It’s here, it’s finally here!  I admit I’d be more excited if the Bears had beat the Packers and were gonna be in the Bowl, but I am still excited about Superbowl Sunday.  It’s not so much the game (as I said, the Bears lost to the Packers, the game itself is kinda ruined for me), it’s the food!  And the commercials, we can’t forget the commercials…  Anyways, back to the food. 

According to a recent article in USA Today, Superbowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving (the holy grail of food events) in an event centered around eating.  And unfortunately, our history of choices on Superbowl Sunday aren’t necessarily the best health wise.  But it doesn’t have to be that way! 

There are plenty of fresh, healthy snack choices that you can make for the big game!  Homemade Pico de Gallo and Guacamole, Hearty Chili, and veggie trays are just a few.  My hubby and I will be making said Chili, Pico and Guac for our contribution to the party we’ll be attending. 

The Chili, heavy on cayenne with a hint of jalapeno, provides capsaicin which may help with high blood pressure and inflammation 1.  The tomatoes provide lycopene which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers 2.  It’s hearty enough to fill up any guy. 

I’m not saying all traditional Superbowl foods should be shunned.  We’ll also be making bacon wrapped jalapeno thingy’s a la Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond 3.  Super Yummy!  And not exactly low cal, but once a year won’t hurt.  And again, jalapeno peppers have capsaicin!  Bonus!  Check out her recipe for Pico and Guac too!

Check out tomorrow’s post for a play by-play of the preparations…

References: 

1.  Capsaicin.  Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.  http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=CEPDA~MBR&s=ND&pt=100&id=945&ds=&name=Capsaicin+(CAPSICUM)&searchid=25048931.  Accessed 2/5/2011.

2.  Lycopene, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.  http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=CEPDA~MBR&s=ND&pt=100&id=554&ds=&name=LYCOPENE&searchid=25047438.  Accessed 2/5/2011.

3.  Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Thingys.  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/07/bacon-wrapped_j/.  Accessed 2/5/2011.