So, you go to football games every. single. weekend. Oh wait? Kids' soccer games too? And the high school rivalry game on Friday night? What about when basketball starts? A couple nights a week spent at the court? Needless to say...us sports fans spend lots of time at venues watching our favorite teams.
I've talked to a lot of you about your football game day experience and it's so fun to hear how different every school and team is. Some of you are eating at team tailgates, some are participating in recruiting events with meals, some are supporting other sports teams via concessions and while others eat at home before the game and maybe sneak a snack in! I've been in all of these positions, and while typically I fall on the team who eats before they come (food allergies make that decision a little easier), I've had my fair share of pre-game burgers, drinks and half-time nachos.
I've talked to a lot of you about your football game day experience and it's so fun to hear how different every school and team is. Some of you are eating at team tailgates, some are participating in recruiting events with meals, some are supporting other sports teams via concessions and while others eat at home before the game and maybe sneak a snack in! I've been in all of these positions, and while typically I fall on the team who eats before they come (food allergies make that decision a little easier), I've had my fair share of pre-game burgers, drinks and half-time nachos.
A Few Facts You Might Freak Out About...
- A typical serving of nachos (40 chips + 4 oz cheese) = over 1000 calories!
- A personal pan pepperoni pizza has 620 calories and 1590 grams of sodium!
- Stadium hot dogs can be up to 400 calories loaded with saturated fat and a nutrient weak white bun
- Eating a large soft pretzel each weekend can add up to 8,400 calories over a football season, almost 2.5 extra lbs! And that's not including the congealed orange stuff they call cheese sauce...
- A 20 oz fresh squeezed lemonade has 210 calories and 52 (52!) grams of sugar.
Now that you all hate me and will never look at a plate of nachos the same again...
This post isn't to tell you you MUST eat a kale salad before games, sneak an apple in for a halftime snack and be sure to avoid eye contact with every hot-dog-hot-chocolate peddler that marches by your seat. Not realistic. Instead...I've collected concessions menus from schools all over the place, and for all levels of play and am hoping to give you a few tips on making the health(ier) choice while at the game. Besides - we love to support our teams through concessions, and let's face it, the kiddos will be much happier if you just "GET THEM A SNACK!". I know my little brother would purposefully not eat anything before games JUST so he could eat something from the concession stand. It's unavoidable - so I've done the research and have some ways that you can enjoy stadium food without feeling deprived, and without having to buy new pants at the end of a long season .
This post isn't to tell you you MUST eat a kale salad before games, sneak an apple in for a halftime snack and be sure to avoid eye contact with every hot-dog-hot-chocolate peddler that marches by your seat. Not realistic. Instead...I've collected concessions menus from schools all over the place, and for all levels of play and am hoping to give you a few tips on making the health(ier) choice while at the game. Besides - we love to support our teams through concessions, and let's face it, the kiddos will be much happier if you just "GET THEM A SNACK!". I know my little brother would purposefully not eat anything before games JUST so he could eat something from the concession stand. It's unavoidable - so I've done the research and have some ways that you can enjoy stadium food without feeling deprived, and without having to buy new pants at the end of a long season .
Stadium Menu #1
Let's look through this menu and pick our top 3 choices:
As much as I would like to "sack my thirst" and load up on all of the "jumbo" and "grande" options....
1. Popcorn - while stadium versions are higher in saturated fat - it's relatively low calorie, filling (mmm...fiber) and will last longer than 2 giant nerve-laden bites. If you are a nervous fan - popcorn is a great munchie!
2. Grilled Chicken Sandwich - for an actual decent lunch. Get your protein (with no fryer needed) and maybe a veggie or two on top?
3. Coffee - ok, not better than water (though debatable at my house). But great for a caffeine boost or a warm-your-insides-up drink without the sugar and calories of hot chocolate.
~Thanks Taryn for this menu from Colorado State University - Hughes Stadium
As much as I would like to "sack my thirst" and load up on all of the "jumbo" and "grande" options....
1. Popcorn - while stadium versions are higher in saturated fat - it's relatively low calorie, filling (mmm...fiber) and will last longer than 2 giant nerve-laden bites. If you are a nervous fan - popcorn is a great munchie!
2. Grilled Chicken Sandwich - for an actual decent lunch. Get your protein (with no fryer needed) and maybe a veggie or two on top?
3. Coffee - ok, not better than water (though debatable at my house). But great for a caffeine boost or a warm-your-insides-up drink without the sugar and calories of hot chocolate.
~Thanks Taryn for this menu from Colorado State University - Hughes Stadium
Stadium Menu #2
How about this one?
1. Chili - always one of my top picks. Typically low fat (if you get the one minus the Fritos), and beans and meat will keep you full (and warm when it's cold!). If your concessions offer chili dogs or chili fries...you can ask for just a bowl of chili.
2. Pickles - YUM! And 25 calories!
3. Hot Dog - not a terrible option when it's not loaded with toppings or a jumbo size and sometimes you just need a hot dog
~Thanks Alissa for this menu from Platte Valley High School
1. Chili - always one of my top picks. Typically low fat (if you get the one minus the Fritos), and beans and meat will keep you full (and warm when it's cold!). If your concessions offer chili dogs or chili fries...you can ask for just a bowl of chili.
2. Pickles - YUM! And 25 calories!
3. Hot Dog - not a terrible option when it's not loaded with toppings or a jumbo size and sometimes you just need a hot dog
~Thanks Alissa for this menu from Platte Valley High School
I can't believe how many different types of menus I've seen across the country. It's fun to see local traditions stand out on game day. I'm sure your team's stadium has their own special menu with the good, the bad and the ugly. I've created the "Top 10 Plays for Eating Smart on Game Day" to help you out no matter what bleachers you sit on every weekend. I've got some healthy tailgating recipes coming your way soon too - so keep your eyes peeled!
What's your go-to game day food?
Do you splurge or stay on track?
Do you think you have the best stadium food? Tell me why!
Do you splurge or stay on track?
Do you think you have the best stadium food? Tell me why!
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