A Healthier Way to Tailgate

There's a slight chill in the air, the leaves are starting to change colors, the kids are back in school — it's beginning to feel like fall. And with the change of the season comes some of our favorite autumn traditions, like apple picking, carving pumpkins, corn mazes, and of course, tailgating.

Football season is in full swing, and so are the potlucks and fantasy football parties. A tailgate party is the perfect time to celebrate and enjoy delicious food with friends while cheering on your favorite team.

Because foods like chips and dips, burgers, cupcakes, and fried chicken tend to dominate the menus, it can be hard to find more nutritious options on game day. Although there’s nothing wrong with these foods, some people might want to bring a healthier option to the party.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options for delicious and healthy tailgate-friendly foods that will hit the spot and keep you and your friends fueled throughout the big game.

Healthy tailgate-friendly food options

If you’re heading to a big party, you’ll want to bring along a dish that can feed a crowd. Here are some quick and easy ideas you can whip up before kickoff:

—Baked wings

—Grilled shrimp

—Popcorn

—Veggies and dip

—Fruit kabobs

—Grilled chicken and veggie skewers

—Wraps

—Deviled eggs

—Buffalo chicken meatballs

—Stuffed mushrooms

—White chicken chili

—Stuffed pepper casserole

—Lemon bars

—Fruit and cheese boards

Ways to get moving at a tailgating party

Aside from snacking on some lighter options at your tailgate, you can also make healthier choices by getting in some extra movement throughout the day. It'll help you burn some calories, while keeping you from mindlessly grazing from the food table.

—Play a few rounds of corn hole.

—Play the ladder game.

—Toss a frisbee or a football back and forth.

—Play giant Jenga, checkers, Connect Four, etc.

—If you're watching the game in person, park farther from the stadium to get some extra steps in.

—If you're tailgating at home or at a friend's house, take it outside and warm up like the pros. Set up an obstacle course for you and your friends to navigate while carrying the ball.

We hope these tailgating food options and exercise ideas will help you form healthier habits this football season. At OnSite Wellness LLC, health and wellness is our specialty.

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