If you live in North Carolina you probably have heard of March Madness.

Typically at sporting events or game watching parties there are a ton of appetizers and dishes. So many choices it can be hard to navigate so we have given a few of our best tips and tricks as well as some healthy recipes.

Tips and Tricks

-Have a healthy mindset. Portion control is the key.

-Stay away from the food areas when not eating.

-Pick your top food favorites and enjoy adequate portions. Look at the foods there and pick what will satisfy your appetite and cravings. --------Remember a little goes a long way.

-If drinking, limit alcohol. One drink for women and two for men. Also try to drink at least 1 cup of water for each alcoholic drink.

-Drink more water. Try to sip water while eating and make sure to stay hydrated.

Have fun! The focus is not on the food it's on the games and socializing and maybe a little on the food :-)

Healthy Recipes

White bean dip (or substitute black beans or chick peas)

Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp crushed garlic

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Put beans in bowl, and mash with fork; set aside. Heat a small pan over medium heat; add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and let it warm. Add garlic. Stir for 3 minutes. Pour hot oil over beans; stir. Garnish with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with pita triangles or crackers

Zucchini Fries (or substitute squash, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, etc)

Ingredients::

3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

pinch of seasoned salt

pinch of pepper

1 zucchini, peeled

1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted

Directions: Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil lightly greased with cooking spray. Cut the peeled zucchini in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice the zucchini about 1/2 inch thick.Mix the bread crumbs, cheese, pepper, and seasoned salt in a pie plate. Dip the zucchini fries into the melted margarine, then press into bread crumbs. . Place the breaded zucchini onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the zucchini in the preheated oven until the fries are golden and tender, about 15 minutes.