Captain of the Tailgate: Healthy Football Foods

A couple weeks ago, we brought you a recipe for cheese-stuffed brats, and provided a disclaimer that we very much endorse healthy living and exercise.  I got a note from one of our readers that suggested we actually make a post for health-friendly and heart-happy tailgating foods.

The idea at first seemed to go against the very fiber of tailgating and football; after all, how many of us will use the football experience as an excuse to let loose and gorge ourselves, all in the name of celebration?  I know I spend plenty of time running and exercising for that very reason - to make me feel better about defiling my body with copious amounts of BBQ and adult libations.

But, not everyone has that luxury, so I decided to come up with a list of heathly alternatives to the madness.  There aren't a lot listed, so feel free to add more to what I have here.

- Chips and salsa.  It only takes a couple of minutes to prepare some homemade salsa in the food processor; just let it sit in the fridge the night before and the peppers will inensify.  Also, always try to stay away from the insanely greasy chips... try baked chips, pita chips, whole grain chips; you get the idea.  But eat all you want... salsa is very healthy for you.

- Snack trays. Pickles, okra, low-fat cheeses, olives, raw veggies, hummus, crackers, etc. 

- Grilled chicken, fish, and (healthy) sausage.  Take the high-protein/low-fat route by grilling (or baking) some chicken or fish.  And for those of you who just HAVE to have sausage on game day, thre are tons of different brands of chicken and turkey-based sausages out there, and plenty of fancy blended ingredients as well (sun-dried tomato and basil chicken susage, hot pepper turkey sausage, etc.).

-----------------------------

Okay, so there are three options for you, but some might claim that is too boring... what could we add (that is healthy) to this list that would make it a bit more exciting?