Real simple tips to keep the gang fed without ruining their sleep
When the NFL’s top teams face off on the gridiron, you want to serve touchdown-worthy eats. Maybe you’ve been googling Super Bowl recipes that will feed a big crowd. Or maybe you’re on the prowl for slow cooker recipes for you and the famjam. The Super Bowl is a fun time to get together with friends and family and game day just wouldn’t be the same without a table full of cheesy, meaty eats.
But what about your night’s sleep afterward?
Science (and your gut) support the idea that food affects sleep – and not always in a good way. Foods that deliver your best night’s sleep may not be high on your priority list for game night and we get it. Sleep-healthy foods aren’t exactly filled with the cheesy goodness you’re craving during the Super Bowl. But what if you could enjoy the gastro-goodness of the Super Bowl AND get a good night’s sleep afterward?
Time to set the rules of engagement for game night to ensure a great evening cheering your favorite team – and a great night’s sleep afterward.
Game time snacking menu
Set your own rules for game time this year. Choose classic Super Bowl snacks that are easy to eat and super-easy to prepare ahead so you can get in on the action too. The recipes below will score big on both counts. What’s more, they’ll tease the salty, sweet flavors you’re craving and even ante up with some tequila shots – cooked into the chicken of course. The best part? There’s something in each that will help – not hinder – your sleep afterward.
Game time drinks
Drinking alcohol can make you feel sleepy but it actually disrupts your sleep later in the night. The drinks we’ve spotlighted below contain alcohol mixed with other ingredients. Control your alcohol consumption on game night by paring down the alcohol and upping non-alcohol ingredients. Also remember to down a glass a water between every alcoholic drink to prevent dehydration, which is what will be waking you up at 3 am with a raging a headache if you don’t. Enjoy responsibly!
Beer Sangria – We love this recipe because of the grape juice, a known contributor to melatonin – that wonderful sleep-hormone that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Prepare this drink before the game begins and serve chilled.
Winner’s Cocktail– Customize this cocktail, depending on whether you’re cheering for the Seahawks or the Patriots. If your team packs as powerful a punch as this drink, be careful…
Nibbles everyone will love
Chickpea Avocado Salad – Chickpeas contain Vitamin B6, which helps your body produce melatonin – there’s that amazing hormone again. Spinach is loaded with calcium, which helps the brain process tryptophan to manufacture melatonin and serotonin – and its low in calories. Talk about a winning start!
Slow Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip – We love that everything gets thrown into the slow cooker so you can focus on the rest of your menu. Start cooking a few hours before the game and stir every hour or so. Be prepared for lots of wanna-be-taste-testers begging for an early snack. By the way, artichokes are a natural hangover remedy, according to WebMD. Just sayin…
Salsa Guacamole Dip – Paired with homemade tortilla chips and the chicken below, this is the perfect tryptophan combo (for game night at least). It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, which you can do early in the day and chill until game time.
Tequila-Lime Chicken Drumsticks – Prep time is about 35 minutes and can be served at room temperature or fresh from the oven. Proteins are the building blocks of tryptophan, which is why the best bedtime snack is one that contains both a carbohydrate and protein – in moderation of course…
Sweets to finish off the night
Dark Chocolate Mocha Brownies – Everyone knows dark chocolate is a super-food – and it works hard while you sleep. These tasty treats will be the hit of the crowd and you can feel good knowing they’re good for you too. Well, they’re sort of good for you…
We know you don’t want to miss a second of the big game – or the commercials. And with this customized Super Bowl menu, you shouldn’t miss any sleep on Sunday night either.
