The best tips for healthier alternatives to Super Bowl party favorites

By Gillian Pensavalle, Buzz60

Super Bowl parties are right around the corner and if you're trying to watch what you eat, they can be a nightmare. But they don't have to be.

You don't need to be a health guru to find ways to enjoy Super Bowl party treats without the guilt. It's actually pretty easy if you get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started:

So much food at Super Bowl parties is fried, but there are other options. Chicken wings are a necessity, so try baking or broiling them. It's still chicken and hot sauce! You can do the same with chicken tenders, just get them crispy with some panko or corn flakes instead of throwing them in a fryer.

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Another way to avoid fried food is to opt for baked zucchini fries. Season panko with paprika and parmesan and generously coat your zucchini sticks. A coating of panko also helps turn string cheese into healthy baked mozzarella sticks.

Instead of some super thick stuffed crust pizza, try thin crust or even pizza bites.

Spinach and artichoke dip is delicious, but you can still get the same creamy flavor if you use part skim cheese, less fattening cream cheese and fat free sour cream. Of course you can cut your calorie count a ton by simply dipping veggies rather than chips.

This may sound like not as much fun, but your body will thank you and you'll probably be in the best condition to win when it comes to the family football game.