One of the biggest events of the year for the cricket buffs is on. Watching the game with friends and family through the thrilling catches, miraculous comebacks and jaw dropping moments is an exceptionally endearing feeling. What the game also revolves around is the food! The feeling of grabbing a greasy pizza, chomping on fries that are washed down by a bottle of cola is what makes a game-night a pleasurable event. But the oh-so-captivating gamer grub, apart from calming down your grumbling stomach for a while, does not really do a favor to your waistline (or your body).

Did you know that sitting in front of a television screen for a long duration has been linked to erratic eating behaviors and subsequent obesity?

The mindless munching of foods that are high in carbs, fats and salt does not bode well with the sedentary nature of the game night. But there can be no fun without your gamer grub around for the games night, right? Let bon happetee come to your rescue.

Here is the list of the most exotic, scrumptious and healthy snacks that blends health with taste.

1)Fruit slush

The summer heat and all the cheering for your favorite team might leave you dehydrated and exhausted. Worry not! Here is a seasonal fruit slush recipe that shoos away all your fear with just one sip.

What you need: Seasonal fruit (mango, pineapple or strawberry), ice, raw honey, herbs and spices.

What to do: In a blender, blitz together the fruit and ice. Take this to another level by adding herbs and spices. The flavors you could create are chilli mango, pineapple mint, strawberry basil and apple cinnamon.

2)Naan pizza

If you are weak in the knees for pizza like I am, here is a perfect blend of divinity and health for you. Roll out a whole wheat roti at home and bake it for 5 mins in the oven or buy fresh garlic naan out of the store and top it up with interesting veggies and cheese

What you need: Whole wheat naan, pizza sauce, fridge leftovers (meat or vegetables), your choice of veggies, cheese.

What to do: Take a naan and spread pizza sauce over it. Top it up with chicken tikka masala/ paneer bhurji (pretty much everything from the fridge can go here). Add veggies of your choice. Make it more interesting by adding olives, rocket salad/arugula, bell peppers and pineapple. Grate some cheese on top of it and push it in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the naan crisps up.

3)Mango basil sandwich

Being the power house of antioxidants and vitamins, this fruit should be an integral part of your diet. This lip-smacking combination of hot sauce, mangoes and basil is definitely a crowd pleaser.

What you need: Multigrain bread, mango slices (deskinned), basil leaves, hot sauce (preferably sriracha), cheese slices.

What to do: Spread hot sauce over a slice of bread and add the mango slices on it. Put 2-3 basil leaves on the slices and use the cheese slice to cover it and sandwich with a bread slice. Grill the sandwich and enjoy!

4)Kachi kairi hummus with soup sticks and pita

Let go of the boring age old chips and dip and swap it with something more delicious and irresistible. Make the perfect high protein snack this summer., Try out our version of kachi kairi hummus that will leave you wanting more!

What you need: Chick peas (soaked overnight), garlic, green chilies, kairi (green mango), virgin olive oil.

What to do: In a blender, add chick peas, kairi, garlic, chilies and salt. Give it a nice blitz and serve it along with some soup sticks, crackers or lavash.

5)Watermelon gazpacho

The delicate flavors of this hot and sweet clod soup is perfect for the hot weather. Serve this sophisticated entrée at your game night and let your guests be bowled over by the amazing after notes of this summer soup.

What you need: Watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, mint, parsley, garlic, chilies, coriander leaves, salt and black pepper.

What to do? In a blender, add all these ingredients and blend them together. Add salt, pepper and garnish with coriander leaves.

6)Potato skin with bacon and cream cheese

A games night can never feel like one without fried potatoes. But what if we give you a tastier and healthier version of the fried potato that won’t sabotage your health goals? These baked potato skins are nothing short of wow and deliciousness. Try them out!

What you need: Boiled potatoes (cut into halves and scooped out), fried bacon, sour cream, cheese.

What to do: Brush the boiled potatoes with oil. Fill the scooped area with a tsp of sour cream, bacon crisps and grate some cheese on top of it. Place this on a baking tray and bake at 250° C for 8-10 mins.

7)Kheema balls

If there is a perfect finger food for a games night, it has to be these kheema balls. A protein rich appetizer that creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth, these poppers are a great starter to accompany your beer or mocktail.

What you need: Kheema (home-made or bought fresh from a store), cheddar cheese, coriander leaves.

What to do: Mix the kheema, grated cheese, coriander leaves together and create bite-sized balls out of the mixture. Deep fry these balls and serve along with a hung curd dip or mint chutney.

8)Spinach pineapple smoothie

Making greens a part of your diet was never this easy. A smoothies fan or not, this surprisingly refreshing drink manages to tingle the taste buds and at the same time serves you with a spectrum of benefits.

What you need: Spinach leaves, fresh/canned pineapple, chia seeds.

What to do: In a blender, add the spinach leaves and pineapple. Blitz together and serve cold. Top it up with some chia seeds while serving.

9)Stuffed mushroom with parsley

This dish is your go-to-recipe when you are pressed for time and need to whip something up immediately. A great source of protein, vitamins, fiber and minerals; stuffed mushrooms are a convenient and great way of bagging up nutrients during a sedentary game night.

What you need: Button mushrooms, chopped onion, grated cheese, grated paneer, mixed herbs and butter.

What to do: Remove the stalks of the button mushrooms and wash them thoroughly. Mix grated cheese and paneer, chopped onions with herbs and stuff them in the mushroom and tightly pack the spaces. In a pan, heat some butter and sauté the mushrooms for 2-3 mins and flip them to cook on the other side.

10)Tandoori chicken nuggets

Some things cannot be replaced but can sure be modified without altering its taste. Here is a classic desi tandoori chicken with a healthy twist.

What you need: Boneless chicken pieces, curd, garam masala, tandoori masala, schezwan sauce and salt.

What to do: In a bowl, add the chicken pieces, yoghurt, masalas, schezwan sauce and salt. Keep this marinated chicken aside. After an hour, place the chicken nuggets on the baking tray and let it grill in the oven for 25 mins. Keep flipping them so that they are cooked evenly. Serve with chili sauce.

For more exciting meal combos and ideas, download our app and enjoy this premier league with a taste of good health.

Akansha is the Founder and Consultant at Beyond the Weighing Scale. With a wide range of expertise and skills, she is adept to speak about nutrition, health, lifestyle management and physical activity. She is a popular food columnist, a passionate foodie, a health enthusiast, an avid traveler and a happy yogi.