A Guide to Healthy Tailgating
It's finally football season, and you know what that means...tailgating! It can be hard to maintain healthy eating habits when you're surrounded by the typical tailgate fare, such as hot dogs or pizza, but it is possible to enjoy socializing and watching the game without wrecking your diet. Here are some helpful tips to help you fit the fun festivities into your diet.
At a tailgate party:
- Have a healthy snack before you go tailgating. Going to a party hungry can lead to overeating. Munch on fruit, veggies, or half a sandwich with a big glass of water before you get to the party.
- Drink water or diet soda.
- Fill up on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Use a plate for everything, even the smallest snack. You'll eat less this way.
- Drink in moderation. Not only does alcohol have calories, but it can lower your resolve to resist unhealthy foods. It can also cause blood sugar to drop, which leads to hunger and mindless eating.
When you're hosting:
- Use 93% lean beef or lean ground turkey for burgers, try chicken breast sandwiches, shrimp kabobs, or deli turkey sandwiches, layered with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber slices.
- Plan healthier appetizers and snacks such as baked tortilla chips with salsa, fresh veggies with low-fat dip, fruit with yogurt dip, pita chips and hummus, or low-fat popcorn.
- Try a new recipe that is tasty and low in fat.
- Have a fresh fruit salad, or angel food cake topped with berries and whipped cream for dessert.
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