Healthier Tailgating for Everyone!
By Donna Stark
Football season is in full swing now and whether you have already participated in some tailgating activities or are looking forward to some in the coming weeks, you know that food plays a huge part in the fun. Tables are filled with sweet temptations, grills are overflowing with burgers and brats, and those coolers filling up all the leftover space around the car? Well, they are packed full of everybody's favorite drinks. But if you are at all concerned about your diet and health, you need to be prepared for what you are about to face. Simply put, you need a healthy game plan.
Tailgating Made Healthy
Don't let too many of those burgers, snack foods, and adult beverages sack all of the gains you have made with your diet. Instead, take a timeout from those unhealthy choices and create a play-by-play strategy that will keep you ahead of everyone else. Here are some suggestions.
- Sneak in some vegetables - Kabobs are a great way to sneak a few extra vegetables into your meal and can really be quite a healthy choice if made with chicken or salmon! Just alternate your choice of meat with cubes of peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy. You can also add a bit of sweetness by adding pineapples to the mix too!
- Choose the right form of potatoes - In place of those bags of chips that are generally very high in fat and calories and offer little to no nutrition, offer to bring some baked potatoes instead! Rub some olive oil on the potatoes, wrap in foil, and place them straight on the grill when you get there. Just don't forget your healthy toppings, such as plain Greek yogurt, sauteed spinach, and low-fat shredded cheese.
- Select healthier snacks - Sure, you can't have a tailgate without some snacks, but you also don't have to choose the "normal" snacks if you don't want to. Try experimenting with some healthier choices, such as plain popcorn, raw vegetables and hummus, homemade guacamole, and a fresh fruit salad.
- Choose water - Skip the sugary drinks and limit the adult beverages by choosing to drink water instead. And if you are worried about missing out of flavor, just add some by infusing a variety of fruit and vegetables to your water before you head out.
It's Still All About Fun
Remember, just because you don't want to go overboard, doesn't mean you can't have fun. So go ahead ... relax, play some Cornhole, and indulge in that football-shaped brownie. Just be intentional with everything else!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.