By: Mary Alice Shreve Date: 9/3/10
It was fun, Summer. Welcome back, Fall! Cue new school years, changing leaves, shorter days, and, the great American pastime, football!
Perhaps one of the main attractions of football season- beyond the game itself- is the food. From lavish celebrations held by a big-screen TV to Vienna sausages on a mini-grill, “tailgate parties” reign. With all the hoopla, it’s easy to get off your game, so to speak, with your normal eating routine. Whether you wake up early to stake out your tailgating spot or plan to enjoy the game from the comfort of your couch, these tips will make for an enjoyable, healthful feast…win or lose.
Chips and Dips
The chef - Guacamole and salsa are great alternatives to your typical cheesy or mayo-laden dip. The avocado in guacamole offers healthy monounsaturated fat as well as potassium. Salsa, especially when made fresh, is very low in calories and is of course chock full of veggies! Try serving baked instead of fried chips. Popcorn, a whole grain, is also a refreshing addition to the 
snacking table. Add some peanuts or other nuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate to lightly salted popcorn for a trail mix loaded with antioxidants.
The eater - Think twice before reaching for that handful of chips—are you actually craving chips or are they just easy access? Spooning dip onto your plate will help in reducing the amount you eat (and will eliminate concern over others double dipping!), as well.
Meat
The chef - For a different, and leaner, take on the usual wings and BBQ, try grilling fish, chicken skewers or veggie kebabs. Hamburgers a must for your crew? Have a “sliders bar” complete with veggies for topping the baby burgers. And don’t forget the fiber-rich whole-wheat buns!
The eater - Sliders make it easy to get your meat fix without overdoing it on the calories. Be careful not to defeat their purpose by consuming too many of them, though!
Desserts
The chef - What’s a tailgate without some homemade brownies? When portioning your dessert bars, aim for sizes that someone could eat in a few bites rather than blocks fit more for a crowd. Rice Krispy treats are a lower calorie dessert and are super easy to make. Angel food cake, often available ready-made at grocery stores, is made from egg whites and so has fewer calories and saturated fat than most cakes. Top it with some berries for added fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
The eater - Tailgates are famous for desserts galore. Can’t decide which to choose? Try a tiny “sampling” of each—a quarter of cookie, a sliver of pie, a bite of brownie. Though only small portions, you will still feel satisfied from tasting so many different sweets.
Drinks
The chef - Offer plenty of “lighter calorie” beverage options such as diet soda, light beer, and water.
The eater - Water, water, water! Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also make you feel fuller longer.
Dinnerware
The chef - Providing small plates will encourage your company to consume less food than they would if using larger ones (and will save you a grocery store run!).
The eater - Instead of “grazing” around the food table, use a plate to help with portion control.
Most importantly, don’t let yourself get bogged down in making food choices. While tailgating certainly comes with its nutritional challenges, it is first and foremost a celebration of family and friends and their love over a sport. You can always cut back on your intake later or get a little extra exercise should you get hors d’ oeuvre-happy!
What healthful options do you include for your tailgating party?