Healthy Tailgating Tips

With the fall sports season in full swing, you may find that you are becoming a frequent tailgater. This is a great time to enjoy the fall air and the company of fellow sports fans. Here are some tailgating tips in order to keep your experience safe, fun, and healthy!

1. Make sure to consume plenty of water. This is especially important in warmer weather or if you are consuming alcohol, which can dehydrate your body. Alternate alcoholic beverages and water in order to stay hydrated!

2. Try to limit the calories that you consume by including fruits and vegetables into your tailgating meal, go for fat-free or low fat dips and dressing, and make yourself a plate instead of grazing over the food in order to keep track of how much you are eating. Try some of these healthy recipe ideas:

-Whole grain tortilla wraps with low fat cheese, salsa, avocado,

and black beans

-Hummus with celery or carrots

-Pasta salad made with whole-grain pasta, low fat dressing,

chopped vegetables like cucumbers and red peppers, and low fat cheese

3. Keep your food safe by packing foods in a well insulated cooler with plenty of ice.Also pack meats in a separate cooler than nonmeat foods, and don’t leave food unrefrigerated for than one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Consume alcohol in moderation. The current recommendations for alcohol consumption include 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for women. Serving sizes for “1 drink” include:

-12 ounces of beer or wine cooler

-5 ounces of table wine

-1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits such as gin, vodka or whiskey

It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach in order to prevent dizziness or weakness. Try consuming alcohol while you are enjoying tailgate foods, particularly those high in protein, in order to slow the absorption of alcohol in the body