(BPT) - When it comes to planning for the big football game in New Orleans this year, instead of turning to grease-heavy and heartburn-inducing foods, why not consider some tasty and healthier options that will have everyone giving you a high score for food options?

New Orleans-based executive chef Tory McPhail, of the iconic Commander’s Palace restaurant, has the perfect New Orleans-style recipe incorporating pistachios into your menu. Pistachios are a great snack, and, better yet, they’re what athletes turn to when it comes to peak performance.

Director of Sports Nutrition at USC, Becci Twombley, recommends snacking with a purpose. “On the big day, people are snacking and eating more, so why not consider snacking on something like pistachios that provides you with added nutrients,” asks Twombley. Add protein-rich snacks, like one ounce of pistachios, which contains six grams of protein, to help you feel full faster.