Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Leucine powder and supplement with chemical formula
    Healthy Eating

    Here's Why Leucine Matters in your Wellness Plan

    Healthy and delicious Cottage Cheese in a bowl
    Healthy Eating

    Why Cottage Cheese is Making a Resurgence

    Elderly japanese man eating with a young japanese boy practicing Hara Hachi Bu diet method
    Healthy Eating

    What is the hara hachi bu diet and how does it work?

    Girl holding a linear bar
    Healthy Eating

    Behind the Bar: Why Linear Bar’s Founder Decided the Protein Bar Industr...

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Team USA USMNT makes history at the 2026 World Cup
    News

    Team USA Just Broke a 96-Year World Cup Record—and Fans Can’t Believe It...

    Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 World Cup practicing for his match against Uzbekistan
    News

    Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Legacy on the Line?

    David Charvet and his son Shaya Charvet posing and showing their muscular physique
    Interviews

    Why Father’s Day Is Extra Rewarding for David Charvet

    Mitchell Hooper kissing his wife after a deadlift showdown at the Enhanced Games
    Pro Tips

    Mitchell Hooper Wants a Bigger Conversation Than Just Performance Enhanc...

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Clock with a meal symoblizing Intermittent fasting and its benefits
    News

    Intermittent Fasting May Offer Benefits Besides Weight Loss

    National Men's mental health month and awareness symbolized with a blue ribbon
    News

    The Men’s Health Crisis Nobody Is Talking About: Why June Matters More T...

    Female checking her weight after a yo-yo diet
    News

    Do Yo-Yo Diets Really Ruin Your Metabolism?

    Thor Bjornsson at the Enhanced Games
    From our Partners

    The Enhanced Games Didn’t End the Debate. They Changed It.

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Director of Cornucopia Events Mini Vohra, a celebrity events strategist, Director of Cornucopia Events, British entrepreneur, and former barrister
    Wellness

    Longevity Is the New Luxury: Inside the $100K Biohacking Lifestyle

    Wellness retreat attendees performing yoga at SHA wellness retreat
    Wellness

    Can Your Biomarkers Build A Vacation Itinerary?

    Elderly man placing weights on a barbell
    Wellness

    Strength Training Is the New Anti-Aging Drug

    Supplement stack
    Functional Medicine

    The 5-Supplement Stack That Slows Aging and Boosts Muscle Growth

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    William Bonac bodybuilder interview on a podcast
    News

    William Bonac Fires Back at Critics: 'My Physique Is Still Getting Bette...

    Bodybuilders Mike Mentzer and Dorian Yates training and mentoring the young bodybuilder on the Maximum Results training method
    Training

    Dorian Yates Shares How Mike Mentzer Still Inspires 'Maximum Results'

    Former Mr. Olympia winner Derek Lunsford trains Josema Beast’s back workout
    News

    Josema Beast Gets a Back Training Masterclass From Derek Lunsford

    TMP
    News

    Dennis James Says One Hour of This Could Have Changed His Career

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Female bodybuilder Erin Stern performing her lower body workout and top 3 inner thigh exercises for a tone and sculpted legs
    Hers Workouts

    These 3 Exercises Will Transform Your Inner Thighs—Fast

    social media fitness influencer and inspirational personal trainer, Stephanie Sanzo performs her birthday leg day workout
    Hers Workouts

    Stephanie Sanzo Proves Age Is Just a Number Each Leg Day

    Fitness Coach Anna McManamey-Cashion shares her tips for a post-binge reset for fitness and a healthy gut
    Muscle & Fitness Hers

    3 Proven Post-Binge Tips to Get Back on Track Fast

    Tiffany Stratton
    Muscle & Fitness Hers

    Tiffany Stratton Is Prepping for Her Return to Another Stage

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Healthy Eating

How to Tailgate This NFL Season Without Going Offside

Learn how to find the end zone with the perfect tailgating food. 

by Jenna Werner
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
How to Tailgate This NFL Season Without Going Offside
View Gallery

How to Tailgate This NFL Season Without Going Offside

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 8

1 of 8

How to Tailgate This NFL Season Without Going Offside

Pre-Game Eats

We know there’s an endless supply of unhealthy food available to you on Sunday mornings at the tailgate, but you can’t have it all. Learn how to walk that tightrope of what—and what not—to have. Avoid a 15-yard penalty to your diet while tailgating this NFL season with these recipes.

2 of 8

Test RUles 111

Nachos

Keep your midsection from reaching lineman-size status by benching your unhealthy pre-game nachos platter that’s overflowing with fixings like mounds of bacon bits, gobs of sour cream, layers of cheese, and pounds of ground beef. Instead, sub in this delicious and easy-to-make nacho stick recipe, featuring tasty and affordable products from Albertsons & Safeway’s exclusive brand, O Organics, that uses USDA-certified organic chips and string cheese, dipped in a low calorie salsa for a flavor touchdown. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and serve, and can help prevent your belly from encroaching over your waistband. If you dip your sticks in guac, keep your portions under control.

3 of 8

Ribs food

Ribs

Often high in fat and calories, those stats inflate even more when the ribs are smothered in a sugary sauce. Pull a Tom Brady and deflate the macros with baby back pork ribs for a leaner option, and prepare with a low-salt spice rub like Spiceologist’s Cowboy Crust. Keep sauces on the side, and stick to two to three ribs max.SEE ALSO: Championship Spareribs Recipe With Sweet Apple Bbq Sauce

4 of 8

afterward

sdasdaf

Chicken Wings

Call an audible on the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and oil, and then toss ’em on the grill. Finish by brushing with hot sauce or honey mustard. If you’re diehard about having sauce, remember that a little goes a long way, and keep to varieties lower in sugar and salt—like Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue’s Sensuous Slathering Sauce or Jule’s Gourmet Foods Jamaican Jerk Sauce.SEE ALSO: Wing It: Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

5 of 8

Corn on the cob food

Corn on the Cob

It’s often served pre-doused with butter and salt. Don’t fumble with your sides.SEE ALSO: Corn For Your Carbs

6 of 8

Sausage

Sausage

Score big by subbing in chicken sausage to save on calories and fat. Maximize flavor with Bilinski’s organic sausages, which come in flavors such as hot Italian, sweet apple, and kale balsamic.SEE ALSO: Sausage & Pepper Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe

7 of 8

Salad food

Salad

They’re as rare at tailgates as Johnny Manziel is under center these days, so when salad is on the menu consider it a touchdown! Fill up half your plate with salad or any type of nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Drizzle a noncreamy or Greek yogurt-based dressing atop the roughage. Avoid toppings like candied nuts and bacon bits, and use cheese sparingly.SEE ALSO: 10-Minute Muscle Meal: Chipotle Bean Salad Recipe

8 of 8

Water aquahydrate

Drinks

Mix booze with sparkling waters and seltzers, and add fresh fruit and herbs for lower-calorie mixed drinks. Try to abstain from beer, if possible. However, if beer gets the nod stick with light ones or low-alcohol craft beers. Aim to down a glass of water in-between each brew. To ensure you have some H2O on hand, consider investing in a durable water bottle or turn to bottled water, such as AQUAhydrate, which can help balance hydration levels and replenish electrolytes twice as fast as tap water.

Back to intro

Pre-Game Eats

We know there’s an endless supply of unhealthy food available to you on Sunday mornings at the tailgate, but you can’t have it all. Learn how to walk that tightrope of what—and what not—to have. Avoid a 15-yard penalty to your diet while tailgating this NFL season with these recipes.

Nachos

Keep your midsection from reaching lineman-size status by benching your unhealthy pre-game nachos platter that’s overflowing with fixings like mounds of bacon bits, gobs of sour cream, layers of cheese, and pounds of ground beef. Instead, sub in this delicious and easy-to-make nacho stick recipe, featuring tasty and affordable products from Albertsons & Safeway’s exclusive brand, O Organics, that uses USDA-certified organic chips and string cheese, dipped in a low calorie salsa for a flavor touchdown. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and serve, and can help prevent your belly from encroaching over your waistband. If you dip your sticks in guac, keep your portions under control.

Ribs

Often high in fat and calories, those stats inflate even more when the ribs are smothered in a sugary sauce. Pull a Tom Brady and deflate the macros with baby back pork ribs for a leaner option, and prepare with a low-salt spice rub like Spiceologist’s Cowboy Crust. Keep sauces on the side, and stick to two to three ribs max.

SEE ALSO: Championship Spareribs Recipe With Sweet Apple Bbq Sauce

Chicken Wings

Call an audible on the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and oil, and then toss ’em on the grill. Finish by brushing with hot sauce or honey mustard. If you’re diehard about having sauce, remember that a little goes a long way, and keep to varieties lower in sugar and salt—like Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue’s Sensuous Slathering Sauce or Jule’s Gourmet Foods Jamaican Jerk Sauce.

SEE ALSO: Wing It: Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce Recipe

Corn on the Cob

It’s often served pre-doused with butter and salt. Don’t fumble with your sides.

SEE ALSO: Corn For Your Carbs

Sausage

Score big by subbing in chicken sausage to save on calories and fat. Maximize flavor with Bilinski’s organic sausages, which come in flavors such as hot Italian, sweet apple, and kale balsamic.

SEE ALSO: Sausage & Pepper Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe

Salad

They’re as rare at tailgates as Johnny Manziel is under center these days, so when salad is on the menu consider it a touchdown! Fill up half your plate with salad or any type of nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Drizzle a noncreamy or Greek yogurt-based dressing atop the roughage. Avoid toppings like candied nuts and bacon bits, and use cheese sparingly.

SEE ALSO: 10-Minute Muscle Meal: Chipotle Bean Salad Recipe

Drinks

Mix booze with sparkling waters and seltzers, and add fresh fruit and herbs for lower-calorie mixed drinks. Try to abstain from beer, if possible. However, if beer gets the nod stick with light ones or low-alcohol craft beers. Aim to down a glass of water in-between each brew. To ensure you have some H2O on hand, consider investing in a durable water bottle or turn to bottled water, such as AQUAhydrate, which can help balance hydration levels and replenish electrolytes twice as fast as tap water.

Topics:
  • Diet
  • Sports
Author picture
Written by Jenna Werner
Related Articles
Team USA USMNT makes history at the 2026 World Cup
News

Team USA Just Broke a 96-Year World Cup Record—and Fans Can’t Believe It...

Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 World Cup practicing for his match against Uzbekistan
News

Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Legacy on the Line?

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Leucine powder and supplement with chemical formula
Healthy Eating

Here's Why Leucine Matters in your Wellness Plan

Research now shows how this essential amino acid can power-up the mitochondria.

Read article
Healthy and delicious Cottage Cheese in a bowl
Healthy Eating

Why Cottage Cheese is Making a Resurgence

The protein-packed curd is back and more popular than ever. Here’s how to pick the right one for you.

Read article
Elderly japanese man eating with a young japanese boy practicing Hara Hachi Bu diet method
Healthy Eating

What is the hara hachi bu diet and how does it work?

The traditional Japanese practice could drop excess fat without the extremes.

Read article
All Healthy Eating
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Nutrition
  4. /
  5. Healthy Eating
  6. /
  7. How to Tailgate This NFL Season Without Going Offside
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement