Miracle Tiger Trim Down Tailgate

If you love SEC football, you know the amazing turnaround season of the Auburn University Tigers. As a true orange and blue fan, I have had the pleasure of witnessing first hand this unbelievable team receive complete redemption and win, win, win! Thanks to yet another miracle, the Auburn Tigers are now the SEC champions, on their way to the Bowl College Selection (BCS) National Championship game in Pasadena.

Auburn Tiger fans love to tailgate and enjoy game day grub. Unfortunately, many foods favored during a traditional tailgate will not help you fit in your lucky game day jeans. “Trim down” your tailgating line-up by limiting high calorie and high fat foods, and adding in more nutritious food choices. For example, rather than serving fried chicken tenders (which have more calories from fat) try these baked Cheesy Chicken Crunchers.

Also, remember to choose dishes easily prepared at home and then assemble them moments before the tailgate begins such as this delicious Touchdown Taco Salad. Keep fresh veggies and low-fat yogurt dip on hand for game day snacking to boost calcium, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

MVP Parfait is as sweet as those final points that put the game away. This yummy pudding parfait is easy to transport and since it’s made with low-fat milk you know you’ll be getting a unique package of nine key vitamins and minerals that help build stronger bones and teeth. On cold game days, pack this cinnamon almond hot chocolate in a thermos to help keep you warm and ready to cheer.

No matter what happens in Pasadena, Auburn fans will tailgate and continue to discuss the miraculous run of this 2013 team. Yes – it’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!

Mary Martin Nordness, MA, RD, LD, CHES

Time to Tailgate

Are you ready for some football?  Fall has arrived, bringing with it cooler temperatures, changing leaves and the excitement of football!  In the south, you don’t think of football without thinking of tailgating.  For many football fanatics, fall weekends are spent tailgating before (and after) the game.  Unfortunately, much of the traditional game day fare can be loaded with calories and low in nutrition.  Before you touch down at a tailgate this year, make a healthy substitution for a high calorie appetizer or dessert with one of these delicious, nutrient rich recipes.  You will score big points on taste and nutrition!

• Mozzarella and Pepper Salsa– Make a pass on high fat dips and run for this vitamin packed and calcium rich salsa.  The cheese serves up protein and calcium, while the red peppers provide an excellent source of vitamin A (to help you see the players better) and fiber.  Kick in more fiber and nutrients by serving it with whole grain tortilla chips or crackers.
• Pumpkin Pie Dip– Skip the calorie laden desserts and take advantage of fall flavors with this pumpkin dip.  Using Greek yogurt as the base, this dip scores big with protein and calcium.  Greek yogurt is an excellent substitution for higher fat ingredients such as sour cream and mayo.  It provides the same taste and texture with few calories and more nutrition.  Serve this dip with crisp apples or low-fat ginger cookies.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Tartlets– Another way to avoid a dessert fumble, these decadent dessert bites are only 35 calories per tartlet.  They are so rich a creamy everyone at your tailgate will do a touchdown dance.

How do you lighten up your favorite tailgate dish?

Laura Buxenbaum, MPH, RD, LDN

Ready, Set, Tailgate on the Plains

As the mother of an Auburn University sophomore, I can now use visiting my daughter as an excuse to attend each and every home football game the AU Tigers play.  You see, I bleed orange and blue and love yelling for the Tigers.  On game day, you will find me close to the coliseum, under a white tent talking non stop football with old college buddies.  I have learned that tailgating is an art which requires a great deal of organizational skills. If you plan to entertain, you must plan. For a feast that scores with your family and friends, try my top 5 tailgating tips:

1. Pack a variety of drinks: In addition to traditional cold tailgate beverages; remember kids (and adults) love the taste of flavored milk. Flavored milk rocks with 9 nutrients, just like white milk.
2. Serve dips that dazzle: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in your favorite recipes to lower the fat and bump up the calcium. Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt and dazzles in this taco dip with fresh veggies and baked chips.
3. Create gourmet topper station: Whether you grill hamburgers or hotdogs, fans will rave about a fresh ingredient station. Toppings like provolone or hot pepper jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, coleslaw, purple onion, jalapeños with whole grain buns will have your guests asking for more.
4. Buy single serve: Everyone likes a few chips, but no one needs the excess calories. To avoid mindless snacking, purchase variety single serve packs that keep calories in check with 110 calories or less.
5. Finish with Fruit: Sliced pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, grapes and cantaloupe make a nice side to most sandwiches. Also, these nutrient rich fruits high in vitamin C and water content will help hydrate you after a long exhausting game.

What’s your game plan for a perfect tailgate?

Mary Martin Nordness, MA, RD, LD, CHES