7 Savvy Strategies for Nutritious Tailgate Fare

As fall approaches, we’re starting to dig out our sweaters, leaf blowers, and even prepping the snow shovels. Honestly, it sounds pretty rough. But for many of us, it also means gearing up for tailgating season. Going back to my old college to tailgate feels like being a kid in a candy store—exciting, nerve-wracking, and I can’t stop talking about it, which usually annoys my partner (sorry about that, honey)!

Whether it’s NFL games or college football, tailgating season can mean consuming a crazy number of calories every weekend. We’ve all been there. Tailgating is all about showing support for your team and having a great time with friends. Who wants to just sip water and munch on carrots while doing that? You don’t have to avoid all the fun foods (beer and tailgates are like peas and carrots—they belong together), but here are some tips to keep you from overindulging.

Most of the food at tailgates is fried—chicken, mushrooms, even Snickers bars (trust me, it’s a thing). While delicious, they’re not the best for you in terms of fat intake. Instead, fire up the grill and BBQ most of your food to save on calories and fat. Plus, it tastes amazing!

Besides avoiding too many beers (we won’t dive into that here), staying hydrated with plenty of water is crucial. Hydration is important every day but even more so during tailgating. Being well-hydrated can help you feel fuller, improve digestion, fight fatigue, and even enhance your complexion. On those hot fall days, aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water to stay hydrated and beat the heat.

One of the staples of a good tailgate is snack mix. From Chex mix to puppy chow, it’s all delicious but packed with sodium and unnecessary calories. And once you start, it’s hard to stop! If you need a snack between meals and want to avoid breaded foods, try fruits or veggies. They’re great for keeping you full with fewer calories.

Tailgates are filled with tasty finger foods, but snacking from morning till game time can lead to overeating. Make sure to sit down and eat full meals to keep unnecessary snacking in check. This helps you stick to your regular meal schedule instead of turning the day into one long meal!

Whenever you eat, give your body time to register fullness. It takes about 20 minutes for your mind to catch up with your stomach. Eating too quickly can lead to that uncomfortably full feeling where you need to loosen your belt. So, at your next tailgate, chew longer, take your time, and maybe take a break during your meal to see if you’re really still hungry.

Though I’m definitely not going to tell you to avoid drinking at your tailgate, be mindful if you’re trying to watch your weight. Alcohol is full of empty calories that can add up quickly on a long Saturday that starts early.

Fall is the perfect season for tailgating, offering football fans a festive spirit every weekend. It’s all about having fun while being smart about your food choices. By making small changes, like chewing longer or avoiding excessive drinking, you can enjoy your tailgate without derailing your nutrition plan. So, next time you’re out with your friends, keep these tips in mind to stay on track and avoid that belly bulge! Game on!