Tailgating?

Here are some ideas I have for you... I hope it helps!

1) On weeks you plan to tailgate, maybe try eating a little less every other day that week. If you cut back, say, 100 calories per day, you'd have an extra 600 calories for tailgating without affecting your calorie target. And since it's only cutting back a small amount per day, it may not be that noticeable for you on the days you're cutting back.
2) Perhaps an extra workout before you head to the tailgate or another day or two that week?
3) Maybe just try to manage your food portions? I know that when I am logging consistently, I tend to be "better" about my diet, since I am more conscious about it and know I have to log it later. I am a big grazer... I'll snack on something in front of me whether I'm hungry or not. So the idea of having to log it later makes me think about it and actually decide if I'm hungry or not
4) Maybe even some simple swaps like veggies with dip rather than chips. I find that I care most about the flavor of the dip rather than the vessel, so this really isn't even a sacrifice for me.

There are a lot of good recipes out there, which are just lightened up versions of the real thing. Here are some examples: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2007/07/football-recipes.html

I especially love the bacon wrapped chicken (sounds totally sinful right??? But really not "bad" for you if you mind the portion size) as well as the buffalo chicken dip.
5) Perhaps some semi-active games while you're tailgating? Stuff like *kitten*/bean bag toss isn't going to burn a whole lot of calories, but you'd burn more than sitting the whole time.

Ooo I thought this was going to be a road-rage thread. :grumble:

So how in the world do I tailgate now? I've spent 20 years as an adult killing cases of beer and dark liquor and eating whatever I wanted to on Saturdays while I cheered on my beloved Dawgs and Noles. Part of my journey is not giving up my life, so as I am two days away from opening day, how in the world do I reasonably approach a football game? Any suggestions?

First of all, you are not the person you were for the last 20 years....you are making a positive change in how you handle food/drink. Remind yourself of that from time to time, especially when the beer is calling or your friends are saying "c'mon, just one more!!"

Second, as was said above, make a plan (save up calories), make good food choices (bringing your own healthier choices if needed), limit yourself on the alcohol intake and make water your new best friend (you will still have fun!), toss the football around with your friends, etc.

Try to change your focus from tailgating being about the food/beer to tailgating because you enjoy being around your friends and talking football.

Do you all grill when you tailgate? The healthy options there are unlimited....chicken, veggies, shrimp, lean beef, pineapple, peaches......even a low calorie pound cake (google for recipes) can be sliced and grilled for a really yummy treat.

Buy a bicycle. Ride it every day of the week for about an hour. Don't eat any extra. Eat all the foods and drink all the beer on the weekends.

There are a lot of "eating" events coming up. (Holidays, tailgating etc)
We have to decide how we are going to celebrate.
Either make healthier foods, use portion control, or decide if it is going to be a real treat and celebration.
The important thing is to just remember to take it 1 day or event at a time, and decide that we will stick with our plans when the events are over. Never lose sight of our goals and our new eating habits.

Moderation doesn't mean giving up things. So you make a few adjustments during the week to accommodate your weekend, no big!

Plan what you are going to eat, bring healthier options to share, get active. Basically what everyone else said. You don't want to deprive yourself nor overindulge.

well, definitely cut back on the alcohol. but track what you do drink. what is it, an 8 hour day, tailgating at the stadium and watching the game? just allow yourself 8 beers, one an hour. and bring healthy food to make. you might get a little ridiculed at first, but honestly, so many people are being health conscious, that they'll probably thank you.

are there any greek deli's near you? this one place by me makes awesome kabobs, seasoned. they take five minutes on the grill and are very healthy.

Chicken wings are a very traditional part of football games and are low in calories (depending on the sauce) and high in protein!

Aren't chicken wings like 80 calories per wing with no sauce? Considering I can eat like 20 of them, I don't know that I would call them low in calories. Tons of protein though for sure.