Tailgating Season is Here!

    Tailgating Season is here!  

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA  

    Football season is back—and that means it’s time for tailgating! While football and food go hand in hand, tailgate spreads often lean toward indulgence. The good news? You can still enjoy all the fun flavors without sidelining your health goals. Here are some winning strategies to keep your game day both delicious and waistline-friendly:

    Smart Snacks for the Win

    Keep your crew fueled with nutrient-packed options:

    • Nuts like almonds, pistachios, peanuts, and walnuts
    • Cheese cubes or string cheese
    • Dried fruit such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins
    • Raw veggies with a light ranch dip
    • Air-popped popcorn for a high-fiber crunch

    Dip Into Flavor

    Swap heavy dips for lighter, nutrient-rich options:

    • Hummus, guacamole, salsa, or bean dip
    • Pair with fresh veggies, whole grain crackers, or baked corn chips

    Half-Time Warm Ups

    Fire up your oven before the second half! Try:

    • Melting cheese over whole grain crackers or veggie bites
    • Serving hot sandwiches with reduced-fat cheese (up to 33% less fat than regular!)

     Protein Power Plays

    Make protein the MVP of your menu:

    • Lean turkey or chicken burgers
    • Beef or chicken kabobs
    • Black bean burgers
    • Lean steak sandwiches

    These options are filling, flavorful, and packed with staying power.

    Cozy Up with Chili

    Chili is a tailgate classic—make it a little lighter by:

    • Using lean ground turkey or beef
    • Adding more beans for extra fiber and less saturated fat

     Pre-Game Snack Strategy

    Don’t show up hungry! Have a small snack—like Greek yogurt, a handful of nuts, or a piece of fruit—before you head to the tailgate. This helps curb cravings so you can enjoy game-day foods without overdoing it.

    Spicy Avocado Aioli with Patatas Bravas

    Patatas Bravas with Spicy Avocado Aioli

    Prep: 40 minutes

    Cook: 30 minutes

    Makes: 6 servings

    Ingredients:

    Patatas Bravas:

    • 6 medium yellow potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), scrubbed and cut into wedges (1/2-inch wide)
    • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp. salt

    Spicy Avocado Aioli:

    • 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
    • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
    • 1 Tbsp. chopped jalapeño pepper
    • 1/4 tsp. salt

    Instructions:

    To prepare patatas bravas

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees °F. Foil line one 12″x17″ baking sheet.
    2. Toss potato wedges with oil and salt on baking sheet, until thoroughly coated; spread potatoes in a single layer. Bake 30 – 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until evenly golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

    To prepare Spicy Avocado Aioli

    1. Puree avocado, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, jalapeño and salt using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy, adding water for desired consistency.
    2. Serve potato wedges warm with aioli for dipping, or drizzle potatoes with aioli if desired.

    Recipe by: Avocados. Love One Today®