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Healthy Tailgating
Healthy Foods for an Outdoor Party

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated July 15, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Tailgating at Lambeau Field

Tailgating at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Photo © Shereen Jegtvig
Tailgating is a great pre-game tradition found at football games and other sporting events. Fans will fill the parking lots near their favorite stadium and celebrate the upcoming game with lots of food and beverages. While some tailgating parties are quite elaborate, the usual cooking method is grilling, so that means hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages and bratwursts served on white rolls and accompanied by chips and dips. These foods are tasty, but usually high in calories and fat. Here are some ideas for healthy foods to be served at a tailgating party or any outdoor party:

Meats

Game meats are low in fat and are quite delicious. No need to cook elk, venison or other games meats until they are brown and dry. Elk or venison cooked to a medium temperature is tender and delicious.

Seafood is usually low in fat and has omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for our health. I like to place a piece of white fish in aluminum foil with a bit of white wine, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon and almonds. Wrap up the foil into a packet and cook over low heat for a tasty dish.

Low fat, skinless chicken breasts can be grilled and served with a little of your favorite BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or served plain.

Vegetables

Chunks of tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, squash and zucchini all taste great when grilled. Use skewers to make kabobs with your favorite vegetables. Young potatoes with their skins, asparagus and sweet corn can also be roasted on a grill. I like to use a metal pan place over low heat so the small or narrow vegetables don't fall through the gates.

Fruit

Bring fresh fruit like apples, pears, peaches, and berries for a healthy dessert.

Water

If your tailgating party is going to include alcohol, be sure to provide plenty of water, since alcohol is a diuretic. Water is also a better alternative than sugary sodas. Another drink idea is to use fruit juice mixed with sparkling water for less sugar than soda.

Use these ideas for healthy foods, the next time you have a tailgating party or a grilling party outdoors.

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