Written By: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LDN 

Tailgating time is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning to host or attend a gameday viewing party, chances are you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy festive and fun snacks before kickoff. If you’re aiming to enjoy your favorite game day flavors while still prioritizing wellness and taking a balanced approach, try the following tips. 

Tackle Produce and Protein First 

A strategy for navigating any social environment while trying to stay on track with health goals, is to choose foods that will keep you feeling satisfied while providing key nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are naturally water-rich, so they help to fill you up with fewer calories, while providing essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Protein provides staying power, meaning that it keeps you feeling full for hours. Reach for fruit or vegetable trays paired with hummus, guacamole or a yogurt-based dip, and lean proteins like grilled chicken skewers.  

Add Volume to Your Favorite Dips 

A great way to enjoy rich dips is by adding fiber-rich ingredients, like vegetables and beans. A classic seven-layer dip already has fiber-rich beans, avocados and tomatoes, making it a smart choice for snacking. For even more volume, consider layering in a bag of riced cauliflower. For other decadent dips, try adding diced tomatoes and bell pepper to help cut down on fat and calories per serving.  This green chile queso offers rich, cheesy flavor with a twist. Cannellini beans and veggies offer plant-based protein and fiber. 

Green Chile Queso with White Beans 

•3 cloves garlic  

•1 tbsp Full Circle Market olive oil 

•1 tbsp Food Club unsalted butter 

•2 tbsps. Food City all-purpose flour 

•1 cup Food City Fresh skim milk 

•1 4 oz. can Food Club mild diced green chiles  

•1 16 oz. can Food Club cannellini beans 

•1 orange bell pepper 

•1/4 tsp Food Club salt 

•1/4 tsp Food Club cumin 

•1 cup Food Club Monterey Jack cheese 

•1 cup Food Club mild cheddar cheese 

Preparation 

1. Finely chop garlic or run through a garlic press if desired. 

2. Remove stem and seeds from bell pepper and finely chop. 

3. Rinse canned beans in a colander. 

4. Use cheese grater to grate one cup of Monterey jack cheese and one cup of cheddar cheese. 

5. In a small skillet, add olive oil and butter, melt butter and heat oil over medium high heat. 

6. Add garlic and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes. 

7. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk to make a paste. 

8. Cook for 1-2 minutes, and then slowly whisk in the milk. 

9. Add chopped chiles, salt, and cumin. 

10. Allow to come to a gentle boil, whisking frequently, until slightly thickened. 

11. Turn heat to low. 

12. Add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth. 

13. Mix in beans and chopped bell pepper. 

14. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions if desired and serve with chips.