No question about it, all football fans love their snacks! Once again, the Seattle Seahawks are in the big game, making the Pacific Northwest all the more hungry. Planning for game day includes snacks and beverages; and the average football fan consumes enough calories during the game to rival that of Thanksgiving Day.

Pizza, chicken wings, nachos, chips and dips, and sliders are common snacks served on game day. Why? They are tasty, filling, and easy to eat. These snacks also tend to be laden with excess calories and fat. The question is how can we enjoy the same snacks without sacrificing flavor while decreasing calories and fat? Here is an easy, healthy, and versatile option worth cooking up on game day.

Crock pot Buffalo Chicken

Adapted from CavemanKeto.com

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts

1 bottle (12 ounces) hot sauce

1/4-1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock, if desired

1 packet (1.5 ounces) ranch dressing/seasoning mix

1-3 tablespoons butter, if desired

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.

2. Pour hot sauce and chicken stock (if desired) over chicken and sprinkle ranch dressing/seasoning mix on top. Make sure chicken is coated.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

4. Put chicken breasts in a bowl and shred with two forks. Add butter, if desired.

5. Put chicken back into crock pot and mix with liquid in crock pot for more flavor.

6. Cook for an additional hour on low, if desired.

This recipe can be used as a filling for sliders by adding to a whole wheat bun; as a dip on celery sticks or other vegetables and whole wheat crackers; and as a topping on whole grain tortilla chips sprinkled with blue cheese for a buffalo chicken version of nachos.

Beverages also play a key role in game day festivities. If soft drinks and/or alcohol are being consumed, it's a good idea to stay hydrated throughout the day with water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so reach for water every so often. This will also help make you feel fuller and, in turn, not consume excess calories through food or high calorie beverages. Spruce up your water with fruit and herbs, such as muddled blueberries and lime to take on the Seahawks colors. Other combinations include strawberry and mint or cucumber and basil. Just put ingredients into a water pitcher, add water, and enjoy within minutes.

Another healthy tip for game day snacks is to use more vegetables rather than chips as dippers. Serving pizza? Opt for more veggies, a little less cheese, and thinner crust to help save on calories and fat.

As you pre-plan for game day festivities this weekend, consider these healthier options in your party menu that will satisfy any appetite. Enjoy the big game this Sunday with family and friends!

Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.