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TRADITIONAL TAILGATING FOODS, however, haven't earned the best reputation in the healthcare community. Sure, cheering for the team may burn a few calories, but the food that fuels that enthusiasm is often high in empty calories and saturated fat. Indulging in traditional tailgating fare like fried chicken wings, chips, hotdogs and sodas can cause weight gain — a consequence that can in turn lead to heart problems, diculty sleeping, diabetes and certain types ofcancer. Luckily for you, ideas for healthier alternatives abound. Consider these inspiring options. Tailgate Food Game Day Dip Pair this tasty bean salsa with baked, whole-wheat tortilla chips for a delicious, healthier alternative to chips and salsa. INGREDIENTS 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained 1 15-ounce can corn, drained 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 4.5-ounce can chopped green chilies, drained ¼ cup finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon oil 3 limes, juiced salt and pepper to taste, optional DIRECTIONS Mix kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chilies and onion in a large bowl. Add lime juice, oil, salt and pepper; toss gently to combine. Serve with baked whole-wheat chips. NUTRITION INFORMATION DIPONLY Serves: 16 Calories: 87 Total Fat: 1g Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0g Sodium: 194mg Total Carbohydrates: 15g Dietary Fiber: 4g Total Sugars: 2g Protein: 4g Recipe courtesy of What's Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl (whatscooking.fns.usda.gov) Baked chicken. Rather than serving fried chicken ngers smothered in bualo or barbeque sauce, coat lean cuts of skinless chicken breasts in whole-wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture and bake them. Serve with sides of low-sodium sauces. Tasty chips. Serve avorful kale chips or a plate of baked sweet potato fries instead ofchips at your next tailgate. Grilled goodness. Need an easy crowd- pleaser to prepare on the grill? Try chicken skewers. Alternate pieces of bell pepper, zucchini and onion or other vegetables withlean chunks of chicken on the skewer. Thirst quenchers. Cheering for a team can be hard work. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which is more eective for quenching thirst than sugary beverages — not to mention better for you. If carbonation is whatyou crave, try aavoredcarbonated water. Revisited Many Americans have a healthy obsession with football tailgating. MERCY MEDICAL CENTERCENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 3