The basketball championship series is in full swing. As you enjoy the games, why not score big at home with some slam-dunk snack?

Don’t get sidelined by unhealthy snacks that don’t provide your body with the beneficial nutrients it needs to feel good.  Use your defensive skills to block high-fat, high-calorie snacks — and create opportunities to try new healthier tasty foods.

A great snack will include protein, fiber, whole grains and good-for-you fats. You can make some great game-day snacks that will meet this criteria.

Vegetables are a notable choice for dipping and are a good source of fiber. Bean dips are the ideal choice for dipping vegetables or whole grain chips, as these dips provide protein and fiber. Fiber may help in lowering cholesterol levels, giving a feeling of fullness and aiding digestion.

Look for whole-grain tortilla chips, pita chips or crackers to complement your snack. Avocado is a good for you fat. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats that may lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Here are two winning combinations for your game-day snacks. Avocado-Yogurt Dip can be served with pretzels, pita chips or vegetables. Black Bean Dip will meet your protein and fiber needs and is great served with whole-grain tortilla chips.

 Avocado-Yogurt Dip

Serves 8

All You Need

•1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

•1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt

•1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves

•2 tablespoons chopped onion

•1 tablespoon lime juice

•1/4 teaspoon salt

•1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

•Hot sauce to taste, optional

 All You Do

1. Place avocado, yogurt, cilantro, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth.

2. Season with hot sauce, if desired.

Nutrition

Per serving; 51 calories; 4 g fat; 1 g saturated fat; 2 g monounsaturated; 0 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 87mg sodium; 171 mg potassium

 

Source: Eating Well

 Black Bean Dip All You Need

•1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed

•1/2 cup prepared mild or hot salsa

•2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

•2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

•1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

All You Do

1. Combine black beans, salsa, lime juice, cilantro and cumin in a food processor.

2. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Per tablespoon 17 calories; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 53 mg sodium.

Source: Eating Well

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.