Fall football season often means weekends filled with tailgating, game day spreads, and fan-favorite foods. While traditional tailgate fare can be heavy, greasy, and low in nutrients, with just a few swaps you can still enjoy the flavors of the season without sacrificing your health.

• Bake, Don’t Fry Your Wings – Opt for baked or air-fried chicken wings with a flavorful dry rub instead of deep-fried versions. Pair with a Greek yogurt-based dipping sauce for extra protein.
  
• Veggie-Packed Dips – Replace heavy cheese dips with hummus, salsa, or guacamole loaded with vegetables. Serve with baked pita chips or sliced peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.
  
• Whole-Grain Sliders – Make sliders with lean ground beef or chicken on whole-grain rolls, topped with avocado or a slaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots.
  
• Lightened-Up Nachos – Use whole-grain tortilla chips topped with black beans, skinless shredded chicken, plenty of veggies, 2% cheese, and guacamole.
  
• Better-For-You Sweets – Try fruit skewers drizzled with dark chocolate or oatmeal energy bites instead of store-bought cookies and brownies.

With a few creative swaps, you can enjoy all the fun of tailgating while fueling your body with foods that taste great and give you energy for cheering on your team.