It’s football season and not only does that mean the return of one of America’s most beloved sports, but also the return of tailgating and game day gatherings. In the true spirit of the season, there is sure to be great food and libations. An avid football fan can consume 1,200 calories or more during the span of just one three hour game. Football season can cause all efforts of maintaining portion sizes and making healthier food choices very taxing.
Don’t sacrifice hard work for the sake of game day, instead follow these helpful tips for preparing nutritious snacks and meals.
- Meats: Choose lean chicken breasts, steak, fish or pork. Stay away from meats with skin, such as leg quarters. Lean meats are lower in fat content and are a great source of protein. In order to boost the flavor of the meats, try to marinate them over night (teriyaki sauce, lemon pepper, thousand island salad dressing).
- Sides: Opt to create a marinated fresh vegetable salad instead of potato salad. Fresh veggies are easier to store and healthier. Grill vegetables like yellow squash, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions on a shish kebab. This will help keep calories low, but tasty. Another neat twist is grilling is to grill fresh fruits like melon.
- Desserts: Chilled fresh fruit is always an option in the early months of football season. However, as the temperatures drop, hot chocolate with light whip cream and marshmallow is a great dessert choice. Old fashion Jell-O made with a little flavored liqueur will make game day quite festive.
- Beverages: Ultra light or light beer and chilled white wine sangria are options that are low in calories and great on taste. Women can have on one glass of wine while men can have up to two glasses.
These few tips can help keep the pounds at bay while not sacrificing taste or presentation. For more recipes visit: Eatingwell.com, foodnetwork.com or weightwatchers.com. Remember, it may be tailgating season, but gaining an extra tail is not an option!
Written by Monica Hughey
