Tailgate This!

February 2, 2016

It’s that time of year. We’re all about the Super Bowl. And while the game is the center of the universe for those 4-5 hours, it seems to me that the parties are just as important. We gather with families and friends; in bars and restaurants, homes and clubs and at the field itself tailgating.

In that short window of time, we manage to do a lot of damage. Second only to Thanksgiving in terms of food consumption, the average fan consumes more than 2400 calories during the 4-5 hours of partying for the game.

Classic party foods for the big day are…well, see for yourself: More than 1 billion wings, pizza (Domino’s alone expects to sell more than 11 million slices) and around 11 million pounds of potato chips. We will also consume about 69 million pounds of avocados in the form of guacamole with 8 million pounds of tortilla chips to dip in it…and 49 million cases of beer.

Not to be the bad news at the party, but I’m here to tell you, there’s a better way to enjoy the game day. Think of this this way: the players you idolize and adore (or despise depending on how your team is faring) don’t guzzle beer while chowing down on nachos, pizza and wings.

They eat like athletes so that they can perform at their very best. It’s a conscious effort, a discipline. And while the big game is a party and everyone wants to enjoy it, don’t you also want to perform in your life like an elite athlete? Even a desk jockey should treat his body like the temple it is.

Now before you go ballistic, stay with me. You can enjoy your big game day fiesta without losing your health. With my menu, you’ll indulge your taste buds without having the day land heavy on your belly. Even if you over-indulge a bit, you won’t have quite so much repair to do on the Monday after, when the game is a distant memory, but the damage you did is real…and lasting.

Bear in mind that these dishes are a definite indulgence. The difference is you are controlling the quality, resulting in healthier party foods…because we all know that calories are not created equal. Those from real food are easier on our health than those empty little suckers from junk food.

Enjoy the big game!

 

https://www.christinacooks.com/recipes/onion-rings-wasabi-dipping-sauce

https://www.christinacooks.com/recipes/sausage-and-pepper-sandwiches

https://www.christinacooks.com/recipes/portobello-burgers-guacamole

https://www.christinacooks.com/recipes/french-fries

https://www.christinacooks.com/recipes/tomato-pie