Tackling the Tailgating Table
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 2 min read
It’s football time in the U.S.! Though tailgating may look different this year due to COVID-19 and social distancing, our spirit doesn’t have to.
Tailgating at home while playing a pick-up game of backyard football with your family is a safe and healthy way to cheer on your favorite team. On the not-so-healthy side, a couple of burgers, beers and other game-day favorites can easily add up to a day’s worth of calories in a few short hours. Follow along for some healthy takes on recipes for your next tailgate.
Healthier Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza, Anyone?
With a crispy, whole wheat tortilla crust, this lighter pizza packs in energizing B vitamins and fiber while cutting excess calories and fat found in traditional pizza crusts. By either baking or lightly tossing it with oil in a heated pan, the crust crisps up to give you a crunch in every bite. The Greek yogurt-based spinach artichoke dip adds gameday feels to pizza while adding protein found in Greek yogurt to keep you fuller longer. For the best-tasting dip, it’s important not to cut out all fat. Opting for ⅓ fat cream cheese rather than fat-free prevents your dip from getting crumbly and allows more flavors from the garlic and other ingredients to come forward. The dip can of course be used as just that – a dip. Using the same whole wheat tortillas, cut them into chip shape and toss in oil, salt, pepper and garlic then bake at 350 degrees F until crispy, about 15 minutes. See full recipe below!
Or, score a sweet touchdown
For a sweet treat, opt for fruit dipped or lightly drizzled in chocolate. Stay on theme by piping melted chocolate in football shapes on strawberries, kiwis and bananas. Tip: dip diagonally cut bananas in chocolate and pipe peanut butter to finish off the football shape.
Enjoy gameday without regrets!
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Photo credit: Shanthi Appelo
