What’s a football game without tailgating? Tailgating takes the fun of the game and makes it even more F-U-N! There is nothing much better than hanging with friends and family while eating, drinking and being merry regardless of whether your football team is winning or not…now that is the spirit! Especially since according to NFL VP-Consumer Products Tracey Bleczinski, 44% of the NFL fan base is now women!
Tailgating is not just for football anymore, it has spread to other sporting events like baseball, soccer… and even into the home. “Homegating” is similar to a super bowl party, ya just don’t have to wait ’til the end of the season to celebrate. If you find yourself hosting and need some supplies, you will find some interesting ideas here, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/01/nfl-homegating-essentials-_n_2224060.html.
Whether tailgating or homegating, the party experience does not have to be a complete foul on your health or waist. For those who have health concerns (like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or insulin resistance) having an all-or-nothing mind-set, like, “I can’t eat this or can’t drink that” or “What the hell, it’s a party, I’m gonna eat whatever and deal in the morning,” is not a winning attitude.
Find a balance. Eat, drink and be healthy!
PARTY TIPS
If, or should I say when, you drink alcohol (similar to sugar/carbs) or indulge in party fare, keep these tips in mind.
- Do not load up on the carbs, like chips, heros and hot dog buns.
- Drink low carb beer or hard liquor (vodka, rum, gin) with a sugar-free mix (sugar-free lemonade, diet soda…).
- Save up by cutting down on extra food and drinks during the week.
- Stay away from seconds, one helping is enough.
- Do not go to a party hungry, I guarantee a disaster. Eat healthy foods before you get to the party and limit what you eat once you get there.
Also, see “Better options” below and you may find these sites to be helpful: Carb counts for alcohol: lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/alcbev.html, and, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/tailgating-foods-super-bowl-low-carbs-2181.html for low carb tailgating food options.
Better options to eat while “gating” at home or the game
Munchies
crudités with deviled eggs, chicken or tuna salad
pigs no blanket
marinated mushrooms
low carb Swedish meatballs
mozzarella basil and tomato skewers
cold cut cigars: any cold cut, rolled up with lettuce and cheese
Real Meal
low carb cole slaw
salad
grilled vegetables
turkey legs
grilling meat (hot dog, burger, shrimp, fish or chicken)
BBQ wings (not fried)
lunch meat and cheese cigars (ham turkey roast beef cheese roll-ups)
bratwurst
sausage and peppers
Add on’s
guacamole
salsa
mustard
mayo
Need an interesting dip? Try these recipes, http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/cold-crab-dip-recipe.html.
Don’t forget the other game, activities are an important part of any “gating ” party.
Make sure there is an activity to participate in so that there is a focus on something else aside from just indulging and sitting on the couch. Between quarters get up and move.
magnetic darts
ring toss
Bocce ball
horse shoe
ladder toss
Whether you tailgate or homegate enjoy the event while making good food choices. Do not toss in the towel for a party. Be smart. While you do not have much control of the final game score, the BIG “health” score is yours. Fire up the grill and let the party begin. Relax, balance your goals and enjoy the game.
