So often we are invited to a variety of events and parties that involve food. It is truly one of the biggest activities we do as there are so many sports activities to view. For sure, we will expect counters full of food that await us. But, do we have an idea what to eat, or how many calories we have in store for a long afternoon of say, football, baseball, and even basketball too?
Maybe, you are just trying to be careful, to honor all the work you’ve been doing at the gym or you are just working hard to maintain a healthy diet overall. So, although we don’t recommend being too strict with yourself to the point of having no fun, perhaps you can still keep an eye on what game day party food options are better/healthier than others. Check out the handy chart below for the calorie or “point” contents of some popular game day party food options.
| Dish | Serving Size | Calories | Points |
| Smoked Salmon | 2-oz. | 96 calories | 1.5 pts |
| Cream Cheese | 1-Tbsp. | 50 calories | 0.5 pts |
| French bread, plain | 1-1/2 inch slice | 40 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Chili, bowl | 1-cup | 225 calories | 3.0 pts |
| Saltines, plain salted | 6 cracke | 45 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Pizza, slice, 14-inch | 3.8 oz average; ¼ whole | 272 calories | 3.5 pts |
| Cheese bread, slice | 2-inch | 180 calories | 2.5 pts |
| Lasagna, serving | 3-inch by 3-inch | 360 calories | 5.0 pts |
| Shrimp, raw | 4 large; 1-oz. | 30 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Shrimp sauce | 1-Tbsp. | 45 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Vegetable Tray | Fresh, 6-8 pieces | 45 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Vegetable Dip | Creamy, 2-Tbsp. | 50 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Cheese Dip, Hot | Queso style, 2-Tbsp. | 50 calories | 0.5 pts |
| Meatballs, sweet | In sauce, 5-medium | 275 calories | 3.5 pts |
| Tortilla Chips | 14-chips | 150 calories | 2.0 pts |
| Pretzel Twists | 22-actual, 1-inch size | 110 calories | 1.5 pts |
| Potato Chips | 1-oz.; 15-chips | 160 calories | 2.0 pts |
| Hot Dog/Bun | 1-2 oz. dog | 200 calories | 2.5 pts |
| Brat/ Bun | 3-oz. dog | 325 calories | 4.0 pts |
| Potato Salad | 1-cup; American style | 275 calories | 3.5 pts |
| Pasta Salad | 1-cup; Mayonnaise style | 275 calories | 3.5 pts |
| Baked Beans | 1-cup; Country style | 350 calories | 4.5 pts |
All of the game day party food options listed above will obviously vary based upon ingredients and how the foods are prepared. Often, it is suggested that you stand back from the table and just do a mental survey of what you would like to have. You can even learn to “eyeball” the amounts that are best for you first, and then proceed from there.
Note: The points system is based on 75 calories per point.
Written by Rita Larsen, RDN, CD; Elite Sports Clubs Nutrition Educator & Diet Counselor
Rita is certified in Positive Psychology, University of Penn; has a BS in Dietetics from Kansas State University; and an Internship and Masters at the Indiana University Medical Center.
Schedule a Nutrition Consultation