Game Day Nutrition: Simple, Festive Food Ideas from Umo’s Recent TV Segment

#sponsored Game day food doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable. In a recent appearance on Living Oklahoma, our founder shared simple, festive Big Game food ideas designed to help hosts serve crowd-pleasing dishes while still feeling good throughout the day.

This segment, created in collaboration with the National Watermelon Promotion Board and the Oklahoma Pork Council, highlighted practical ways to pair lean protein and hydrating, nutrient-dense foods for game day — including pork tenderloin sliders, a refreshing watermelon mocktail, and a BBQ pork flatbread that’s easy to prepare for a crowd.

These ideas are meant to inspire approachable, balanced hosting without adding stress to your game day plans. Whether you’re hosting friends or heading to a watch party, a little intention can go a long way.

Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Watermelon Salsa

Ingredients (Makes ~12 sliders)

For the pork:

• 1½ pounds pork tenderloin (about 2 small tenderloins)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the watermelon salsa:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch cubes

• ¼ cup finely diced red onion

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• Pinch of salt

For assembly:

• 12 slider buns

• Optional: arugula or butter lettuce leavesDirections

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Pat pork tenderloin dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reache

4. s 145°F.

5. Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

6. In a bowl, gently mix watermelon, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

7. To assemble sliders: place sliced pork on the bottom bun, top with a spoonful of watermelon salsa, add greens if desired, and finish with the top bun.

Watermelon Hydration Mocktail

Ingredients (Makes 4 glasses)

• 2 cups fresh watermelon juice (blended and strained)

• 2 cups plain sparkling water

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

  

• Ice, as needed

• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Directions

1. Add ice to four glasses.

2. Pour ½ cup watermelon juice into each glass.

3. Top each glass with ½ cup sparkling water.

4. Stir gently and add a splash of lime juice.

5. Garnish with mint and serve immediately.

BBQ Pork Flatbread

Ingredients (Makes 2 flatbreads)

For the pork:

• 1½ cups cooked, shredded pork tenderloin
  (from roasted tenderloin or prepared ahead)

• 

  ½ cup BBQ sauce (your preferred variety)

For the flatbread:

• 2 naan or flatbread rounds

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or Monterey Jack

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

•  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a bowl, toss shredded pork with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

3. Place flatbreads on a baking sheet.

4. Sprinkle cheeses evenly over each flatbread.

5. Top with BBQ pork and sliced red onion.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Remove from oven and finish with chopped cilantro. Slice and serve warm