Watch Your Waistline On Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday can be one of the worst eating days for men and women.

But it's easy to defend your New Year's diet resolution from the typical Super Bowl party's fatty menu of beer, potato chips, sandwiches, wings, potato salad, macaroni and slaw -- if you have the right game plan.

"Choosing healthier snacks like popcorn and pita strips with a creamy yogurt dip instead of greasy chips and sour cream is a winning strategy for the Super Bowl and beyond," said Heather Zeitz, nutrition services manager at Miavita Inc., an online wellness program.

"Small, painless swaps in your diet make a bigger difference than you might think," Zeitz said.

Of course, Super Bowl party guests are playing on someone else's turf. If your host isn't as conscious of healthy eating, Zeitz offers some strategies to avoid picking up too many excess pigskin pounds.

• Eat something before you arrive. If you show up hungry, you're more likely to overeat, and to reach for the most fattening fare.
• Allow yourself a taste of anything on the table, and then bench the fattier choices in favor of the healthier stand-bys.
• Bring along some lower-fat snacks to share, such as baked corn or potato chips, air-popped popcorn and pretzels. Load up on salsa, which is a tasty, nutritious, low-calorie dip.
• Prepare a fruit or vegetable platter to bring to the party, so there's sure to be some healthy choices at your fingertips.
• Try not to drink too many calories -- choose water or seltzer over regular sodas and juices. If you're drinking alcohol, pick light beer, wine or a wine spritzer (1/2 wine, 1/2 fizzy water).

"If you're preparing a spread for guests, you've got the home-field advantage," Zeitz said. "Take the opportunity to serve great-tasting food that keeps your guests happy and doesn't weigh everyone down."

Miavita has several recipes on its Web site for dishes that can be prepared in advance, hold well, use healthy ingredients and cooking techniques, and help honor this year's host city for the big game by serving up some New Orleans flair.

Click here to find Super Bowl party recipes.

Check Out Our Full Super Bowl Coverage.