#chef jane

The big game is upon us! But this Sunday, skip the greasy wings and fatty dips and chips for healthier fare. (You won't even miss those wings!) Here are our favorite Super Bowl recipes from around the web.

Swap your usual chips and dips for healthier hummus and whole grain pita chips. 

If you're feeling really adventurous, turn that hummus into layered Greek dip (think: 7-layer dip's healthier cousin). 

Tots. Yes, seriously, tater tots (or, cauliflower tots, actually). While these are still breaded, baking instead of frying and swapping cauliflower for potatoes makes this snack much greener. 

As promised -- a healthier substitute for your wings. Low-calorie-density mushrooms make up the bulk of this app, meaning you can indulge in buffalo flavor without the guilt.

Think of these mini-skewers as a bread-free (and super-easy!) alternative to bruschetta. 

With plain popcorn (don't forget popcorn's a whole grain!) as its base, this spicy snack is satisfying and delicious. 

If you're a fan of edamame, you've got to try Thai spice crispy edamame -- it turns plain edamame into a serious snack.

I want you to think about broccoli. 

Be honest: what's the first thing you think about? If you have a bland slop, you're not alone. There are plenty of elementary cafeterias ruining this wonderful veggie. But I'm here to help. Broccoli can be amazing.

One of the biggest complaints is the texture. Most people are not fans of very soft broccoli, and I have to agree. This just means the broccoli is overcooked. When steaming, poke the broccoli a few times during the steam. You are in control.

Steamed broccoli lowers cholesterol. We know some people aren't a huge fan, but there's no reason it has to be that way. You can steam it more or less to get the texture you like (I like a firm texture, so I steam it less). Still need more oomph? Squeeze some lemon juice on top or sprinkle on cayenne pepper. It'll give a pop while still keeping your dish Noom green (low in calorie density).

Raw broccoli can also be delicious. Skip the calorie-heavy ranch dip and instead dip it into hummus. Chop it up into bites and toss it into a salad to add some crunch that's more green than nuts or seeds.  

Broccoli also has a special combination of nutrients that make it a great detox -- so don't think detoxes are confined to insane juice cleanses. It's packed with Vitamin D -- which is extra helpful in the winter months -- and its a source of Vitamin A. There are also recent studies linking increased broccoli intake with lower allergy irritation. Less sneezing, yes please!

Now give it a try!

xoxo

Last week the Noom HQ team went to a pumpkin patch. Despite having eaten pumpkin year-round my entire life, this was the first time I'd ever visited. Our crew of plaid-clad Manhattanites trekked to NJ, but out of everyone it was of course me that found the largest pumpkin. (You can applaud now.) 

It was a fun way to kick off a season perfect for pumpkin. Pies, gnocchi, soup, roasted, fries, and so much more, pumpkin is one of the most versatile fruits around. You can use the entire fruit except the skin, including the seeds, so you also get a good bang for your buck. Maybe that's why it's one of the most cultivated field crops worldwide.

Nutrition-wise, not only does pumpkin have a low calorie density (which is why Noom categorizes it as green, meaning you can eat a bunch of it without gaining weight), but its high amount of fiber insures that you'll feel full all the way until your next meal. The flavor profile is pretty similar to sweet potatoes, but since pumpkin isn't a starch, it's a little healthier. Add in that pumpkin is a great source of antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, and E) and has no cholesterol or saturated fat, and it is quite the power food. 

Because it's so healthy, consider using it as a main dish instead of just a side (just be sure to avoid frying). Pumpkin pie and pumpkin risotto are delicious, but baked and steamed are a better way to go for weight loss (that rule doesn't just apply to pumpkins). 

The seeds are more calorie-dense, but that doesn't mean they don't have a place in a healthy diet. Pumpkin seeds have protein, iron, and zinc -- though I love them for the crunch they add to meals :)

Noom will post an original pumpkin recipe on Facebook tomorrow, so be sure to check it out!

xo