A guide to Tailgating
Our dos and don’ts when trying to eat healthy
Grilling:
Tailgating season is coming up soon and with that comes all the favorite game day foods and excitement. But while traditional tailgate dishes lean heavily on indulgent favorites, it is still possible to enjoy the festivities while not compromising your health goals! In this guide to tailgating we will show you how to grill with healthier choices that are still full of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just here for the snacks, these tips and recipes will help you elevate your tailgate spread—without the guilt.
Grilling - one of the signature tailgating festivities - brings people together over smoky aromas and sizzling flavors. While burgers, sausages, and wings are classic choices, tailgate grilling doesn’t have to mean greasy or unhealthy. Some alternative grilling options could include chicken or beef kabobs with vegetables, grilled turkey burgers, salmon foil packs, or grilled bone-in pork chops.
Kabobs are an easy way to get adequate protein and vegetables on the grill while keeping the calories low. Additionally, foil packs are super convenient for a tailgating day - wrap up your protein, veggies, and seasonings of choice and throw it on the grill! Easy to clean up too!
Tuscan-Style Grilled Chicken Kebabs | American Heart Association Recipes
Feta Spinach Grilled Turkey Burgers - The Real Food Dietitians
Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil
Alcohol Content
Women
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that women consume 1 drink or less per day.
Men
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that men consume 2 drinks or less per day.
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Dietary Guidelines suggest that drinking less alcohol is always better for health than drinking more. Alcohol can also interfere with certain medical conditions and medications. Looking for a healthier alternative to sip on while tailgating? Try these fun and flavorful alternatives that offer a festive experience - without the alcohol!
- Infused Lemonades (Peach Basil, Strawberry Mint, etc.)
- OLIPOP Prebiotic Soda
- Spindrift Flavored Sparkling Water
- Sanpellegrino Zero Sugar drinks
- Hoppy Hour Sparkling Hop Water (non-alcoholic)
Snacks & Dips
Snacks and dips are always a hit at gatherings and tailgates - perfect for an event filled day at the football field! With the upcoming fall season there are many seasonal fruits and vegetables you can easily incorporate into a fall-tailgate snack for your family and friends! Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, brussel sprouts, apples, and pumpkins are just a few. Here are some healthy snack ideas for your next gathering:
- A classic - Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy-free) - The Real Food Dietitians
- Grab & Go - Easy Pumpkin Protein Muffins - Colleen Christensen Nutrition
- Perfect for the grill! - Cheesy Bell Pepper Nachos
Hydration
Athletes aren’t the only ones needing to stay hydrated during game days. Between the sun, excitement, and long days on your feet - the fans are putting in the work too! Staying hydrated is essential - every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to function properly. Without enough water, we can become dehydrated, weak, and tired - definitely not ideal for a gameday! The recommended daily fluid intake for men is 15.5 cups and 11.5 cups for women, with 20% of this intake typically coming from food.
Want to boost your hydration at the tailgate? Try adding some water-rich snacks such as watermelon, spinach, grapes, cucumber, or celery! Or give those flavored sparkling waters a try - a refreshing and fun way to stay hydrated!
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