7 Creative Ideas for Nutritious Tailgate Snacks

As fall rolls around, it’s time to dig out the sweaters, fire up the leaf blowers, and get the snow shovels ready – which isn’t exactly thrilling. For many of us, it also means gearing up for tailgating. Just thinking about tailgating at my old college makes me buzz with excitement, like a kid in a candy store. I can’t stop talking about it, which usually annoys my better half (sorry, honey!).

From NFL games to college football, tailgating is synonymous with munching on loads of calories every weekend – we’ve all been there. Tailgating is about cheering for your team and having fun with friends. And let’s be honest, who wants to just sip water and munch on carrots during that?

You don’t need to avoid all indulgences (beer is practically a tailgate staple, after all), but here are some tips to avoid feeling overstuffed while rooting for your team!

Most tailgate foods seem to come fried – chicken, mushrooms, even Snickers bars. While tasty, fried foods aren’t exactly the healthiest choice, especially when it comes to fat intake. Instead, try grilling or barbecuing your food. It’s a healthier option that still tastes fantastic.

Besides the beer (which we won’t delve into here), staying hydrated with good old water is essential. Being well-hydrated makes you feel fuller and benefits nearly every bodily function, especially during those hot fall days. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water to stay hydrated and beat the heat.

A key part of any good tailgate is the snack mix – be it Chex mix, puppy chow, or something else, it’s usually irresistible and filled with sodium and extra calories. To avoid mindlessly munching on these, try grabbing some fruit or veggie kabobs between meals. These snacks fill you up with fewer calories and are a healthier alternative to breaded finger foods.

Tailgates are notorious for their abundance of finger foods. While delicious, nonstop nibbling from morning to game time can lead to overeating. Make a conscious effort to sit down and eat full meals, which can help curb unnecessary snacking and keep you satisfied.

Personally, I eat like it’s my last meal, even if I’m not that hungry. This habit can cause overeating because it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you’re full. Eating slowly can help prevent that bloated, uncomfortable feeling. Next time you eat, try chewing longer, taking breaks, or standing up halfway through to give your body a chance to catch up.

I won’t tell you to cut out the drinks entirely at your tailgate, but if you’re serious about managing your weight, it’s something to think about. Alcohol is packed with empty calories, and on a long, hot Saturday starting early, those calories can add up quickly.

Fall is the perfect season for tailgating, like Christmas every weekend for football fans. It’s all about having fun and making smart food choices.

To keep your diet on track while enjoying tailgates, remember these easy tips. Chew slowly, avoid constant snacking, and be mindful of your drinking. Even with all the festivities, you can still stick to your nutrition plan and avoid the dreaded belly bulge. Enjoy the game and have a great tailgate season!