Fall means football! Who doesn’t love a fun tailgate party? There’s friends, fellowship, and lots (and lots) of tasty food to munch on! Fried chicken, BBQ ribs, brats, and burgers top the typical menu. But does the pre-game tailgate have to mean post-game weight gain? Not this year! Let’s make game day a win with these healthy tailgating tips.
Warm Up
Plan to get in a workout before you head out to the game day festivities. Just a 15-minute, high intensity exercise session will boost your resting metabolic rate, which can lead to an “afterburn effect” that results in burning more calories for hours after your workout is finished. You will feel gratified and more energetic all day having prioritized your health first.
Fuel Up
Eat a light, healthy meal before you go. That way you won’t be as tempted to indulge in desserts or overeat on the high-calorie, saturated fat-laden foods offered at the game. Try eating some slow-digesting, high fiber oatmeal, fruit, vegetables or nuts at home so you can have better appetite control when you arrive. Furthermore, an attitude of skipping meals in order to “save up calories” for the big meal can backfire, because low blood sugar results in big sugar cravings, poor energy level, and missed opportunities to nourish your body with healthy foods.
Pack Up
Plan ahead, and bring something healthy to share at the party. Healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Try a delicious Crock Pot Bean Chili, fresh sliced watermelon, vegetable and chicken kabobs for the grill, a colorful veggie tray, a seasonal fruit salad, or this easy Black Bean Mango Salad. Need a dessert idea? Try these naturally sweet, nutrient-dense Date Nut Balls. Making sure healthy options are available is the key to sticking with your health goals while not forgoing the social events you enjoy.
Drink Up
Skip the alcohol and soda pop, and go for water. The extra calories that people pack in through beverages can be very substantial and lead to unwanted weight gain. In addition, alcohol is not only high in calories, but it is also dehydrating and lessens our sense of control when it comes to eating as well. Water is the best thing for good hydration and sustained energy, which is essential when you are out in the hot sun all day! Sparkling water or water infused with fresh fruit is another great option.
Stand Up
Don’t let the cheerleaders do all the jumping; stand up and cheer your team on to victory! Not only do you burn fewer calories when you are sitting, but sitting for long periods of time is also linked to back pain, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and weight gain.
Fun Fact: Texas A&M University students actually have a long-standing (no pun intended) tradition of standing up for the entire game to show their willingness to enter the game and assist the team if called upon!
These five tips are sure to be a winning game plan for your health this season. What healthy tailgating foods do you plan to bring to the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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