Updated July 2022
With football season in full swing, you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunities to head to tailgates and unleash your team spirit while staying safe! Although this year looks a lot different than last year, it doesn’t mean football season and tailgating has to be put on hold. Learn how you can tailgate AND lose weight!
Tailgating is an age-old tradition known for the great time spent with family and friends, and usually involves the excessive consumption of high-calorie foods, snacks and drinks. You don’t have to disrupt your weight loss stride this football season. Learn how you can make some simple alternative selections and become more aware of your eating and drinking choices at a tailgate, so you never miss out on the fun and remain on plan.
Avoid alcohol
While avoiding alcohol may be challenging at a tailgate, it is a healthy change you should make to your tailgating routine. In general, drinking alcoholic beverages is not recommended on weight-loss programs for many reasons. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories, can cause dehydration, contain no nutrients and lead to overeating when we let our guard down.
It is very easy to drink calories without even realizing it, especially when your entire day revolves around tailgating food, drinks, and socializing. Instead of grabbing a beer or cocktail at your next tailgating event, opt for bottled water, unsweetened iced tea, or even bring a calorie-free seltzer to sip on. These are healthier options to help you lose weight. If you get the urge for something else, check out Doc’s approved beverage recipes here or try Doc’s Quarantinis!
Watch for our new refreshing high protein low carb Mocktails. Coming Soon!
Stay hydrated
When you are tailgating on a hot Florida weekend, dehydration often lingers around the corner. Wherever you go, bring water so you can stay hydrated all day. Drinking enough water will also keep you feeling fuller for longer, which helps aid in portion control and curb cravings. We recommend that everyone drink a gallon of fluid a day, with at least half being water. If you are spending a lot of time in the heat, you will need to drink more.
Bring low-carb snacks
You most likely won’t find more than one vegetable platter at any tailgate. Most snacks at tailgates are high in calories, carbs and fat. While it may be tempting to reach for chips and pasta salad, you need to remind yourself of your wellness and weight-loss goals. The best way to avoid temptation is to plan ahead and bring your own healthy snacks! Here are some guilt-free snacks you can bring to your next tailgate.
If you’re bringing for the crowd, try Doc’s Rosemary Cheese Chips or Doc’s Air-Fried Zucchini Strips, which can be enjoyed by all.
Bring your own buns
Almost every tailgating event offers something from the grill. Just because hot dogs and hamburgers are on the menu doesn’t mean you need to miss out. Bring your own buns to satisfy your cravings and still lose weight. Check out CardioMender-approved buns:
Stick to single servings
It’s easy to constantly snack throughout a tailgate. Your friends and family are likely to be dishing out food left and right, but you should be careful not to overeat and overload your plate. Sticking to one serving is the healthiest option. If you are still hungry after your first serving, try snacking on unlimited options such as celery, and pickles or the low-fat snacks you brought to satisfy your hunger. And, remember, stay hydrated, do not skip meals and snacks throughout the day, which typically leads to overindulging at the party.
While it may be difficult at first, sticking to your weight-loss program at a sports tailgate is absolutely doable. It’s those efforts you are making to change your lifestyle that ultimately have the biggest impact when it comes to your health and weight-loss goals.
Staying Safe This Season
Your best defense against COVID-19 and flu this fall is to stay home and enjoy the season on TV with family and close friends. If you do decide to venture out, remember to wear a face mask, avoid crowds, and wash your hands frequently. Practicing safe social distancing is crucial at this time. Your favorite football team knows you’re cheering for them, even if you can’t be there in person.
Remember to always follow CDC guidelines whenever possible and stay safe!
