Tailgate Party Tips

This is not a drill! We are officially into FALL and also pretty deep into tailgate season. Whether you’re a college or professional football fan or if you just love a reason to tailgate and enjoy time with friends, these tips may be helpful for you as you look to enjoy your time and continue to nourish your body! Like anything else in life, maybe not all these tips serve you, pick and choose what may be useful to your life and experience.

1. Hydrate

Tailgating often comes along with consuming ETOH (alcohol) which leads to dehydration. Hydrate the day before and the day of your tailgate, especially if you’re in the heat, consider an electrolyte replacement. A few options include; coconut water, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), electrolyte packets (Liquid IV, LMNT), or electrolyte waters (Propel).

2. Sleep

It’s not unheard of for tailgate mornings to start early before a noon or 1 p.m. kick-off or right when lots open. Get enough sleep to set yourself up for success and energy throughout the day. When we’re tired we need energy from somewhere, which often leads to either consuming extra caffeine and/or overeating. Caffeine is often an appetite suppressant, which leads me to my next point..

3. Nourish Yourself!

Don’t enter your tailgate day on an empty stomach, we all have that friend or have had an experience where you entered a day of fun on an empty stomach which can be a disaster waiting to happen. Consume a nutrient-dense breakfast (overnight oats with a hard-boiled egg, a smoothie, eggs, and toast with fruit, etc.)  to avoid the hanger or effects of the alcohol later.

4. Move your body

Enjoy a walk around the tailgates or campus, and enjoy the fresh air and sights, personally, this helps me with digestion and just elevates the experience! 

5. Enjoy yourself and choose a variety of foods

Days like this can bring up a lot of feelings for people around food, fear of eating, or thoughts about “junk.” Follow the same gentle nutrition rules - eat a variety of foods, listen to your body, and enjoy yourself. If you’re bringing food or contributing, consider options that will maintain your fullness (foods that include fat, protein, and fiber) and consider building a balanced tailgate plate. Enjoy that favorite dip and chicken wings with some veggies and fruit if that serves you!

Personally, tailgates, large gatherings, and Super Bowl parties used to cause me a great deal of anxiety around food choices and “falling off track.” These are tips that have helped ground me and helped provide perspective. Days and experiences are meant to be enjoyed, our health and nutrition are about the bigger picture, if you choose to eat nothing labeled as “health food” on a gameday, good for you, that’s your choice and savor that. Life is meant to be lived and celebrated. 

I’ve included a few of my favorite tailgate foods that have been modified from recipes over the years below! (I don’t eat meat, but many of these can be modified to add meat if that serves you)

• White Bean Buffalo Dip (a vegetarian’s buffalo, not chicken dip dream.. Also very fiber-packed!

• Veggie Pizza Pinwheels I also love using these as a snack or weekday lunch!

• Sundried Tomato and Basil Pinwheels these are a fan favorite among my friends and family for any holiday, gathering, or event! 

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Written by Delayna

Hey, I'm Delayna!

I’m an RD-to-be, college cheer coach, yoga instructor, and food and fitness lover. As an intern at HSH, I hope you find this blog and the resources available with HSH supportive on your journey to your most nourished and happiest self!  Learn more about the HSH offerings here.