Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas

 I am not an Alabama girl, but as I quickly learned upon moving here, football is king in this state. People greet each other with “Roll Tide” as if it’s as normal a greeting as “Good Morning,” and one of the first questions people ask you is “Alabama or Auburn?” Thanks to my husband, I have learned to actually enjoy football, and one of my favorite things about football games is the food. It’s a great excuse to invite some friends over and cook up a spread of new recipes. I teamed up with Sprouts to create these healthier Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas, sure to keep hungry fans full and happy. ​

Secondly, focus on including multiple food groups in the meal, especially vegetables and fruits. When we think of comforting, hearty foods, they usual consist of protein and grains or starches. Think of a burger and fries, beefy nachos, or wings. These meals lack the vitamins, minerals and fiber that fresh produce provides. Additionally, vegetables and fruits have a low caloric density, so adding them means you can eat a larger volume of food with less total calories. So try to incorporate a vegetable and/or a fruit into those dishes for a healthier version. Nathan and I like to pair grilled burgers with grilled okra (you gotta try it!). Next time you have a craving for nachos, top them with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. These pizzas get a double upgrade thanks to the addition of bell peppers and onions (vegetables) and pineapple (fruit). In fact, each serving contains all five food groups, making this a balanced meal to fuel your body efficiently so you have plenty of energy to cheer on your favorite team.