If you’re a football fan and attend a lot of tailgates or game day parties, you know the usual snacks are not the most health-conscious. If you are trying to watch your weight or eat healthier, the temptation of the high-calorie food can be enough to ruin your fun day. This season, game day doesn’t have to be your “cheat day”! Check out these three simple recipes to bring to your next event, and you’ll see that football season doesn’t have to be the end of those healthy habits.
Mexicali Dip Remix (from Rebecca Pierce, Communications Specialist at AFG)
Instead of the usual taco dip loaded with sour cream, cream cheese, mayo and calories, make a few substitutions to drastically cut calories, without sacrificing flavor:
Ingredients:
- One cup classic hummus
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup medium chunky salsa
- 1 large tomato- diced
- 1 chopped jalapeno (optional)
- 1/4 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Stir hummus, taco seasoning and salsa together until completely mixed. Stir in tomatoes and jalapeno. Top with cheese. Serve cold with whole wheat crackers or pita slices as alternative to tortilla chips.
Chicken Kabobs (from allrecipes.com)
Serve kabobs as an alternative to hot dogs or burgers. The grilled chicken or beef is a great alternative to processed meat, while the vegetables add flavor and nutrition:
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cubed
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
- skewers
Directions
- Preheat grill for high heat. Thread the chicken, green bell pepper, onion, and red bell pepper pieces onto skewers alternately. Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook, turning frequently for 15 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear.
- Can be dipped in sauce of choice (like BBQ sauce)
Game Day Turkey Chili (from allrecipes.com)
Chili is a hearty and warm soup for those chilly (pun intended!) football days, but can easily rack up calories. Try this turkey chili recipe to cut calories but none of the satisfaction! This recipe would be best if you have time to prepare it in advance!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1 (28 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can canned kidney beans – drained, rinsed, and mashed
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place turkey in the pot, and cook until evenly brown. Stir in onion, and cook until tender.
- Pour water into the pot. Mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and garlic. Season chili powder, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
Happy tailgating!
