Healthiest Foods To Bring To A Tailgate

Nothing brings more happiness than spending time with friends and family on the day of a big game. With all of the excitement, it is easy to forget about eating healthy and limiting alcohol intake. Before the tailgating even begins, it's important to plan for success. Healthy food preparation is key.

Create something you actually want to eat so that you are not tempted by everything else. Make your salad different and flavorful. "Get creative with different veggies, grains, and legumes," Zanini says. "Whole grains provide essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, protein, and fiber."

A healthy dip can be nutritious and delicious. Zanini suggests a dip sampler with hummus, baba ghanoush, and tzatziki paired with sliced vegetables.

To stay hydrated, especially with an alcoholic beverage in hand, it is important to snack on foods that will hydrate you. "Fruits are refreshing, low calorie, low fat, and full of fiber and antioxidants are best," says Zanini. 

A little protein paired with vegetables is a lean and clean eating option. Pair the shrimp with peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a lot of flavor and few calories. 

You have a lot of freedom to make this option flavorful and healthy. Stuffed mushrooms can be made with garlic, onion, bell pepper, spinach, herbs, bread crumbs, and feta and Parmigiano-Reggiano for the perfect snack or alternative to meat. 

When you are craving chips, reach for nuts: Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts that have been roasted and lightly salted are your best bet. Nuts satisfy with protein and healthy fats, so you won't resort to foods that are high in sodium and saturated fat.

This will definitely be the easiest and healthiest wrap you have ever made. The combination of a whole-wheat wrap, lean turkey meat, spinach, and avocado provides you with complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fat. Need I say more?