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Game-winning dips and healthy tips

Two of the most popular New Year's resolutions are losing weight and eating healthier. But by the time the big game rolls around, many people are ready for a break--or looking for an excuse to cheat. But kick ­off does not have to be a signal to punt your healthy-eating habits.

Registered dietitian Jodie Shield knows it can be a struggle to celebrate and stay healthy. She's put together some win-win tips and recipes--healthy and delicious--that are sure to keep fans cheering for more:

--Know your game plan. If you're the home team (i.e., the party host), you get to call the plays. Serve entrees that are lean and festive, such as Touchdown Turkey Chili. Or prepare a thin whole wheat crust pizza using reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and lots of sliced veggies.

--Offer a starting line-up of healthier appe ­tizers. Whip some traditional game day favorites into shape. Instead of nachos, serve baked chips with salsa. Pass on the salt and butter and sprinkle a dash of Parmesan cheese over popcorn. Forget the fried chicken wings and serve baked chicken tenders seasoned with Hidden Valley Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix.

--Think fresh. Skip the super subs and set up a sandwich bar with lean deli meats such as turkey breast and ham, low-fat cheese slices and prepped veggies--like sliced tomato and shredded lettuce--and low-fat toppings.

--Pass on super big portions. No matter what foods are served, remember you don't have to eat the whole thing. Grab a small plate and load half of it up with fresh veggies and baked chips.

--Get in on the action. During halftime, grab your guests and head outdoors for a quick game of touch football. You can always record the commercials so you don't miss out.

For more recipes and tips, visit www.hiddenvalley.com.

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7 Layer Fiesta Ranch Dip

Prep time: 10 minutes. Makes: 10 (1/4 cup) servings.

1 16-ounce can fat-free refried beans
1/2 cup guacamole
1 package Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dips Mix
1 cup fat-free sour cream or plain nonfat yogurt
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
6 green onions, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Spread each of the ingredients in the order listed over a 9-inch serving platter or pie dish. Chill for an hour and serve.

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Play Good Defense and Substitute

The best way to tackle those creamy, high-calorie dips is to make smart substitutions. Here are a few options to help you get started:

Instead of: Use ­

--Guacamole: Salsa

--Pesto: Chopped tomatoes and basil

--Sour cream: Plain fat-free yogurt

--Cheese: Reduced-fat cheese

--Cream: Fat-free evaporated milk

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Touchdown Turkey Chili

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: High heat cooks for 4 hours; low heat cooks for 8 hours. Makes: 8 (1 cup) servings.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 pounds lean ground turkey breast
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) Mexican-style diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) reduced sodium tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup low sodium tomato juice
1 package Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dips Mix

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.

Add onions and bell pepper and saute until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and place in slow cooker. Add ground turkey breast to the same pan and cook until crumbled and browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the turkey to the slow cooker along with all of the remaining ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat.

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Hold That Line Hummus Dip

"No need to pass on fabulous dips to main ­tain your diet," said Shield. "Thanks to the protein and fiber in chickpeas, hummus is light, yet heart-healthy enough to satisfy hungry sports fans. Try this easy recipe for happy game day guests."

Prep time: 10 minutes. Makes: 8 (1/4 cup) servings.

2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

4 garlic cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 package Hidden Valley Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
4 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
Dash of paprika for garnish

In a food processor, puree the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, salad dressing and sea ­soning mix and water until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Add tahini paste and process an additional 2 minutes. Spread hummus into a shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle top with paprika.

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Cheesy Ranch Popcorn

Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 3 1/2 minutes. Makes: 6 servings.

1 bag (3 ounces) reduced-fat, low sodium butter-flavored microwave popcorn
1/4 pack (0.25 ounces) Hidden Valley Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
3 sprays from olive oil mister
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Pop popcorn according to package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl. Spray the popcorn with three sprays from the olive oil mister, toss with salad dressing and seasoning mix and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

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