Healthy Tips & Recipes for Tailgating
Are you ready for some Football?!
Football season is here which brings gatherings with family and friends and football tailgating fun!
With this fun comes some challenges. It’s hard for most people to be around a table of food without, you know what I am talking about... grazing. You are picking and eating all day long and before you know it you have eaten two day’s worth of food (which is typically not the healthiest food either).
I’ve put together a list of tips and recipes to enjoy a healthy, great tasting tailgate all football season long.
5 Tips to Staying Healthy at Tailgates
Stay away from the table. It is as simple as that. Don’t stand next to the table the whole time. Stand away from the food so you are less likely to mindlessly pick up food and eat it.
Keep a drink in your hand at all times. This drink should preferably be water. If it contains an adult beverage, try to stick with those that have less carbs and sugar like light beer, spirits and wine.
Limit yourself to one plate.
Bring a back-up. Bring something that you can eat as a back-up in case there are not any good choices available. This could be a protein bar, jerky, nuts, etc.
Bring a healthy choice as your contribution. Bring a dish that is a healthy, delicious, option that you can eat if there are no other good choices available. (Keep reading for a few great recipe ideas!)
Your tailgate doesn’t have to be full of greasy, high calorie snacks. Try one of the below recipes I’ve personally made or check out the ones I found on Pinterest and enjoy guilt free!
Healthy Recipes for Tailgates
Nut Butter Apples
You’ll need:
A bag of your favorite variety of apples
Your choice of nut butter
Organic granola
Slice and arrange your favorite variety of apples on a tray or plate. Melt your favorite organic nut butter (almond butter or peanut butter) in the microwave until melted. Pour the nut butter over the apples and drizzle some organic granola over the top.
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bites
You’ll need:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes (approx. 1 in)
Half Pound of bacon cut into thirds
½-1 cup BBQ sauce
Toothpicks
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Wrap each piece of cubed chicken with a small strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on your baking sheet. Brush BBQ sauce on top. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
Lettuce Chicken Tacos with Avocado
You’ll need:
Head of Boston or butter lettuce
Two avocados
1 pound boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes (approximately 1 inch)
Mexican or poultry seasoning
Your choice of salsa
Wash and separate a head of Boston or butter lettuce. In a small bowl, mash the flesh of two avocados with a fork until creamy and spread this on each piece of lettuce. Add one tablespoon of avocado oil to a skillet on medium heat. Add cubed chicken breast with your favorite Mexican or poultry seasoning sprinkled on top. Sauté while turning frequently to prevent burning for 5-8 minutes or until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the middle. Put the chicken onto the lettuce wraps and top with your favorite salsa.
Black Bean and Sweet Corn Quinoa Salad - This black bean and sweet corn quinoa salad is one of my favorite sides to make for high carb days. Every time I make this even my kids can’t get enough! It’s got a kick to it and can be served cold or warm. I will also use the leftovers and add chopped grilled chicken breast and some shredded lettuce as a chopped salad mix.
Paleo Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara Sauce – A pitch in isn’t complete without some meatballs. These are easily made ahead of time and make great leftovers.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – A spicy side to be paired with Paleo ranch dressing and some celery!
Almond Crusted Baked Zucchini Crisps - These are just as addicting as a bag of potato chips, but are much better for you! They are baked and coated with almond flour instead of fried and covered in breadcrumbs. These baked zucchini crisps taste absolutely delicious.
Taco Soup - Taco soup packs a punch and is one of my go to recipes for a tailgate. Always a crowd pleaser especially on those colder days at the field!
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms - These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms taste just as good as they look! Stuffed with cheese, onion and sausage you get a kick in every bite.
By following these tips and recipes, you’ll be sure to have a healthy and fun football season. Interesting in getting healthy and fit before the Holidays but you don’t know where to start? Check out The Refine YOU Program which will provide you with a customized nutrition plan with workouts to give you the best bang for your effort and a jump start to a healthy lifestyle. Interested in getting more healthy living tips, exercises and recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here for more information.