by Samantha Gilbert

Enjoying the big game need not be a strain on your healthy lifestyle. These options will keep your energy, mood and blood sugar in check, as well as satisfy the full range of eating lifestyles from vegetarian to meat eater. When the game is over, you’ll have plenty of energy to clean-up AND play with the kids.

1.  Replace processed food dips with homemade nut-based options. The key here is to activate nuts beforehand so they become a nutritious food. Eating raw nuts without soaking or sprouting makes them extremely difficult for the body to digest, which can lead to health challenges. To activate, simply soak raw, organic nuts overnight in salted water, rinse well, then dehydrate or use right away.

Sami’s Spinach Dip
2 c. activated almonds
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. unrefined salt such as Himalayan Crystal Salt (or more to taste)
1/4 to 1/2 Jalapeno or Habanero pepper
3 T. Olive Oil
1 c. water (more or less to reach desired consistency)
16 oz. chopped spinach
1 small sweet onion

Process almonds, lemon juice, water, olive oil and salt in high powered blender or food processor. Transfer to large bowl. Chop remaining ingredients and fold in. Best made the night before so ingredients can set in refrigerator.

2. Serve fruit and veggies with homemade nut butters. Nut butters are very expensive and only a handful of companies actually activate their nuts beforehand (yes, these nuts require soaking too). Instead, make your own with activated nuts and high quality ingredients.

Sami’s Nut Butter Options
Almond/Rosemary/Date
Walnut/Maple/Cinnamon
Pecan/Carob/Coconut
Pistachio/Fennel/Lemon Zest
Simply add activated nuts and ingredients to your food processor, blend and enjoy. Note that a carrier oil and salt are important here. I use raw coconut oil for sweet butters and olive oil for savory options. A pinch of coconut palm sugar may also help round out flavors.

3. Replace processed chips with seed crackers such as flax or chia. These can be purchased in the raw foods section of your local health food store.

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