Game-Day Snacking Can Add Up Quickly
Watching the World Cup is a perfect excuse to gather with friends, cheer loudly, and enjoy plenty of snacks, but some game-day favorites shouldn't be overdone. We're not telling you to skip every tasty treat, but it is important to remember that moderation is important so you don't go overboard and your body doesn't have to pay the consequences. Here are 20 unhealthy World Cup snacks to keep an eye on.
1. Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos typically make an appearance at every sports watch party, and while they might seem harmless when everyone's sharing, it can quickly catch up with you. Remember, this delicious snack is made out of chips, melted cheese, sour cream, meat, and sauces that aren't the healthiest alone, and certainly aren't better when added together.
2. Buffalo Wings
Another classic viewing-party snack, buffalo wings might be described as a "must-have" by sports fan, but your body is definitely trying to protest. These are often deep-fried and coated in a salty, calorie-heavy sauce, and that's before we even bring up the ranch or blue cheese dip!
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3. Pepperoni Pizza
Everyone loves pizza. After all, it's convenient, easy to share, and familiar, which is why it frequently shows up at most World Cup gatherings. But in reality, that combination of processed meat, cheese, and refined crust should be something you only eat in moderation.
4. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are warm, cheesy, and very easy to keep eating while your attention is on the screen. How many do you think you eat before the second half even starts? Dipping them in marinara may add some flavor, but it doesn’t erase the fact that this snack is still pretty rich and ultimately, unhealthy.
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5. Potato Chips
Possibly one of the hardest snacks to avoid overeating, chips make the table at any gathering, sports-related or not. They're salty, crunchy, come in a variety of flavors and textures, and are fun to grab by the handful, which is why they're also dangerously unhealthy. It's hard to moderate your intake when you're distracted by the game too.
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6. Cheese Fries
Cheese fries combine fried potatoes with melted cheese, with many versions going so far as to add bacon, ranch, or chili on top. Sure, that makes them satisfying, but at what cost? These certainly aren't something you should be downing by the forkful, which is what most are likely doing as they watch the game.
7. Mini Corn Dogs
Mini corn dogs may look cute and harmless, but they’re still processed meat wrapped in sweet batter and fried. Their small size also works against you, making it easy to eat several before you’ve even checked the score. They’re fine as an occasional bite, but you definitely shouldn't be filling up on them.
8. Queso Dip
We know it's hard to resist a dip as rich and flavorful as queso, but its high sodium and fat content make it something you should be more mindful of. Not to mention, many recipes incorporate processed cheese or sausage which don't do anything for it health-wise.
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9. Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy and addictive, jalapeño poppers might include a vegetable, but that alone doesn't counter the fact that it's usually stuffed with cheese then breaded and fried. Eating a few is one thing, but making them your go-to snack for every match can add up quickly.
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10. Fried Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a popular gameday snack because they’re easy to grab and hassle-free to prepare, but the trouble lies in that most are deep-fried and served with sugary or creamy dipping sauces. If you have the time, we'd highly recommend preparing some baked or air-fried versions instead!
11. Sausage Rolls
Bringing together fatty sausage and buttery pastry, sausage rolls sound absolutely delicious, but that's before you consider the lack of nutrients and the amount of unhealthy fats and calories in the dish. Not to mention, these are served as little bite-sized appetizers, which make them easy to overeat in a matter of seconds.
12. Onion Rings
Just because onion rings are primarily formed around a vegetable doesn't make them any less healthy than say, fries. The thick coating and frying process immediately removes any health benefits prior to cooking, and when you add on the salt and dipping sauces, the nutrition picture is completely shot.
13. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Again, spinach artichoke dip might sound healthier because of the vegetables in the name, but many versions rely heavily on cream cheese, mayonnaise, and shredded cheese, none of which are very good for you. It can be surprisingly rich, especially when scooped up with bread or chips!
14. Loaded Potato Skins
Anything that's "loaded" usually doesn't come with a very good health label. Loaded potato skins often come with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and other salty toppings, which can be fun for a sports game, but can be dangerous for the body when you're eating seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths.
15. Meat Lovers’ Sliders
Sliders are a classic finger food to bring out at any sort of gathering, but when you opt for a full meat special with beef, bacon, sausage, cheese, and rich sauces, you're overdoing it. Sure, greasy meat tastes best when watching sports with friends, but that doesn't mean you should completely neglect your health needs.
16. Creamy Pasta Salad
Creamy pasta salad might sound like an innocent side people can scoop onto their plates, but it can actually be very high in calories when it’s made with mayonnaise-heavy dressing. On top of that, the refined pasta and added cheese or processed meats can make it even more indulgent.
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17. Sugary Cupcakes
Sweet treats make an appearance at watch parties too, and while cupcakes decorated in team colors are festive and fun, don't forget that those are loaded with sugar and refined flour. Having one isn't a big deal, but if you lose track of yourself in the game, eating multiple isn't great for your health.
18. Churros
Churros by definition are a great, handheld sweet treat for large gatherings, but that only speaks to its physical nature and not its nutrition. Yes, churros are delicious, but they’re typically fried and coated in sugar, which makes them a heavier dessert choice. We didn't even mention any chocolate or caramel sauces yet either!
19. Soda
No meal is complete without drinks, and what often appears at large gatherings? Soda. Not only do the calories add up quickly, but so does the sugar! Having several cans over multiple matches can contribute a lot of empty calories.
20. Frozen Margaritas
Frozen margaritas may feel festive and extra fancy during a big international match, but they can be packed with way too much sugar from mixes and syrups. The alcohol also makes it easier to snack without paying attention to how much you’re eating. If you’re drinking them, alternating with water is a simple way to pace yourself and stay more aware.
