Is it too early to be thinking Superbowl?I don’t know about your house, but the Superbowl in mine is given almost as much billing as other top holidays. A day solely reserved for football, beer, and food.

Maybe it’s because I live with someone who has almost convinced himself that he plays for the Packers, but football tends to be a topic of much discussion. Mostly, how it in going to ruin run our weekend? What day can I plan for us to do something, and which day is BL going to be parked in front of the TV?

While I would never call myself a fan, I actually don’t mind the enormous amount of attention that BL gives his games. It allows me to enjoy almost an entire weekend day to grocery shop, cook, and work on this blog. All without interruption from B. That being said, I am also ready to kiss this season goodbye! I’m excited to get him back to enjoy Sunday brunch, workouts, and weekend get-aways.

Whether your favorite team is playing or not, chances are good that you will be spending this day with family or friends, enjoying commercials, questionable halftime shows, football & food.  Think of the Superbowl as a second Thanksgiving, with the average day of grazing clocking in at well over 1,000 calories and a day’s worth of saturated fat. For New Year’s Resolutioners, it’s the first ‘big test’ of the year. No matter what your goal, here are my top picks for surviving, no thriving, during the Super Bowl.

I’ve also included 5 yummy recipes that will be featured in my Superbowl Spread. What are you making?

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

You knew these were going in the mix, right? I’m officially obsessed.

Tip #1: Bring something for you, and others, to enjoy. Try creating a healthier version of your favorite dip or entree for you, and others, to share. Bean chili, cauliflower chicken wings, low-fat dip and vegetables, or guacamole are all easy, mostly familiar choices. That way you can fill up on healthier choices, while still leaving room to indulge in your favorites.

Beach Cookies

Photo and Recipe: Beach Cookies by Chef Chloe

Tip #2: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Most Super Bowl spreads are meant to be enjoyed over the course of 4+ hours, so no need to over indulge before the halftime show. Use smaller plates and place a small amount, just a bite or two, of foods. When finished, put down the plate. Wait at least twenty minutes before going back for seconds and only get stuff that is truly worth it.

Awesome Easy Layer Dip

Photo and Recipe:  Chorizo, Mango, & Avocado dip from C’est La Vegan

Tip #3: Watch the alcohol. Ice cold beer pairs so well with bar-type food, even more so when the game is on. However, we all know that alcohol isn’t calorie free. Not only does overindulging make you more likely to overeat at the buffet table, it also contributes to empty, non-filling calories. Choose a light beer and stick to 1-2. My favorite drink? Ginger Beer & Vodka. Keeping it classy in the DK household

Dill Pickle French Fries

Photo and Recipe: Peas & Thank You

Tip #4: Exercise the day of. Since most of the afternoon/evening will be spent on the couch, make it a point to move earlier in the day. Enjoy a walk with family, go on a bike ride, or take a class at the gym, whatever motivates you to move!

Chipotle Black Bean Chili

Smoky Black Bean Chili with Tortilla Chips

Enjoy your three-day weekend!

Lusting for a tropical vacation this January?

Yeah, me too.

Dare I say these bars are the next best thing?

While I love all things chocolate, sometimes I’m in the mood for something a bit more light and fruity.  These bars hit the spot. Close your eyes and enjoy the tropical sweetness of coconut and apricots in these flaky bars.

Not in paradise yet? Well, these squares also sneak whole wheat flour & dried fruit in. Higher in fiber than your average cookie bar, consider them the perfect dessert to get you into your tropical vacation swimwear.

… Or to enjoy with your morning coffee. I admit I ate these for both dessert & breakfast!

Combine 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp. baking powder together in a large bowl.

Beat in 1 1/2 sticks Earth Balance baking sticks, cut into small pieces. This works better when the butter is at room temperature, not straight out of the fridge. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until a crumbly dough forms.

Make an easy to lift carrier for your bars: drape aluminum foil over the ends of an 8X8 bar pan.

Spray with non-stick cooking spray (or lightly grease) and pour 1/2 of the oat mixture in.

Using your hands or the back of a spoon, gently spread the oat and flour mixture until it forms a layer on the bottom of the pan.

Mix together 1 cup apricot marmalade, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, and 1/3 unsweetened coconut flakes. Pour on top of the oat layer and spread until it reaches the edges.

Pour the rest of the oat mixture on top of the apricot layer and gently pat down until the crust forms.

Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until golden brown on top.

Remove from the pan and let cool.

Cut into squares and enjoy!

I just had another one with a big cup of tea! Perfect afternoon pick me-up before I go teach kickboxing.

What’s your favorite cookie bar flavor?