Enjoy the Game Day Treats without the Guilt
Fall brings cooler weather, changes in the color of leaves and of course, football!
With the football season also comes tailgates and watch parties all filled with our favorite game day snacks. Some of those snacks are good for our palate but not always good for our bodies. But the good news is that we don’t have to give up the flavor or fun of football eats as with a little creativity, those snacks can be nourishing and satisfying.
Simple Game Day Swaps
Making small tweaks to our favorite game day classics can offer the flavor without the guilt. Take a look a few simple changes.
Meats
No watch party or game day experience is complete without the star of the show – meat! Rather it is chicken, turkey, or beef, being mindful of the choice and preparation method helps to make a healthier choice. Choose extra-lean meats or skinless meats to reduce the amount of saturated fats. Minimize processed meats such as bacon, ham and hot dogs while adding fish – salmon, tuna, or cod – to the menu. For cooking techniques, consider using the air fryer or baking to make traditional wings.
Sides
What goes better with burgers than fries? Fries and chips are typically main accompaniments but also building your plate with color such as carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, grapes and melons can also help build a nutritious plate. Other sides such as baked beans and veggie skewers are also great additions.
Drinks
Coolers are often stocked with an array of beverages from sodas, beer, wine and other spirits. Choosing the best option may be hard at times but focusing on a low-calorie beer, champagne and opting out of sugar laden mixers for your drinks will help decrease calorie and added sugar intake. When choosing a non-alcoholic beverage, reach for water, 1000% juice or seltzers.
Be Mindful
Keeping track of how much you eat and when you eat is also important. Watch parties and tailgates are usually set up to allow guests to graze throughout the entirety of the game. This can lead to missed safety or fullness cues. Instead of mindfully grazing, set a time when you will revisit the buffet or food section. One great tip is to revisit your hunger at the end of each quarter to allow the body and mind time to process hunger.
Ideas for Game Day Snacks
- Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus – Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus | Ambitious Kitchen
- Greek Salad Pinwheels – Easy Greek Salad Pinwheels (vegetarian) | Ambitious Kitchen
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers – Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings – Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings
Reference –
American Heart Association
– Dana Gardner, Registered Dietitian, MS, LD/N
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