This year’s Big Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals here in LA’s new stadium has football fans super excited across the City of Angels and beyond. Let’s be honest, though, this unofficial American holiday is as much about the food as it is about football. Planning a healthy menu for the Big Game is easier than you may expect and will make your home team fans go wild.

Why be mindful about food and drink when the Big Game happens just one day out of the year? Overindulgence on Sunday leads to as many as one in four employees calling in sick on Monday. Heartburn and blood sugar problems are just a few of the unpleasant side effects that can occur when eating in excess and deviating from your usual meal plan.

Here are some healthy Game Day menu ideas to fuel your football-watching:

1. Protein-Packed Snacks

Snacks are a must at any Big Game party, but snacking throughout the duration of the game – nearly four hours – can lead to overeating and feeling sluggish. While potato chips, tortilla chips and pretzels are common game-watching snacks, higher protein options can be more satisfying and nutritious. Include protein-rich snacks like Krave Zero Sugar jerky, deviled eggs, turkey roll-ups and lightly salted nuts, which pack a protein punch.

2. Pass the Plant-Based Options

A crudité platter with veggies and dips is a winning combination. Try raw veggies like carrots, bell pepper slices, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sugar snap peas with plant-based dips like Mother Raw French onion dip, garlicky hummus or fresh homemade guacamole. Other fun plant-based snacks include buffalo cauliflower bites, seasoned edamame and olives.

3. Dinnertime Strategy

Although finger foods and snacks are notorious Big Game foods, there are benefits to opting for a meal as the highlight of the menu. Planning for a meal, potentially served during halftime, can help you stay on your usual eating schedule. Plus, a well-portioned and balanced meal is ultimately more satisfying and nourishing than grazing throughout the game. A make-ahead meal like slow-cooker turkey chili or pulled chicken sliders cut down on time in the kitchen so the host can enjoy the game too.

4. Tackle the Sugar

Baked goods are delicious, but lighter, nutrient-dense desserts are still crave-worthy and healthier after an afternoon of football food. Fruit can be a touchdown if prepared in fun and tasty ways. Go for sliced fresh mango with a squeeze of lime and a touch of chili. For more decadent desserts, try chocolate-dipped strawberries or sliced berries with whipped cream.

5. Hydration Huddle

According to national statistics, soda and beer are the top beverages consumed while watching the Big Game. The best way to encourage smart drinking habits is to make healthier options more easily accessible. Try stocking up on flavored sparkling waters, prebiotic sodas, unsweetened iced tea and drinking water. Make these healthier beverages easy to grab by keeping them in a cooler with ice in a central area. Store the sweet drinks and booze in an out-of-sight location.

LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at [email protected].