The Super Bowl is quickly approaching. February 5, 2017 will soon be here, and many of us watch the big game alongside chips, dips and other high-calorie, high-fat snacks.

You’ve set your SMART goals with Claire at the beginning of the month, so to stay on track, we’ve added a diet-winning strategy to your game-time menu.

Crockpot Chicken Chili

It’s wintertime, so a “go-to” comfort food for many of us during football season is chili in the crockpot. Instead of using your recipe that calls for ground beef, try this recipe with shredded chicken, instead. A 3-ounce serving of cooked ground beef has approximately 15 grams of fat, while a 3-ounce serving of chicken has only 3.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles with the juices
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small red or green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 + 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the chicken.
2. In a large crockpot, add the chicken breasts and pour the mixed ingredients over top.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
4. At the end of cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred. Add the chicken back to the crockpot. When ready to serve, add toppings such as low-fat cheese, light sour cream, and fresh avocado.

Sweet Potato Crisps

Potato chips and dips are a common snack we tend to overeat while watching the game. Mindless eating often results because of the salty flavors in fatty foods we can’t resist. A great alternative to our store-bought potato chips are sweet potato crisps. These homemade substitutes provide us with nutrients and vitamins such as fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced sweet potatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Paprika
• Cumin

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. On 2 baking sheets, toss sweet potato with olive oil and season with cumin and paprika.
2. Arrange in single layers and bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to flip halfway through cooking time.

Marshmallow-Free Rice Krispy Treats

And for those football-loving, sweet tooth-craving fans in your house, give them a treat that provides them with extra protein. Rice Krispy bars, made with peanut butter and without the extra sugar, are a delicious way to top off your Super Bowl menu!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup brown rice syrup

Preparation:

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add crispy rice cereal and set aside.
3. On the stovetop, melt the peanut butter with the brown rice syrup and pour the mixture into the crispy rice cereal and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and press firmly into place. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.