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Football season is in high gear, which means pre-game tailgating and football parties. But eating healthy on game-day doesn’t have to mean raw veggie platters.  Here’s our 5 essentials for those who want to join in all the game-day celebrations without wrecking your wellness – consider this your “Eat Fit” Tailgate Toolkit.

 

 

Chicken Sausage – GF, Low Sat Fat, Low Carb

  • Easily 50% fewer calories and 75% less saturated fat than traditional pork sausage
  • Available in a variety of flavors; stores include Whole Foods, Rouses, Costco, Walmart
  • Pre-cooked, just heat on grill

 

 

Chicken Tenders – POPEYES | Blackened Tenders 

  • Non-battered, non-breaded Popeyes’ chicken tenders, made with Popeyes’ blackening  seasoning.
  • Per 3 pieces: 170 calories, 0 sat fat, 550 mg sodium, 2 grams carb, 0 fiber, 0 sugar, 26 grams protein
  • Ounce for ounce, nearly identical nutrition stats as grilled skinless chicken breast; main drawback is sodium.
  • Tip: For tailgate orders or orders larger than a dozen tenders, call ahead to let store location know order size + pickup time

 

 

Greek Yogurt

  • Fage 2% Plain is my preference for taste + texture when using it as an ingredient swap
  • Use plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo or sour cream for creamy dips – chicken salad – even mix with hummus or guacamole to cut calories + add protein

 

 

Good-for-you dippers that also squeeze in a dose of veggies

  • Jicama Sticks
  • Red, Yellow, Red Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini + Squash
  • Apple slices – perfect for creamy dips & chicken salad-style dips

 

 

Chilled Pasta Salads – made with protein-rich pasta like Banza Chickpea Pasta or Yellow Lentil Pasta

  • Replace white pasta (e.g. spirals, elbows, penne) with protein- and fiber-rich pasta for a dish that can pull double-duty as a side dish or even a protein-rich entrée.

 

 

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