A Tastier Tailgate

Finally, it's football season. Cooler temperatures, (not so much down here in Houston, but maybe eventually), a few drinks with friends, cheering for your home team, alma-mater or the local high school.

One of my favorite things about football season though, is the tailgate. And not just for the brews, (although, they're right up there with my favorites) it's the friendship, the fun and the FOOD. Tailgate food is a tradition. Firing up a grill, busting out the potato salad and the guacamole...but pair that with all the calories and carbohydrates from the beer-and you just undid a day in the gym.

So, in the spirit of gridiron goodness, I've put together a few dishes you can bring to your next tailgate (whether your hosting or just contributing) that will keep the good times going without undoing all of your hard work.

Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers
Okay, so this one isn't rocket science. But bypassing the usual burgers and chemical-filled hotdogs for the lower calorie, high protein shish-kabob is a win-win.
-The beautiful thing about the chicken skewers is that:
 1. you can really use any type of lean meat
and
2. If you don't want to worry about carting around raw chicken, these skewers can easily be prepared the night before, and cooked, and then thrown on the tailgate grill briefly to warm them back up.

Guaca-Salsa-Black Bean Dip
Yes, avocados are full of healthy fats. But, with how delicious guacamole is, it is really easy to take those healthy fats to a place that is no longer healthy...and instead just fat. Don't despair though, because this perennial favorite can be made fit-friendly.
When making your favorite guacamole recipe, simply substitute half the avocado you would normally use for spicy salsa and black beans for a little protein kick. You will save on fat and go long on texture and flavor.

Finally,
If you really want that "greasy-tailgate food" taste, without the grease, try:
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Choose at least 95% lean ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey), add mashed kidney beans for a little extra protein and toss with a can of manwich. Top it off with avocado slices and tomatoes. It's hearty, delicious and deceptively healthy.

Meal prep for tailgates just like you would with your day-to-day diet, and make celebrating with friends a touchdown instead of turnover.
Happy tailgating!