FIFA World Cup 2014: A Healthy Food Guide

"Put your flags up in the sky and wave them side to side. Show the world where you're from. Show the world we are one" - these are lyrics from the Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Leitte starrer 'We are One', the official song for FIFA World Cup 2014. Some call it a poor attempt and others calls it "the most uninspiring anthem ever" but what its done is managed a whooping 74 million views on YouTube. This is the power of monumental sporting events and over the last few years they've become a cultural phenomenon. Preparation starts months or even years in advance and besides the obvious infrastructural and logistical changes you'll notice a drastic cultural shift. Not just in the atmosphere of the host country but globally. This tectonic cultural shift seeps into crowds, advertising, music, retail and the overall atmosphere (Read More: Where to eat in Brazil). Football fans all over the world work out their schedules around the month long competition and plan viewing parties, pub visits and social gatherings. Restaurants revamp their menus and hotels plan activities for tourists who'd want to follow the game (Read More: FIFA World Cup 2014: Here's what Delhi has to offer). Those trying to capitalize on the event stock up on sport specific merchandise. Food packaging changes to suit the football frenzy and even traffic schedules are worked out for the duration of the tournament.

But the one thing that represents culture in its entirety is 'food'. It connects everyone despite their religion, nationality, caste, creed, age or gender. And for this reason, while 32 teams gear-up for a heated face off, people all over the world are looking forward to exquisite food and drinks they'll get to enjoy during the tournament. Dear Healthy Eaters The intake of food and carbonated drinks is bound to go up this FIFA World Cup as football parties are usually accompanied with post-midnight munching, chilled beer and exceeding levels of stress and excitement. Not to sound like a party pooper, but these might turn out to be very unhealthy for you. If you like to believe you can keep your alcohol and food consumption under control you're most definitely underestimating the magnitude of this gala event. Watching anything that late needs serious dedication. But we're going to try and make this easier for you. What you need is a healthy diet strategy that allows you to eat food that is delicious, filling and easy to make. Here are some star recipes you and your friends can munch on, guilt-free! Chicken Satay
Recipe by Vicky Ratnani Don't be quick to assume this dish is difficult because it isn't. All you need to do is cook marinated strips of chicken over a medium flame and serve with a thick sauce of crushed peanuts, chili, jaggery and coconut milk.
 

Bruschetta
Recipe by Joey Matthew This classic Italian starter is very easy to make. Take a slice of bread and layer it with luscious tomatoes, basil, mushrooms and garlic. You can also get creative and use leftover vegetables from the kitchen.

Egg Chaat
Recipe by Aditya Bal This Indian treat is a perfect balance of protein and flavor. Boiled eggs laced with green chutney are topped off with chili sauce, tamarind extract, lemon juice, roasted cumin, green chili and salt.

Croque Madame

Recipe by Vicky Ratnani A ham and cheese sandwich topped with fried egg makes a great late night snack.

Roasted Potatoes with Hung Curd Dressing
Recipe by Chef Sunil Gadihoke, Maurya Sheraton-New Delhi Fries and potato wedges definitely count as sport friendly foods but are a bad idea if you're watching those calories. Instead try these crunchy roasted potatoes with a beautiful herby yogurt dip.

Vegetable Burritos
Recipe by Aditya Bal Eat healthy with this brilliant Mexican recipe. Corn tortillas packed with kidney beans and served with a sensational salsa sauce.

Mexican Yoghurt Dip

Recipe by Seema Chandra All finger foods must have a partner! Mix jalapenos, tabasco, capsicums and creamy yoghurt to get a power-packed Mexican dip that goes with a range of finger foods. You can also scoop it up with carrots, cucumber or whole wheat crackers.