5 Tailgating Foods (that won't make you as big as a football player)


By Laurel House



Tailgating can be torture for any healthy diet-dedicated fan. From brats to wings, full-bodied beer to cheese-slathered chili, football season can result in a 10 pound weight gain. True. One thing you need to remember: you're not playing football and therefore burning off all of those calories. You're simply watching as all of those calories stick to your thighs, ass and abs (well, what once were abs). I'm not here to ruin your tailgating fun. You can still feel like you're indulging without packing on the pounds by swapping out a few of your fatty favorites with less fatty (but full flavored) alternatives.

1. THIS: Animal Style, Protein Burger (ala "In n' Out") no cheese
Lean beef, grilled onions, ketchup, wrapped in lettuce (not bun). Be aware though that many brands of Turkey burgers are LOADED with as much fat as burgers. Try Jennie-O 95/5 quarter pounder turkey burgers.
Bite with Benefits: Onions are detoxifiers and boosted with the flavonoid quercetin- an antioxidant believed to help block cancer cells.

NOT THAT: Burger w/cheese


2. THIS:Animal Style Turkey Dog
White Meat FF Turkey Dog topped with grilled onions, sauerkraut, ketchup, wrapped in lettuce (not bun)
Bite with Benefits: Sauerkraut, made with cabbage, is a known cancer fighter, filled with vitamin C, fiber, manganese, vitamin B6 and folate. The fermentation process creates good bacteria called probiotics, which produce beneficial enzymes that aid digestion and promote healthy flora in the digestive tract.

NOT THAT: Bratwurst slathered with mayo
WHY: Fat, Fat, Fat, plus Carbs from the bun.


3. THIS: Spiked Potato Salad
Use FF Greek yogurt instead of mayo to minimize fat and calories and spike it with Horseradish
Bite with Benefits: Horseradish heats up the body, upping your metabolism. Plus it contains significant amounts of glucosinolates- shown to help the liver detox carcinogens and tumors, while helping to aid digestion and fight against pathogens in food (like E. coli).

NOT THAT: Potato Salad

WHY: The mayo makes this "salad" super fatty.




4. THIS:

No Bones About It Boneless Chicken Strips
Grilled or baked chicken tenderloin or breast strips with Sriracha chili sauce
Bite with Benefits: Sriracha is a natural metabolism booster, heating up your body and burning more calories. Find it at most grocery stores

NOT THAT: Buffalo Wings



5. THIS: Cobb Salad
Instead of full fat blue cheese, cut the fat in half with ½ blue cheese ½ Greek Yogurt
Bite with Benefits: Greek Yogurt is a natural belly fat burner plus it's filled with colon cleansing active cultures.

NOT THAT: Cobb Salad w/Blue Cheese




…and for dessert:
6. THIS: Guinness Float
3 scoops low fat vanilla frozen yogurt topped with Guinness (only 135 calories per can). Yes there are calories, but you will fill up and feel like you are splurging!
Bite with Benefits: Frozen yogurt has active cultures that help cleanse the colon


Learn how to make a Guinness Float with ExerciseTV's Laurel House:


NOT THAT:
Baked Goods
Why: Fat, carbs, sugar… lots of it in each little bite.


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