Tips for Healthier Tailgating
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Are you ready for some football but don’t want the extra calories or additives from foods that often go along with tailgating? Baptist Health Care offers these better-for-you coaching tips to score a healthier you, even during football season.
Time Out
- If you know you are going to splurge for an event, eat light the rest of the day in preparation.
- Have a small snack that contains protein and fiber prior to the festivities. It will help fill you up and reduce your likelihood of overeating later.
- Eat from a plate. Do not continually graze.
- Be cautious of beverages. The calories in alcoholic beverages and sugar sweetened drinks are empty calories that add up fast. Also, alcohol tends to lead to increased hunger.
Safety
- Bring hand sanitizer in case a sink and soap are not available.
- Be mindful when packing a cooler. The fuller the cooler, the better, A full cooler with help keep food cold.
- Do not leave foods unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
- Keep coolers out of the sun.
- If packing raw meat to grill, double bag it and place in the bottom of the cooler to avoid cross-contamination.
- Throw away perishable foods.
Touchdown
Score with guests by offering healthy food options like:
- Chili
- Baked chicken wings
- Sweet potato wedges
- Meat and cheese tray
- Fresh fruit salad or fruit kabobs
- Veggies with Greek yogurt based dip
- Sandwich wraps cut into bite size pieces
- Pita bread and hummus
Let these football gathering suggestions keep your waistline trimmer during this tailgating season.