Your Health

Whether it is the Grey Cup, Stanley Cup or any playoff sporting event many of us invite friends or family over to feast and folly over athletes sweating for a win.  With these ’sports feasts’ come many calories and usually fat that we often do not think about as we are busy visiting or waving pom-poms on the side lines of the couch.

One of my favorites is a nacho platter – with melted cheese layered between the chips.  Not surprising – this platter alone camps in at about 1500 calories and then do not forget about the full fledged sour cream and maybe guacamole.  As for the fat – it is so out of this world it is hard for me to even out a guess at it – but yes the chips and cheese alone make your heart cry out in future agony.  

Here are some tips to make that NACHO PLATTER healthier:

• Use baked tortilla chips – this saves about 100 calories and 6 grams of fat per every 8-10 chips.  My personally favorite is Guiltless Gourmet now found in many grocery stores and is always guaranteed in at health food stores. They have a few different kinds to pick from and the yellow corn work well as a nacho or dip chip.
• Find lower fat versions of cheese – many shoppers avoid to look at this important detail on cheese. Shop for ones that are less than 22% M.F. and that always includes Part Skim Mozzarella, Ricotta, Goat and a new part skim Cheddar cheese.
• Lower fat sour cream – and a great way to cut back some fat there is to make the blend yourself of a 50:50 of sour cream and plain yoghurt.  Adding some spice like chili powder can add a nice touch.
• Sprinkle some diced veggies on your creation – tomato and green pepper taste great. 

Another side tip is always sit closer to the vegetable appetizers versus any other snack item. If it is out of reach you are more likely to take a pass.  Another trick is to keep some water or a lower calorie beverage in one hand as people find they eat more with 2 free hands versus 1.  When your hands are occupied it is hard to eat and a great easy tip to apply.

Go Team Go!