Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just there for the food, tailgating is a time to gather with friends and enjoy great food. Whether your version of tailgating involves a literal tailgate or it's just a time for you to gather in the cool weather to watch the game and share a meal, you CAN lose weight WHILE appreciating the delicious flavors of fall.
Traditional tailgating fare often leans towards processed foods high in saturated fats and excess calories that can derail your healthy eating goals. But with these healthy tailgating recipes, you can indulge in delicious food without the guilt.
Healthy Tailgating Recipes: A Fresh Take on Traditional Favorites
1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
One of the easiest and most popular healthy tailgating recipes is grilled chicken skewers. They are low in fat, high in protein, and incredibly tasty. Marinate chunks of chicken breast overnight. I like to use olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, and lemon juice, but you can get creative and opt for Middle Eastern or Mexican spices.
The next day, thread them onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions before grilling them to perfection.
2. Homemade Turkey Chili
Nothing feels like football season, like a bowl of hot chili. Opt for a more macro-friendly recipe supplementing ground turkey with ground beef.
This particular healthy tailgate recipe also makes it easy to include a wide variety of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Top it off with fresh salsa, avocado slices, and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
3. Greek Yogurt Dip
Swap out ultra-processed dips with ingredients you can't name for this healthier alternative – Greek yogurt dip! It's creamy and flavorful but has more protein than traditional dips. It also means no extra vegetable oils or seed oils that can cause further weight gain and inflammation.
Mix plain Greek yogurt with some garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create this delicious dip that pairs perfectly with fresh veggies, fresh sourdough bread, or whole-grain crackers.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
Instead of regular fries loaded with unhealthy fats, try making sweet potato fries for your next tailgate. Sweet potatoes are complex carbs that are high in fiber and vitamin A, and when baked, they make a delicious and healthy snack.
Slice the sweet potatoes into thin strips or cut them into cubes. Then, toss them with olive oil and your preferred spices (or simply salt and pepper!) and bake until crispy. You can also put them in the air fryer!
Dip them in the above Greek yogurt dip for an extra kick!
Healthy Tailgating Recipes: Desserts
1. Baked Fruit with Heavy Cream
For a warm, comforting dessert that satisfies that sweet craving after dinner, try baked fruit. Apples and pears are the most popular, but feel free to experiment. Top with granola and a little heavy cream to add more texture and flavor.
2. Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Tailgating is all about yummy snacks. If you're craving something sweet and crunchy, dark chocolate-covered almonds are the way to go. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and satisfies your sweet tooth, while almonds provide healthy fats and protein.
Here's one recipe for dark chocolate-covered almonds. I recommend making them yourself so you can avoid unnecessary ingredients.
Healthy Tailgating Drink Recipes
Mocktails
Alcohol is often high in calories and also slows down the body's detoxification process. So, if you're trying to lose weight, it may be a good idea to cut it from your diet may be helpful. But it is also often part of tailgating culture.
If you want to enjoy a fun drink on game day, try out some of these delicious mocktails:
Better Alcoholic Drink Options for Weight Loss
Losing weight doesn't mean you can't celebrate once in a while with your favorite adult beverages. But not all are created equal, and some are much higher in calories than others. Here are my recommendations if you decide to drink alcohol on game day.
Hard Seltzer
Light Beer
Light Liquor
Mixing with Low-Calorie Mixers or Soda Water With a Splash of Fruit Juice
Hot Drinks
If the cooler weather has you craving hot butter rum or mulled wine, opt for a spiced, hot apple cider or add cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices to your favorite spiced tea. Or try out this nourishing cup of high-protein hot cocoa!
I know I love a hot cup of coffee in the fall. Find out the healthiest way to enjoy it in my post Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Can You Put Heavy Cream in Coffee?
Enjoy Tailgating the Healthy Way
Tailgating doesn't have to mean throwing your healthy eating habits out the window. With these healthy tailgating recipes, you can enjoy delicious food that aligns with your health goals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Remember, you don't have to cut out the food you love! It's all about enjoying it in moderation. Game day is also a great opportunity to stay active by throwing around a football or taking a walk around the stadium before the game starts.
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