I can’t believe it! The Seahawks are going to the Big Game for the second year in a row!

My husband has been a die hard Hawks fan since he was three.

I’ve been a fan since we started dating back in ’02.

I’m lucky because he’s a pretty patient guy, so he was able to take all of my annoying football questions in stride. He still does.[Tweet “The Snacks at your next football don’t all have to be junk. Try these Game Day standards with a healthy twist.”]

The Big Game is a great excuse to have a party with awesome, delicious food. Almost every home in the US is on board with that.

Your standard junk food comes to mind. You know, the stuff that leaves you feeling like crap once your guests have left.

While we’ll have the chips and dip, I thought I would make some of the standards with a healthy twist.

Some things I plan on serving on game day:

1. Veggie Tray

A plate full of veggies is healthy in theory. But then you add the giant bowl of ranch in the center, the healthy factor starts to take a nose dive.

My veggie tray will have carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and, my all-time favorite, jicama.

As far back as I can remember, my mom has been making Uncle Dan’s ranch.

If you follow the directions on the packet, you would mix mayonnaise and sour cream.

To reduce the calorie intake, use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. If you want to reduce even more, use lite mayo.

This dip is absolutely delicious! It’s even better if you mix the day before so the flavors can meld together.

2. Tacos!!

I’m going to make my taco meat with veggies (more veggies!!)

Adding a ton of veggies to the mix will help a lot with the “healthier” factor, but you could also make it with ground turkey instead of ground beef.

3. Dessert.

12th man cupcakes.

One option is to make pumpkin cupcakes.

Another delicious choice, if you prefer to go the gluten free route, these Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are perfect.

Or, I’m going to make my new favorite, chocolate banana bread cupcakes.

I will frost a “12” in blue frosting. For those of you that don’t know, the “12” represents all Seahawks fans.

And of course my lovely lady gets to be in charge of the sprinkles.

What do you plan on having on game day? Do you tend to go all out junk, or try to make things healthier?

Go Seahawks!!!