The year’s biggest junk food day is quickly approaching….The Super Bowl! Are you planning a party full of chips, dips, and wings (hopefully maybe a veggie tray) ? Although this is a day people indulge, it doesn’t have to be a complete resolution-breaking, belt-busting, remorse/guilt-ridden fiasco. In fact, there are many ways to enjoy everything a little healthier. Check out my blog post on Game-Day eating for some tips: http://wp.me/pO3KC-3h .

If you’re reading nutrition labels lately, you’ll find that many game-day snacks often come with lengthy, unpronounceable ingredient lists that look like they are written in an alien language. Much of this will likely contain some form of MSG. In the spirit of my last post and the continued success of a colic-free baby, I have some recipes to share for dips that are wonderfully MSG-free that my Mom found (thanks Mom!). They are just like favorite dip mixes you’d buy at the store, but only 1,000,000 times better because they don’t have the unnecessary junk. They are also great because you can throw them together ahead of time and store in a jar, ready to go.

Dry Onion Soup Mix: (Much better than Lipton Onion Soup Mix )
2/3 c dried minced onion
3 tsp dried parsley flakes
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground pepper
Mix well in a jar and shake. Shake before using. Store in dry, cool place.
4 Tablespoons of mixture = 1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Great to mix with sour cream for instant potato chip dip (*COUGH..buy baked chips)

Ranch Dressing Mix:
5 tsp dried minced onion
7 tsp parsley flakes
4 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Mix together in an air-tight jar and shake.
To make dressing: 2 Tablespoons dry mix with 1 cup Mayo and 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream. Can substitute Greek Yogurt for a protein punch. Mix a few hours before serving and chill.

Taco Seasoning:
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup onion powder
1/8 cup cumin
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon sea salt
Put into a jar and shake. You’re ready to make MSG-free tacos!

I know these recipes are not exactly icons of oober-health foods, but dip mixes are MOST used on game-day and these are much better alternatives. So if you’re planning to indulge this Super Bowl, indulge smartly. The less processed, the better.

Let me know if you try these and how they worked out! Until next time!