Saturdays in the fall seasons means all day tailgating or throwing football parties at home. Don’t let the temping snacks, over-sized burgers, or rich desserts sack your fitness. So I’ve put together some healthy food swaps:
Pork sausage for Turkey sausage: It’s a difference of 450 calories and 37 grams of fat for the pork, versus 160 calories and 9 grams of fat for the turkey. Still boil in beer and soak in mustard and they’re really quite tasty.•
Burgers for Chicken Sandwiches: A 6 oz. angus beef patty yields 500 calories and 43 grams of fat, whereas a 6 oz. grilled chicken breast yields 281 calories at 6 grams of fat. Season any way you like, and still add a slice of reduced-fat cheese!
Queso for Salsa: Choose a baked corn chip and feel free to dip into a fresh or store-bought salsa. Just two tablespoons of the cheese dip has 40 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. Hearty salsas offer about 10-15 calories and zero fat per two tablespoons. Also consider guacamole or hummus
Regular Beer for Light Beer
You never want to drink your calories, but if you’re going to have a few cold ones while tailgating, make them light beers. The average light beer has 103 calories, compared to 153 in your average regular beer.
White Buns for Whole Grain Buns
You want to limit white, processed foods anywhere you can, so start with swapping your burger and hot dog buns. You’ll be adding some essential fiber, vitamins and minerals that get stripped in the processing of white breads. Plus, they taste pretty good, too!
No Fruits and Veggies for Some Fruits and Veggies
This can be accomplished a number of ways and won’t feel like a tea party. Throw bell peppers, corn on the cob, onions, asparagus, and zucchini on the grill and serve with your entree. Make fruit kabobs by alternating grapes, strawberries, melon, and kiwi on skewers. Grilled pineapple complements grilled chicken well, and grilled peaches with honey make an irresistible dessert. In the colder months, serve thick vegetable soups or stews loaded in veggies.
Hey Acadiana you don’t’ have to fumble your health in order to enjoy the game, so eat smart and keep fitness first!
