In Buckeye land it is time for football games, tailgating or viewing parties. With those parties often comes heavy snacking. Why not start the season off right by making the switch to healthier food choices for future parties? We are each responsible for making a few food or drink choices for the next party that we host or attend to help everyone maintain a healthier (not heavier) diet. 
When you plan your party keep in mind that a few healthy options can go a long way in contributing to the health of all Buckeyes (or Bobcats, Bengals, Browns, Bearcats, Cavaliers, Flyers, Monsters, Zips, Falcons, Flashes, or your home town team).
- Start your party prep by purchasing a medium size plate, I know those tray size plates seem like they should be wonderful, but often contribute to over-eating or waste (you take something, but don’t eat it).
- Plan beverages so you can serve infused water rather than soda. Make ice cubes or rings out of fruit in your team colors.
- Switch burgers to leaner meats and serve them on whole grain slider buns. The bun switch alone can save you 180 calories.
- Always serve fresh veggies and fruits with a low-fat dip.
- Serve pizza with vegetable or fruit toppings; limit the extra meats and cheeses. If you are making your own consider a whole grain crust.
- Modify your chili to include 2 types of beans, turkey sausage, diced sweet potatoes, and chopped peppers.
- Serve quesadillas on whole grain tortillas, filled with chopped vegetables and low fat cheese.
- Serve grilled chicken breasts or lean pork loins.
- Switch your chips or pretzels to baked, veggie, or whole grain.
Don’t forget to be food safe at your tailgate or party too! Use coolers or tubs of ice to keep cold food cold on those first warm fall games. Ensure that grilled meats reach safe temperatures by using a meat thermometer: ground beef or ground pork should reach 160 degrees, all poultry 165 degrees, and steaks or chops 145 degrees.
We can’t wait to hear what you will be serving at your next tailgate. If you are looking for ideas here are a few http://go.osu.edu/healthtailgate. Comment with your healthy tailgate tip or recipe.
Sources:
Alabama A & M, Auburn University: http://news.aces.edu/blog/2016/10/05/host-healthy-tailgate-season/
University of Washington, https://www.washington.edu/wholeu/2014/09/30/healthytailgatefoods/
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2014/10/09/vanderbilt-health-educator-offers-tips-for-healthy-tailgating/
Army HEALTH, http://blog.armyhealth.pbrc.edu/post/Healthy-Tailgating
Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.
Reviewer: Pat Brinkman, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fayette County.
Live Healthy Live Well 
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