in the midst of a successful round of Whole30? congrats, keep it up! or perhaps you just crushed the #januarywhole30. woo hoo, yay you!! the problem? two words: super bowl. don’t make the mistake of thinking you can go hog-wild at that junk-laden buffet table without consequences. not only will you probably feel awful, but if you know anything about Whole30, reintroduction is a vital part of the process. that said, you wanna be smart come super bowl sunday - but there's no need to feel like you’re missing out entirely. that's why we came up with a few game day recipes that’ll satisfy your junk-food cravings without sacrificing gastrointestinal comfort.  here are 3 whole30-compliant game day dishes both you + your digestive tract will love.  

[air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites]
makes 2 - 4 servings

these bold little bites bring all the kick of traditional chicken wings, but with the added benefit of veggie power. you can make them without the almond flour if you prefer - it just adds a little crispiness + texture.

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
¼ cup ghee
3 tbsp frank’s hot sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
pinch of sea salt
¾ cup almond flour
3 tbsp chopped chives

1. melt ghee in a small saucepan + stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder + salt.
2. toss cauliflower florets with ghee mixture to coat evenly, then toss with almond flour to coat evenly.
3. place cauliflower in large air fryer basket (or cook in batches if it’s a smaller air fryer) + cook at 400 for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. top with chives + if you really wanna get fancy, serve with a side of paleo ranch dip.

[jalapeño popper stuffed mushrooms]
makes 12 mushrooms

you know those dairy-doused jalapeño poppers we all inevitably devour at every single game-day get together? yeah, these taste like that, but better. and bonus: they’re dairy-free, so they’re much easier on your tummy.

6 slices no-added-sugar bacon, chopped into lardons
12 baby portobello mushrooms, stems removed + set aside
2 jalapeños, seeded + minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of sea salt
8 oz kite hill almond milk cream cheese
¼ cup sliced scallion
2 tbsp chopped chives for garnish

1. arrange the mushrooms hollow-side-up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon lardons until browned + cooked through. remove from skillet + set aside, reserving about 2 tbsp of the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. finely chop the mushroom stems + add to the skillet, along with the jalapeño, garlic + salt, sauteing in the bacon fat. saute a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are slightly browned.
4. in a medium mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, the bacon, the scallion + the mushroom stem mixture, then spoon into the cavities of the mushrooms.
5. bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then top with chives to serve.

[the easiest slow-cooker carnitas tacos ever]
makes 4-6 servings

this is one of those dishes that’s so delicious + simple to make, it’ll definitely make it into your regular rotation. use it in tacos, bowls, sandwiches, omelettes - any way you serve it, it's a touchdown.

4 lb pork shoulder
1 onion, diced
2 tbsp taco seasoning
juice of 1 lime
1 head bibb lettuce
your favorite no-added-sugar salsa
cilantro for garnish

1. put the diced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. rub the pork shoulder with the taco seasoning + place in the slow cooker on top of the onion. squeeze the lime juice over the top, then put the lid on + cook on low for 8 hours OR high for 4 hours.
3. when it’s done, shred the meat with two forks, then serve in bibb lettuce leaves + top with salsa + cilantro.

which of these game day dishes will you be trying this super bowl sunday? tell us below. not hosting the party? tip: come with one of these in tow so you have healthy options at-hand. l

want more whole30 recipes? try these easy slow cooker meals or these pumpkin spice creations. plus, this paleo chocolate pudding is fantastic for the reintroduction phase.