Tailgating 101: How to Eat Healthy and Have Fun

Saving calories while tailgating is no easy feat. The aroma of grilled meats drifts through the fields, tempting both students and alumni. Popcorn, nachos, and other appealing snacks overwhelm you as you enter into the stadium. Tailgating has become a beloved tradition here at Indiana University, and many college students take it very seriously. Although many students want to carry on the tradition, it is not wise to continue the unhealthy eating habits they have grown accustomed to. Tailgating 101 is the good student’s guide to kicking those bad habits and replacing them with healthy eating and an overall happier you!
 
Hamburgers vs. Hotdogs
 
Hamburgers are a much healthier choice than hotdogs. Hotdogs have chemical preservatives called nitrates and nitrites.  Although a hamburger has a few more calories, it is better for you in the long run because it has more protein that keeps you full longer. Hamburgers also have half the sodium of a hotdog. Top off this tasty treat with lettuce and tomato and munch away!
 
Nachos vs. Popcorn  
 
The choice between these two snacks is a tough one. In an ideal world you could choose both, but this is not recommended due to their unfortunately fatty contents. When at the concession stand and faced with such a dilemma, remember this fact: one portion of nachos (6-8 nachos) with cheese contains a whopping 346 calories and 19 grams of fat. One serving of popcorn, on the other hand, has 31 calories (per one cup) and 0.3 grams of fat. Try to go easy on the butter, because it is laden with saturated fat and unhealthy preservatives.
 

Soda vs. Beer  
 
For those of you who are 21 or older, beer is most certainly the drink of choice when it comes to tailgating. Frothy and cold, it goes very well with all kinds of food, especially grilled meats and potato chips. Because most college students are on a budget, the names Keystone Light and Natty Light have become synonymous within the college community. While tailgating, these beverages can be seen in an array of places, whether it is crushed on the ground, on beer pong tables, or in joyous students’ hands. However, with each alcoholic beverage consumed comes a barrage of unwanted calories. In one Keystone Light, there are 103 calories. In one Natty Light there are 110 calories. These types of beer usually contain less calories than soda because they do not have high fructose corn syrup or immense amounts of sugar.  
For those of you who are not 21, choosing the right kind of soda is important. For this purpose we chose the most popular among tailgaters: Coke and Sprite. One 12 oz can of Coke has 143 calories and 39.9 grams of sugar. A 12 oz. can of Sprite has 140 calories and 38 grams of sugar. If you are looking to cut out the calories and the sugar, choose a more viable beverage such as Apple Cider or Hot Chocolate, which have more natural and unprocessed ingredients.
 
Rage hard, party on, and eat healthy!