It's official, summer vacation is over, the kids have settled back in school, and our many reasons to have a BBQ or picnic are being intercepted upon. However, have no fear, for not everything fun is coming to an end! One of the most exciting post-summer moments is about to make its way into our households: football season. While we make way for the many kickoffs, touchdowns, and possible incompletions from our favorite teams, we also make way for some of our favorite tailgate dishes. That being said, for many football fans out there, this season is defined by the indulgence of anything and everything meaty, greasy, cheesy, massive, and mighty--and loaded up with calories, because really, football season comes but once a year! But I'm here to remind you that tailgating fare doesn't need to be massive nor high in calories, instead, they can be loaded up with creativity and driven with nutrition! Today, I am here to help you kickoff the football season with tips fueled with strength, might, and force!
Here are my favorite tips for having the best game time:
Offensive Line: Make it a habit to incorporate powerful nutrients whenever possible. For your next tailgate dip, try this combination of omega-3-rich tuna paired with vitamin and mineral-rich avocados. The heat from the jalapeños and the flavor from the cilantro and lemon juice make it a perfect combination. I love that there's fish in this dip because it's not only great for your heart and brain, but it also helps satisfy the Dietary Guidelines' recommendation to eat at least two seafood meals a week. And, a recent study published in the Nutrition Journal found that canned or pouch tuna is the most affordable way to get the benefits of seafood.
Spicy Tuna and Avocado Dip
(Recipe courtesy of GetRealAboutSeafood.com)
Ingredients
Avocado
1 can or pouch tuna
Lemon juice
Diced jalapeno
Cilantro
Directions
Canned or pouch tuna can be mixed with all kinds of pantry and refrigerator staples and used as a dip. Simply mix this combination of ingredients to make your own version of tuna with a twist. Feel free to replace suggested ingredients with others that are close at hand or in season.
•Defensive Line: Serve mini appetizers. Football season calls for variety, and since we love to serve a number of appetizers during the games, and people usually take one of each, why not make them mini size so they don't overdo the appetizers?
•Linebackers: Shift some of the red meat to incorporate more vegetables, fruits, grains and leaner proteins in your fan-favorite dishes. Why not make your favorite chili with ½ the regular amount of lean beef and ½ chopped mushrooms? Or prepare turkey sliders with ground turkey breast, tomato slices and avocado on whole-wheat buns? Your guests will be asking you to cater their next tailgate!
•Backs and Receivers: Be mindful of the drinks you serve. Football season can often be the ticket to limitless drinking. It is important to remember that drinks and beverages also have calories. Make a few skinny beverages by adding sparkling water, citrus fruits, a splash of juice, mint, or fruit slices; or prepare a few options with a low calorie sweetener.
Practice some of these tips for a fun and healthier football season. Now go score that touchdown!