The typical football party spread includes lots of meat, chips, creamy dips, high-sodium fare, and zero salad. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel when it comes to your diet. Michelle Dudash, RDN and spokesperson for ALDI, shares simple tweaks to stick to your diet regimen: 

1.    Use your favorite flavors in lighter dishes.
      a.    Buffalo wings are deep-fried with the skin on. Instead, use skinless chicken thighs and chicken breasts to make Buffalo chicken meatballs. 
      b.    As for the dip, stir together light sour cream and light ranch dressing for a light drizzle on top to save on calories and saturated fat.
2.    Just add produce. No matter what you’re making, find ways to garnish your staples with fruits and vegetables. 
      a.    Anything Buffalo-flavored deserves carrot and celery sticks, like Buffalo chicken meatballs. Sprinkle scallions on everything, which adds a fresh crunch and all sorts of nutrients, like fiber, vitamin C and phytonutrients.
      b.    Garnish dessert platters with fresh fruit. Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries go great with chocolate. 
3.    Switch up the chips and dip.There is life beyond plain potato chips and French onion dip. 
      a.    Make guacamole your new staple, which contains heart-healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients. It counts as a fruit, too.
      b.    Try sesame seed crisps for added fiber and crunch, which are made with brown rice, sesame seeds, and chia seeds.
4.    Remember, alcohol has calories, too. Finish a glass of water in between each drink. You’ll look and feel a lot better the next day, too.Go to www.aldi.us for more information. 

SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY ALDI