Tips to eat healthy during a March Madness party

CLEVELAND - It's fun to get together with family and friends, fill out a bracket, and watch some college basketball this time of year.

But you don't have to dribble your diet away if you're hosting or attending a "March Madness" party.

Amy Jamieson-Petonic is a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.

She says when choosing your snacks, go with tortilla chips over potato chips and pork rinds.

"They're a great source of whole grains. What we know through the research is that whole grains significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. And they also reduce inflammation in the body,” said Jamieson-Petonic.

Jamieson-Petonic says when it comes to dunking your nachos, pass on the cheese and sink them in salsa.

She says you'll reap benefits from the tomatoes, which are packed with lycopene and improves heart health.

She says if you're not a nacho fan, cut up some veggies with a low-fat dip.

But if wings are your thing, Jamieson-Petonic says you may want to try this instead.

"Take some chicken breast, cut it into strips and pour your own hot sauce on it. Hot sauce is a great source of capsaicin and what we see through research studies is is that capsaicin, which gives the heat to the wings, actually increases your metabolism and helps you burn fat,” said Jamieson-Petonic.

Jamieson-Petonic says nuts are also a good party snack. They're packed with a lot of good fats, but don't eat too many. A handful or two will do.