Philly's own Eagles are out of it; still, lots of us love the Super Bowl and all the hype and the parties it brings. This year's Big Game is Sunday, just days away.

If it’s your turn to host the Super Bowl party, try reworking the party-at-home fare this year by thinking of alternatives to the usual heavy-fat and sugar-laden dishes.

So many people are on restricted diets these days. Why not offer a variety of foods that meet varied dietary needs. Salt-free, sugar-free, low-carb, no-carb, vegan.

I know it is easier to buy chips and pretzels, but here’s a menu that will wow your friends, and keep ’em healthy at your Super Bowl party.

Mexican Meatballs

1 pound lean ground chicken, turkey or beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
Salsa
Salt and pepper (optional)
Mix lean ground meat and taco seasoning. Shape into 1-inch balls. Brown in skillet. Place on paper towel to drain. Reheat in oven. Serve with chilled or heated salsa. Makes 25 meat balls.

Mini Heroes

1 container Pillsbury Dinner Rolls
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 (6oz.) package Healthy Choice turkey or smoked ham
1/2 cup Healthy Choice non-fat pizza cheese
Place rolls on sprayed or non- stick baking sheet. Stretch rolls to form a 4-inch circle. Combine mustard, meat and cheese. Place mixture in center of roll, dividing equally. Fold roll over in the center and press edges with a fork to seal. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Serves 8.

Salmon Pinwheels, or vegan pinwheels (if you make veggie substitutions)

6 fat-free flour tortillas
1 (6 oz.) container salmon flavored fat-free cream cheese (or soy-based cream cheese)
1/2 cup salmon, flaked, boned and skinned or 1/2 cup veggies
2 green onions, chopped
Combine cream cheese, salmon (or veggies) and onions. Spread each tortilla with mixture and roll. Place in airtight container and refrigerate. Before serving, remove and cut tortilla into inch-size pieces. Makes 36 pinwheels.

Barbara’s Own Fruit Picks

Fresh fruit, washed, cubed and drained (pineapple, melon, grapes and strawberries work well)
Colored or fancy toothpicks
Ginger ale (optional)
Coconut (optional)
Arrange assorted fruit pieces on a tooth pick (that’s usually 3-4). Repeat the process until you run out of fruit. If desired, drizzle ginger ale or sprinkle coconut on the fruit picks. Arrange them on a plate or in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until partytime.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

Margarita mix (bottled)
Tonic water
Lime or lemon (cut into eighths)
Sugar (optional)
Cherries (optional)
Pour 1 part margarita mix into a shaker. Add 1 part tonic water. Add a twist of lime or lemon and lime. Add a bit of sugar and shake. Pour into a wine glass and garnish with a cherry or an orange slice.

Add your favorite wings, crackers or hot bread, and a large salad of spring mix and other salad greens, along with your favorite dressing. Enjoy your guests and enjoy the game.

Recipes were taken from "The Four Ingredient Cookbook," by Linda Coffee and Emily Cale. __________________________________________________________

JULIE, personal trainer and former athlete and coach: For those who opt to eat out on Super Bowl Sunday, there are healthy options on those sports bar menus too. Most offer a variety of salads. In some cases, fans may find treats such as mussels or portabella vegetable sandwiches on some menus. Posted January 15, 2003 12:23 PM