A few of my friends are planning to tailgate at an upcoming LSU game (Go Tigers!)…. Just like old times… except the girls decided we needed to step up our tailgate game! As my friend Lori said, “We need to class things up!” The boys seemed fine with the tailgate fare of our college days that mostly included grilled meats and beer… but I couldn’t agree with the girls more. With a little effort, we can make a healthier tailgate.
(Cory and I at a LSU Tailgate a couple years ago!)
Here are some tips for a healthier tailgate-
-Switch to baked chips instead of regular chips
-Use salsa instead of a high fat dip
-Bring fruit and/or veggie trays with low fat dip
-Choose the leanest cuts of meats and poultry for the grill (burgers using extra lean ground meat and/or chicken breast)
-Throw some vegetables on the grill (asparagus with a little olive oil and salt & pepper has been a huge hit at the last few BBQs I’ve gone to!)
-Bring whole wheat hamburger buns as an option
-Bring water!!!
Hope these tips help you plan healthier tailgates during this football season 
aw yeah I made the blog! We need to chat tomorrow about this tailgate =)
i would add alcohol options to the list…let’s be real, tailgating in the south is about food and ALCOHOL…how about drinking low cal/low carb beer?
check out this site for beer calorie content
http://www.beertutor.com/beers/index.php?t=lowest_cal
and here’s another couple of hints:
10 Beers Under 100 Calories
Beck’s Premier Lite: 64 calories
Miller Genuine Draft 64: 64 calories
Carolina Lighthouse: 80 calories
Amstel Light: 95 calories
Michelob Ultra: 95 calories
Natural Light: 95 calories
Miller Lite: 96 calories
Molson Ultra: 97 calories
Milwaukee’s Best Light: 98 calories
Budweiser Select: 99 calories
Bonus: Some other beers just under 100 calories include Corona Light, Heineken Premium Light, Coors Light, Heineken Light, and Fosters Light
Kasey taught me this in college and it has saved me about 50 lbs I’m sure (I swear it works):
For the liquor drinkers, skip fruity mixers filled with sugar and instead mix drinks with water/splash of lime or crystal light….or stick to non-flavored liquors (like apple vodka, etc.), since they also have more sugar…
Love these ideas, and they wouldn’t ruin it for the boys!
Yes, lots of the light beers are just around 100 calories (thanks for the list Claud)… and if you are drinking liquor, I recommend mixing with calorie-free mixers such as water or soda water (tonic water has added sugar/calories). It is also a good strategy to rotate a glass of water in between your alcoholic beverages… and of course, try to drink in moderation.