Game Day!

So the leaves are changing color, the weather is cooling off and all of our college and professional football teams are duking it out on the gridiron. If you're anything like me, fall signals tailgating season – my favorite time of year. As a graduate of a university in Wisconsin – a state that has essentially elevated tailgating to an art form – trust me when I say I love me some football weekends. At the same time, it's been a struggle to keep my girlish figure when ribs, brats and burgers are constantly waved under my nose.
Sooo, here are a few tips for any others spending their weekends in front of the grill and the TV.

* Don't show up hungry. Take time to eat a light, healthy snack before hitting the spread.
* When fixing your plate, try to add plenty of fruits and veggies. That way you can fill up your belly faster with healthier items.
* Eating smaller portions is key. Yes, you can indulge in some baked beans or potato salad. But don't pile a mountain of it on your plate.
* Bring some low-calorie snack options such as a fruit salad or raw veggies and hummus.
* Avoid adding lots of butter, salt, condiments and fatty dressings.
* Drink lots of water. It will help fill you up.
* Drink alcohol in moderation.
* Drink diet soda instead of the regular version to save calories.
* Rather than sitting around and snacking, play a game instead. It’s difficult to overeat if you're throwing around the football or playing corn hole.

See gang? With a little extra effort and foresight, you can get through that next tailgate without immediately packing on the pounds.
By the way, check out the dessert I'm bringing to this weekend's tailgate. It's low in calories and is made with diet soda. Yum!

Diet Coke "Almost Brownies"