Healthy New Orleans-Style Superbowl Snacks

It's the San Francisco 49ers versus the Baltimore Ravens this year on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013 in New Orleans. An added twist this year is brother vs. brother coaches. Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49ers while his brother John coaches Baltimore.

One of the Harbaugh brothers is sure to win.

Watching the Superbowl at home, whether in a small group or part of a larger party, requires some great football food.

Since this year's Super Bowl happens in New Orleans, why not prepare some of the area's traditional foods, but in a healthier way.

Here are a few recipes and ideas from HealthCastle.com.

Most Americans may not travel all the way to the Big Easy to watch the game, but anyone can capture the essence of the region by serving Cajun and Creole-themed foods at a Super Bowl viewing party. Classic Louisiana foods tend to be heavy on fat, calories, and sodium, but some simple variations can help cut down on post-game regret.

With her editorial team at nutrition network HealthCastle.com, dietitian Gloria Tsang examined five of the best-known New Orleans food items to create simple suggestions for lightening up the classic recipes.

"Louisiana's rich food culture gives Super Bowl fans lots of options for regionally appropriate Super Bowl party foods," Tsang says. "We just tweaked them so that they work as healthier snacks while maintaining the classic flavors."

Here are HealthCastle.com's recipe tweaks for healthier New Orleans–style party foods:

1. Po'boy: Keep the mayo serving small and pan-sear shrimp (rather than deep fry) dipped in egg white and tossed in bread crumbs. Serve cut into quarters or eighths.
2. Gumbo: Stick with seafood versions, and serve over brown rice to get the benefits of whole grains.
3. Jambalaya: Try chicken breast instead of sausage and pile in lots of veggies (especially New Orleans favorites onions, bell peppers, and celery).
4. Muffuletta sandwich: Try serving this sandwich's strongest flavor component – olive salad – on thin rounds of broiled or toasted baguette, bruschetta style.
5. Red beans and rice: Use turkey sausage instead of the traditional meats and serve over brown rice.

These recipe tweaks can help any football fan serve up healthier snack versions of some favorite New Orleans foods. More simple, small achievable actions to reclaim health are available on HealthCastle.com.