Surviving the Tailgate Party

Football season is a time for getting together with friends either in the parking lot at the game or at home in front of the TV. Food and beverages are the center of the fun. One can argue that it is no big deal to over indulge once in a while, but does that mean once a week? Four times a month? During the entire football season, the play offs and the super bowl? Here is a small list of what that can mean in terms of calories:

• 1 - 12 oz serving of light beer - 103 calories
• 5 oz glass of wine - 122 calories
• Hot dog on bun with chili - 369 calories
• 1 Barbecued chicken wing - 125 calories
• 1 oz chips and dip - 146 calories
• 1 6" sub - 456 calories

Calculate the second helpings, dessert and the one for the road. What's the score? If an average person needs 2000 calories to maintain weight and 1500 to lose, the score may be too high for a weekly indulgence. In addition, the holidays are coming along with an additional load of calories most of us find hard to pass up.

• How can you survive the football season without gaining weight? Here are some suggestions for a game plan.
• Eat a light breakfast or lunch before going to the tail gate. Hunger is the worst thing for will power.
• Limit your calorie containing beverages. Remember alcohol increases hunger. Drink water.
• Take small portions, small bites, chew, swallow and pause before taking the next bite.
• Be mindful of eating. Don't eat while talking or watching the game.
• Have guest take home the leftovers.
• If you know you will be eating more starch than usual, take Phase 2, calories coming from starch will be reduced.

Stay tuned for my next article on creating low-calorie food and beverages for the tailgate party.

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