With tailgaters standing outside my dorm room window, I know what time of the year it is. It’s football season! That means it’s time to bring out our favorite robust fall flavors. And when it comes to game day food, I turn into that scruffy guy with a giant cheeseburger and a full plate of nachos. As much as I love it, I know if I eat that way every weekend until January the pounds will start piling on. So this is for the ladies who love game day food, but also love to take care of their bodies.
Eat This, Not That: Game Day Edition.
Try these stuffed Jalapenos from the Realistic Nutritionist
Trade in the fatty beef. We use ground beef for chili, meatballs, and hamburgers, but an average cheeseburger has 26 grams of fat. For an easy fix, double the amount of beans and half the amount of beef in chili. Beans are fiber filled, which makes you feel fuller, and halving the beef means less fat content. Get bonus points by using a leaner beef or ground turkey!
Try grilling these Spanish Pork Burgers. This recipe is not only a surprise to your palate (my boyfriend even loves it!), but the giant burger is made using whole grain buns and lean pork to bring it in at 364 calories and 16 grams of fat. To save time make the Saffron mayo ahead of time, and use pre-diced onions and peppers.
Satisfy your belly -and mind. When you are grabbing foods straight off the tray as a “snack”, you end up eating a 3 course meal by mid-day. Eat off a plate to hold yourself accountable. It is even more satisfying because it looks like an actual meal.
If you want to try a little bit of everything, split the large portions with friends. Get bonus points by making “sliders” or minis, they not only allow you to eat more of the other foods but they are also super trendy and adorable! To save time and calories, buy a premade pizza like Amy’s Organic cheese-less pizza and cut it into 2 to 3 inch squares to serve.
Try this recipe for Greek pitas
Pita –the coolest invention since sliced bread. Whole grain pita bread, when cut in half to make it a “pocket”, has fewer calories and more whole ingredients than traditional white bread. Plus, I personally think a pita pocket is easier to eat than a sandwich. Bonus points: Trade in the Bratwurst sandwich for Beer Can Chicken pitas. Toast the pita bread. Then load it up with the chicken and grilled onions and peppers. If you don’t have a grill for the chicken, the oven works just as well or try crock pot pulled chicken.
Greek yogurt does the trick. Get the flavor of your favorite dips, sauces, and even deviled eggs with Greek yogurt. By substituting any mayo, cheese, or sour cream for Greek yogurt, you not only cut out most of the fat, but you add extra protein too! Make an easy Guac dip by mixing 1 medium avocado, 1 T lime juice, 4 T salsa, 1 T 2% fat Greek yogurt. Bonus points: Marinate any meat or veggies in seasonings and Greek yogurt. It cuts out the fat from oils without losing the moisture and flavor of the dish.
Do you have any healthy game day recipes? Let us know in the comments section!
Have a great time during “tailgating season”, and watch some football too.