Bowls of Super Food
Coming soon, the anticipation and the excitement is building for the big game. We have you covered with the Bowls of Super food.
Amidst the cheers and camaraderie, there’s often an array of ultra-processed snacks vying for attention. But what if this time, you took a different route?
Picture indulging in snacks that not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body.
Let’s explore the game-changing move of opting for Whole Food Plant-Based snacks over the usual suspects of processed fare.
Jump to RecipeTemptation of Ultra-Processed Snacks
In the world of game day snacking, it’s easy to succumb to the allure of conveniently packaged highly processed foods.
However, these ultra-processed options, often loaded with excess salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. Which may leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied in the long run.
Elevating Your Snacking Experience
Consider the shift towards bowls of super food as a conscious choice. That not only supports your well-being but also introduces a new level of flavor to your game day spread.
Think about the crisp crunch of fresh vegetables paired with homemade hummus. Or the burst of sweetness from a fruit salsa topping wholesome whole-grain toast.
These snacks offer an array of tastes, textures, and nutrients that defy the stereotype of bland health food.
The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition
Whole Food Plant-Based snacks are not just about what you avoid; they’re about what you embrace.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts come together to create snacks. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants – fueling your body with the energy it needs to cheer on your team.
Customizable Flavor Palette
Whole Food Plant-Based snacks offer an extensive range of flavors that can be easily customized to suit diverse preferences.
These snacks aren’t just a substitute; they are a celebration of real, unadulterated flavors.
Eating healthily doesn’t mean sacrificing taste; it means discovering a new dimension of palate-pleasing satisfaction.
Hydration Enhancement
Complementing your WFPB snacks with hydrating options like herbal teas, sun infused water, or coconut water enhances the overall refreshment of your game day experience. Alcohol products leave you dehydrated and damages your brain function.
While buzzed and drunk driving kills many thousand unsuspecting drivers every year.
Staying adequately hydrated supports optimal bodily functions and contributes to a feeling of vitality, amplifying your enjoyment of the festivities.
Game Day Snack Recipes
Recipe for Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
The Big Game just got a whole lot healthier with these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. This WFPB recipe is a flavor explosion that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Packed with vibrant veggies and fiber-rich black beans, it’s a taco fiesta that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 8 small Organic corn tortillas
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp tahini
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa or hot sauce for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes in tahini, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Roast them on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- In a bowl, mix the black beans with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble your tacos by filling each tortilla with sweet potatoes, black beans, red cabbage, red onion, and cilantro.
- Top with salsa or hot sauce if desired.
These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a party for your taste buds, coming in at approximately 198 calories per taco. They offer a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making them a satisfying choice for any season.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or Big Game Snack, these tacos are a delight.
Roasted Beet and Walnut Hummus
In the midst of winter, there’s something comforting about earthy flavors and hearty textures.
This Roasted Beet and Walnut Hummus is the perfect appetizer to warm up your taste buds while sticking to your whole food plant-based diet.
The sweetness of roasted beets complements the nuttiness of walnuts, creating a rich and creamy hummus that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized beets, roasted and peeled
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap the beets in foil and roast for about 45 minutes or until tender. Let them cool before peeling.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted beets, chickpeas, walnuts, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with whole-grain bread or crackers or vegetable sticks.
Middle Eastern-Inspired Lentil Patty (Oil-Free)
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Skillet Healthy Non-Stick
Ingredients
Patty Ingredients
- 1 Cup Cooked Organic Green or Brown Lentils.
- 1/2 Cup Cooked Organic Quinoa
- 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Red Onion or Shallot
- 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 4 Large Cloves of Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Organic Tahini Paste
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp Tamari Low Sodium
- 1 1/2 Tsp Cumin
- 1 Tsp Coriander
- 1 Tsp Ground Turmeric
- 1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper Or to Taste
- 1/4 Cup Oat Flour Gluten Free if needed Grind Rolled Oats till smooth
- 1/4 Cup Rolled Oats Gluten free if needed
Instructions
Assemble and Cooking Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cooked quinoa, red onion, parsley, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, tamari, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, oat flour.
- Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher until well combined, but with some texture remaining.
- Let the mixture sit covered in the refrigerator for up to 20 minutes to allow it to bind together.
- Remove from refrigerator allow 5 minutes then Shape the mixture into patties of your desired size and thickness.
- Preheat a healthy non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties in the preheated skillet for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.Can also bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the desired outer texture is achieved
- Serve the Middle Eastern lentil patties, open face or on wholesome whole wheat buns with toppings like plant-based nut cheese, cucumber slices, tomato, lettuce, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Notes
Oil-Free Air Fryer French Fries
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper
Instructions:
Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel if desired.
- Cut the potatoes into uniform fries about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The uniform size ensures even cooking.
Soak the Potatoes (Optional):
- To achieve extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
Season the Fries:
- After soaking (if applicable), drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place the dried potatoes in a large bowl and season with salt, pepper, and any desired optional seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the fries cook evenly and become crispy.
Cook the Fries:
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the fries in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, as overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
- Cook the fries at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Check the fries occasionally and adjust the cooking time as needed based on your desired level of crispiness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve the hot fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or a tangy salsa.
- Enjoy the delicious, crispy, and oil-free alternative to traditional deep-fried French fries!
Note:
- These oil-free air fryer French fries are healthier and lower in fat compared to traditional fries, making them a guilt-free Big Game snack.
- Customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences or keep it simple with just salt and pepper for the classic flavor.
Simple Homemade Guacamole
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 Ripe Avocados
- 1 Small Red Onion Finely Diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Finely Minced
- 2 Medium Roma Tomatoes Diced
- 1/2 Tsp Ginger Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tbsp Tamari or Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 Lime Juiced
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Greem Onions Chopped
- Sesame Seeds
- Cayenne Pepper To taste
Instructions
Instructions:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Save seed.
- Mash the avocados with a fork, add tamari or soy sauce mash until smooth.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro to the mashed avocado mixture.
- Add Ginger, Garlic, and Cumin Powder, stir till well combined.
- Taste and Season with Cayenne Pepper and Sesame Seeds
- Garnish with Green Onions
- To prevent browning, place a few drops of lime juice on top then add the avocado seed into the mixture, then cover with plastic wrap directly touching its surface and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Notes
Guacamole Tips:
- Choose ripe avocados: They should yield slightly when gently squeezed but not be overly soft.
- Customize the heat: Add diced jalapeños or additional cayenne powder if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Enjoy whole-grain tortilla chips or raw veggies as a dip.
- Spread it on whole-grain toast for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Top off salads, tacos, or bowls to add a creamy twist.
Our Simple Homemade Guacamole recipe provided typically yields approximately 2 to 2.5 cups of guacamole, depending on the size of the avocados and other ingredients used.
Enjoy your Simple Homemade Whole Food Plant Based Guacamole!
No Bake Energy Ball Recipe
Equipment
- Food Processer Chopping Blade
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Pitted Organic Medjool Dates Soft
- 1 Cup Organic Raw Cashews Lightly Toasted Optional
- 2 TBSP Spouted Organic Pumkin Seeds Lightly Salted
- 1/2 TSP Organic Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, raw cashews, pumpkin seeds and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture comes together into a sticky, crumbly texture.
- Form Balls: Take a heaping tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Makes approximately 12 total.
- Chill: Place the energy balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Storage: Once the energy balls are firm, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for longer storage.
Notes
Notes:
Prepare the Dates: If your dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain. Chill Time: This time may vary depending on your refrigerator setting, if you need them quick place in the freezer for the 30 minutes. Flavor Variations: You can experiment with various flavors by incorporating different ingredients into the mixture before forming the balls.A Holistic Approach to Game Day Nourishment
Sustained Energy Levels:
Unlike the fleeting surge followed by a crash often associated with ultra processed snacks, WFPB options provide a steady release of energy.
The complex carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients in whole foods contribute to sustained vitality, keeping you actively engaged in the excitement of the game or other activity.
Digestive Harmony:
Processed snacks can often lead to digestive discomfort due to their high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.
WFPB snacks on the other hand, are rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and ensuring you can fully enjoy the festivities without any unpleasant after-effects.
Supporting Overall Well-Being:
The benefits of WFPB snacks extend beyond the immediate joy of snacking.
Regularly incorporating plant-based, whole foods into your diet has been associated with numerous health advantages. Including weight management, improved heart health, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Your game day choices can contribute to a lifestyle that prioritizes long-term well-being.
Setting a Positive Example:
By choosing Whole Food Plant-Based snacks for your game day gatherings, you set a positive example for friends and family.
It’s an opportunity to showcase that health-conscious choices are not a sacrifice but a flavorful and enjoyable way of living.
Your choices might inspire others to consider healthier options in their snacking habits. Your health is your wealth!
Conclusion
As the excitement builds for the big game or your next family gathering, remember that your snack choices can be a pivotal part of the experience.
In the game of snacking, the real victory lies in making choices that align with your health goals without compromising on enjoyment.
Your taste buds, and your well-being, will thank you for this winning play.
Until next time, May Health and Peace be your constant companions on life’s journey.
Please leave us a comment if you are looking for support on your wellness journey or have any questions.
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Cheers,
Plantaful Life Team
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog post and on our website is for educational and informational purposes only. We are here to inspire and support you on your plant-based journey. However, always prioritize your health and consult with your trusted healthcare provider for personalized advice. By using our website, you acknowledge and agree that you have read and understood this medical disclaimer. Additionally, you acknowledge the significance of seeking professional medical advice for your specific health needs.