Tailgating nutrition, Pearl? Really? Yes, really. Tailgates are typically dietary disasters but eating real food while you’re getting ready to cheer on your favorite team is actually super easy. Before I tell you how to do it I must give you some updates…
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Hokay! Now, lettuce turnip the beet…
(#dietitianjokes)
What REAL FOOD can you eat at a tailgate?
Chopped Veggies- This one is a no-brainer and super easy to slice up the night before. Try broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, green beans, and snap peas (fun nutrition fact- technically, cucumbers and tomatoes are fruits).
Dip- You want dip for your veggies? I gotchu. Hummus is my go-to, try this recipe. This real food ranch recipe might be worth the try or better yet get your hands on some raw buttermilk and sour cream and make this dressing yourself. Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip more your jam? Ya welcome. I even have a Spinach Artichoke Dip for you! 🙂
Fruit- Easy, portable, no heating, cooling, or slicing required- Apples, oranges, bananas, pears, berries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, cranberries, figs, and grapes. OR make a fruit salad the night before so you only have to go from the cooler to your plate.
On the Grill- What is a tailgate without grilled meat?! Not worth going to, obviously. Tailgating is no time to compromise on meat quality, especially when it might be one of the few times you get to enjoy something grilled during the winter. What is good meat quality? We talked about it here, go check it out. And don’t forget about grilled fruits and veggies! Peppers, onions, zucchini, asparagus, eggplant, green beans, tomatoes, watermelon peaches, pineapple, apples, cantaloupe, and even bananas can do the trick. TheseSassy Steak Kabobs have it all.
Snacks- I can hear you now. “But Pearl, I just want mac salad and chips!” NO! Go lay down with that nonsense, you know you don’t want wheat and vegetable oils inflaming your body. Try these jicama chips or substitute potatoes for the jicama if you’d prefer. Potato salad is another tailgate favorite you can easily make a version without gross ingredients. Try one of these: Classic Potato Salad or Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad, yum! What else can you do? The Sassy Dietitian’s Bacon and Egg Muffin Cups are easy to make and refrigerate and taste delicious cold. Sliced raw cheese, nuts, and bacon wrapped dates are all tasty, real foods that will keep you satisfied on game day.
In the Crock Pot- This requires you have a way to plug the crock pot in but if you can do it I’ve got the recipes for you-
Pineapple Pulled Pork with Sassy BBQ Sauce
Pot Roast
Real Food White Chicken Chili
andddd of course, my Perfect Tailgating Chili
Thoughts? What do you do while you’re tailgating?