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Football season is in high gear, which means pre-game tailgating and football parties at home, where the emphasis on food and drink comes second only to the game itself.  But eating healthy doesn’t have to mean raw veggie platters.  We’ve put together a list of 5 essentials for those who want to join in all the game-day celebrations without wrecking your diet – consider this your “Eat Fit” Tailgate Toolkit.

 

Very-low-calorie beer – 55-64 calories per 12 ounces

  • Brands include Bud Select 55, Becks Premier Light 64, MGD 64
  • Lower calorie, lower-carb, also lower %ABV (alcohol by volume) which can be beneficial for day-long tailgating + drinking

 

Chicken Sausage – GF, Low Sat Fat, Low Carb

  • Al Fresco, The Original Brat Hans, & Aidells are just a few of the brands on shelves
  • Available in a variety of flavors; stores include Whole Foods, Rouses, Costco, Walmart
  • Pre-cooked, just heat on grill

 

Greek Yogurt

  • Fage 2% Plain is my preference for taste + texture when using it as an ingredient swap
  • Use plain Greek yogurt in place of mayo or sour cream for creamy dips – chicken salad – even mix with hummus or guacamole to cut calories + add protein

 

Good-for-you chips + dippers that also squeeze in a dose of veggies

  • Jicama Sticks
  • Endive Leaves
  • Red, Yellow, Red Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini + Squash
  • Apple slices – perfect for creamy dips & chicken salad-style dips
  • Beet Chips by Rhythm Foods | also available at CostCo | Ingredients: Just beets

 

Guilt-Free Sweet Treats like Eat Fit Brownie (GF, No Sugar Added, sweetened with Swerve)

  • Recipe below; make ahead for to tailgate or party; can withstand heat + still look good

 

Eat Fit Brownies

Makes 22 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can no salt added black beans, rinsed and drained well
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons non-GMO canola oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup Swerve Sugar Replacement
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.  In food processor, blend black beans until smooth.  Add eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, vanilla and sweetener, and process until smooth.

Add half the chocolate chips and pulse a few times or stir, so the chips are mixed in.  Scrape batter into prepared baking pan, and sprinkle the remaining chips on top of the brownies.

Bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool, and cut into 15 brownies.

 Per serving:  120 calories, 4 grams fat, 1.4 grams saturated fat, 30 mg sodium, 22 grams carbohydrate, 3.5 grams fiber, 3.5 grams sugar, 5.5 grams protein

 

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