Food and drinks are synonymous with Super Bowl parties — but it’s possible to have a great spread without ruining anyone’s diet. Here are some tasty ways to do it.

Mini-Snacks

Bite-sized versions of snack foods can help guests control portions without feeling deprived. Try sliders, mini pigs-in-a-blanket, or mini-taco cups made from regular taco toppings inside a scoop-shaped tortilla chip. Another idea: finger sandwiches with an array of healthy toppings like low-fat cheese, low-fat spreads and vegetables for guests to choose from.

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Healthier Dips

Lots of dips are made with heavy dairy products — and are thus loaded with fat and calories. It’s easy to make healthier alternatives with the low-fat versions of sour cream, Greek yogurt or cream cheese, with powdered salad dressing or soup mixes for flavor. Add spinach or finely chopped vegetables to boost nutritional value, and serve with whole-grain bread, whole-grain crackers, baked pita chips and raw veggies.

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Munchies

Air-popped popcorn is a good alternative to calorie-laden chips. To spice it up, sprinkle on Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning or low-sodium but tasty seasonings like Mrs. Dash. Not quite interesting enough? Mix in nuts and dried fruit to make a trail mix.

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Hearty Fare

For healthier nachos, top whole-grain tortilla chips with lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese and fresh vegetables like onions, peppers, tomatoes, olives and avocados. And chili is a great option, too — use your favorite recipe, but swap out ground beef for ground chicken or turkey to lower the fat and calories.

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Beverages

Beer and football go together like Lindsay Lohan and a court date, but remember there are plenty of flavorful light options, too. Not sure which ones to choose? Men’s Health magazine ranks Sam Adams Light and Guinness Draught the best-tasting light beers, with only 119 calories and 126 calories a bottle, respectively. For teetotalers, mocktail recipes can be fun, or mix fruit juice with sparkling water and add slices of whole fruit — like lemons, strawberries, or kiwi — for a healthy alternative to soda.

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