10 Tips for a Healthy Tailgate + RECIPES

Who’s ready for some football?? I know someone in our house is beyond pumped for the first college football game of the year, and it’s not the cat. My husband has been looking forward to the start of football season all year long. Can you relate? I love Auburn football, and I support my UCF team and after that, I’m done. He’s picking me up from the airport tonight so he will be missing the first part of the game #truelove.

I have ulterior motives for loving the start of football season–> FALL! When it’s a game weekend aka every weekend from here on out, we make a festive dish and I go out and do my thing such as shopping, decorating our house, or gardening. I can hardly wait for Labor Day weekend to begin because I plan to do just that!

For those of you that will be going to a tailgate party or hosting your own this football season, I’ve put together a list of my must haves at a football tailgate.

1. GREENS. A tailgate is usually struggling in the color department. Make this broccoli salad or kale chips or a big green {or purple} salad. Filling up on veggies will make you feel better at kickoff. If you’re attending a tailgate, be the one to bring the greens because they are often overlooked.

• 15 minute Greek Cucumber Salad by Healthy Seasonal Recipes
• Asian Edamame Salad by Eating Bird Food
• Quinoa Taco Salad by Love & Zest
• Broccoli Kale Salad by Love & Zest

2. SOUP.  Soups are awesome because they feed a crowed and many would consider them “comfort food”… just what you want in football season. The balance of lean proteins like beef, chicken, or turkey, loaded with veggies and beans for fiber makes it a complete meal. I love cream based soups too but make it better by using Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream like I do in this broccoli and cheese soup. Soups will warm you up if it’s a chili game and can also hydrate too!!

• Bacon Quinoa Chili from Love & Zest
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup by Life Made Sweeter
• Broccoli & Cheese Soup by Love & Zest

3. LEAN MEAT. Opt for lean meats like chicken breast, sirloin steaks, turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or go veggie with beans because you will get more protein and less calories and fat. Remember the leanest cuts almost always come from the loin. Grab a “fist size” serving of meat at your meal to keep your body satisfied the whole game so you’re not tempted to grab a snack from the concession stand or extra munchies at the tailgate party.

• Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Peach Sauce by MJ & The Hungryman
• Mexican Veggie Burgers by Peas & Crayons
• Grilled Chicken Avocado Melts by Nutritious Eats
• Caribbean Grilled Citrus Chicken by The Cozy Apron
• Meatball Marinara Sandwiches by Michelle’s Healthy Bites

4. HYDRATION. While many of your might be thinking beer, I’m leaning more towards something light and refreshing like water 🙂 Make a festive cocktail that’s low cal and always have cold water to drink. Pace yourself and know your limits. Drinking too much on game day weekend after weekend is going to do nothing for your health goals.

5. SMALL BITES. When you’re visiting with friends and family small bites work best. Most don’t have a formal sit down tailgate so make finger foods so people can grab and eat while they are watching the game or playing corn hole. These BBQ Chicken Sliders are actually made in the slower cooker which will make your life so much easier.

• Pulled Chicken Avocado Sliders by Love & Zest
• Loaded Guacamole Nachos by Averie Cooks
• Mini Zucchini Pizza Bites by Luscious Eats

6. DIPS. Salsa, hummus, creamy dips are fun party snacks that don’t have to weigh you down. Make your party festive with a Spiced Pumpkin Dip and serve with sliced apples or use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a creamy dip with carrots and broccoli.

• Spiced Pumpkin Pie Dip by Love & Zest
• Fiery Salsa by Love & Zest
• Chia Yogurt Fruit Dip by My Purple Spoon
• Restaurant Style Salsa by Live Well Bake Often
• Skinny Spinach Artichoke Dip by Live Well Bake Often
• Roasted Red Pepper Artichoke Dip by The Law Student’s Wife

7. BE SNEAKY. Get the veggies in anyway you can. Aside from making salads and grilled produce at the tailgate. Add vegetables to your mains and sides by pureeing them and stirring them into a pasta or stuffing your chicken with spinach and onions.

• Pumpkin Mac & Cheese by Love & Zest
• Creamy Bean Ziti Bake by Love & Zest

8. LIGHTENED UP SWEETS & SNACKS. I know that banana pudding is a tried and true staple at the tailgate, but try something new this year by lightening it up. It’s not difficult for people to like sweets so making it healthier can make your football fans feel better, and the good news is they won’t be able to tell the difference with these recipes.

• No Bake Almond Joy Bars by Kara Lydon
• Honey Nut Snack Bars by Healthy Seasonal Recipes
• Dark Chocolate Cherry & Chia Bark by Love & Zest
• Brownie Batter Dip by A Clean Bake
• No Bake Blueberry Custard Pie by fANNEtasticfood
• Dark Chocolate Cherry S’mores by 40 Aprons

9. ACTION. Go for a walk, run or workout BEFORE the game and tailgating begins. Play corn hole or toss the football at the tailgate. The little things like choosing to take action will carry over into the choices you make later in the day! More action = better food choices.

10. EAT BREAKFAST. Start the day off right by eating breakfast. Don’t think you can save up your calories for pre-gaming. The body doesn’t work that way. If you get too hungry your just going to eat MORE than you need and end up storing fat. Get energized with a balanced breakfast even if it’s just a simple smoothie! You’ll be thankful that you did.

• Tropical Green Smoothie by Kara Lydon
• Green Energy Bowl by Love & Zest
• Baked Banana Oatmeal Cups by Eating Bird Food
• Almond Banana & Blueberries Smoothie by Eating Bird Food
• Slow Cooker Cherry Almond Steel Cut Oatmeal by Love & Zest

How do you stay healthy during football season? Do you have any tailgating tips to share??

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