously easy. It’s quick enough to prepare 20 minutes before a party but it’s also the kind of appetizer that you can make ahead. Adding crispy prosciutto to the asparagus ensures that even anti-veggie eaters won’t be able to resist and it will definitely satisfy everyone’s salty chip cravings.

Mini Chicken Taco Bites – These mini tacos are simple to put together using shredded chicken breast, part-skim mozzarella cheese, peppers, avocado, and crispy wonton wrappers. Each bite is light, crunchy, and flavorful. Best part is this appetizer is low in calories and fat but high in cuteness!

Prosciutto-Stuffed Mushrooms – Stuffed mushrooms are always a party favorite but usually the little mushrooms are filled to the brim with sausage and bread crumbs and a ton of creamy cheeses. Using different ingredients that pack a punch in small amounts like salty prosciutto, Dijon mustard, and a tangy red wine goat cheese keeps the mushrooms on the delicious lighter side.

Pinto Bean and Avocado Taquitos – These taquitos are baked until they crunch satisfying any cravings for deep-fried goodies. The flavorful creamy pinto bean and avocado mixture will keep everyone full so they don’t overeat.