Heart- and Kidney-Friendly Tailgating

Traditional tailgate foods can be high in sodium (salt), fat, and calories. Here are some healthy alternatives for a kidney-friendly option!

1. Lean beef and poultry – Instead of grilling up hot dogs, try grilling some fresh lean proteins to cut back on sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
2. Fresh veggies with yogurt dip – Skip the chips and heavy cream dips for a lower sodium and fat option. Fresh vegetables are higher in fiber — a tasty and filling tailgate snack.
3. Veggie chili – Cook up some veggie chili instead of traditional beef chili. This is a great way to cut back on fat and cholesterol while getting an extra serving of a vegetable or two! (Scroll down for our Veggie Chili recipe.)
4. Thin crust veggie pizza – Opt for a thin crust veggie pizza instead of a deep-dish meat lovers pizza. The thinner crust can save you calories and cut back on sodium. Choosing veggies instead of meat toppings is a healthier option for your kidneys!
5. Fruit salad – Prepare a fresh fruit salad instead of reaching for the brownies and cookie platter. Fruit is naturally lower in calories and fat, making this the ultimate tailgate treat!
6. Make a “mocktail” – Skip the cocktails and mix up a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. Try adding your favorite fruit and a splash of juice to seltzer water. This is PERFECT for game-day sippin’.