Are you ready for some football? If you are like me, you are certainly ready for Game Day FOOD!

For game day, I enjoy foods that are conducive to mindless eating like finger foods and smaller portions of my favorite snacks and drinks. To avoid calorie overload, I simply cook with the right ingredients and serve smaller portions so I can indulge guilt-free.

Here are a few highlights from my repertoire of tailgating treats that will keep you focused on your team, not fumbling your diet!

• Warm Up with Delicious Finger Foods: Serve full flavor finger foods like almonds, peanuts, pistachios & walnuts, cheese and dried fruits before the game begins. Or choose delicious dips like hummus, guacamole, salsa and bean dip – pair with raw veggies, whole grain crackers and baked corn chips. On cold days, warm up with a bowl of chili prepared with beans, lean turkey or chicken and lots of veggies. Add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers and mushrooms for a nutritious power boost of flavor.
• Switch Up Your Playbook: Ditch the same old routine of hamburgers and hotdogs. Instead, prepare a fun and delicious “slider bar” where your guests can build their own sliders with lean turkey or chicken burgers. Steak sandwiches using lean cuts of beef are another easy-to-prepare addition to the bar. Don’t forget about your vegetarian friends — offer black bean burgers, too.
• Heat it Up at Half Time: Before halftime starts, preheat your oven to make warm and hearty snacks. Check out my recipe below for Avocado-Turkey & Cheese Paninis. Cheese adds flavor and a hearty element to foods such as crackers, veggies, whole grain breads and more. For my recipe below, I increased the nutrition factor by using turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, heart-healthy avocado and whole grain bread.
• Offer a Lineup of Flavorful Beverages: For game day, you may be craving drinks with more flavor. Choose zero-calorie beverages like vitaminwater zero which comes in a variety of different flavors to suit everyone’s palate. If you’re a soda lover, choose smaller portions like the Coca-Cola mini can which comes in classic and other flavors like Diet Coke and Coke Zero. However, watch the alcohol! Beer, wine and liquor all contain calories; alcohol also stimulates the appetite, which will keep you eating more.
• Don’t Pile Up Your Plate: If the tailgating spread feels overwhelming, assess your options before digging in – look to see what is available and choose only those foods you know you will enjoy the most. Remember, no foods are off limits; however moderation is key. Enjoy a small portion of each food you wish to try. When you feel full, step away from the buffet and enjoy a mint or sugar free gum. This will keep your mouth busy to limit picking at the food offerings.