A Lady Goes West

A healthy lifestyle blog by Ashley Pitt

  • Home
    • Popular Posts
  • About
  • Fitness
    • Les Mills Group Fitness
    • Workouts
    • Fitness Tips
    • Class Reviews
  • Food
    • What I Ate Wednesday
    • Recipes
  • Clean Beauty
  • Mom Life
    • Fit & Fertile Book
    • Baby
    • Pregnancy
    • Postpartum
  • Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

How to gather for a healthier tailgate party

October 15, 2015 By Ashley 24 Comments

Healthy and tailgate are not exactly terms that you often hear paired together. And while gathering together with your friends to hang out, eat and indulge in a few adult beverages is not the time to be worried about your diet, there are ways to put a healthier spin on it all so you can have fun and feel good.

How to gather for a healthier tailgate party via A Lady Goes West

Being that I’m a born-and-raised Florida girl, now living the Bay Area, I’ve done my fair share of tailgating. Sometimes it actually involves sitting on the back of a truck, but more times than not, it doesn’t. In fact, as a student at University of Florida, I was lucky enough to have friends whose parents had a highly coveted spot in a reserved area exclusively for big RVs, which is where we spent much of our pre- and post-game time during Gator football season. Oh those are some memories, that’s for sure. And just last month, I was able to tailgate before an Ohio State game in Columbus, while visiting friends, and it was so fun.

That’s the beauty of “tailgating” — is that it’s a chance to get together outdoors with people who have common interests with you, chat, share stories and play games — all in anticipation of an event. Whether that’s a concert, football game or other, it really doesn’t matter. In fact to me, sometimes tailgating is actually a better time than whatever you’re tailgating for. Am I right? Now let’s get to the healthy spin …

Ways to add some healthy to your tailgate party

While having fun should be your top priority, there are a few ways to make sure that both you and your friends make a few better and healthier choices …

Swap out chips for veggies and create an easy protein-filled dip …

If the dip is good enough, you don’t even need chips, I promise. I made this super-easy and tasty dip (which was totally devoured at a recent party) in no time at all, and it’s easily transportable. Simply mix one bag of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix with 16 ounces of 2-percent plain Greek yogurt, and voila. I mean, it couldn’t get much easier than that.

Easy ranch dip via A Lady Goes West

And of course, with a plethora of dipping vegetables, your friends can gather around the bowl and eat as much as they want. I didn’t tell many of the guys eating this dip that it was Greek yogurt until they were already hooked. I loved seeing the surprise on their faces.

Get active and play games …

After you’ve polished off the healthy dip, get moving. One of the best things about tailgating is that you’re outside and allowed to move around. Some of my favorite activities include walking around to people-watch and playing corn-hole (you know, the game where there are wood boards with holes in them and you try and throw a little bag into the whole against an opponent). You wouldn’t believe how many steps you can log when checking out other peoples’ party set-ups (or walking back and forth to the bathroom, right?). I’ve been to so many tailgate parties, where you actually end up meeting new people when playing games, which is a nice and unexpected twist.

Get your grill on …

Rather than buying a bunch of packaged fried chicken or pizza for your tailgate party, bring lean meat and gather around a grill to cook it up to your liking, using your favorite spices. It’s much better to be in charge of what goes in and on your food. And utilizing a grill at the party means that you get to choose your most trustworthy friend to man the flames. Fun times. Choose wisely. 

Make water easily accessible and dress it up …

The number one problem with day-time hanging out in a tailgate setting is the fact that people tend to slack on the water. For all of my parties, whether they are inside or out, I always have my favorite extra large mason jar full of infused-water. I mean, why waste a bunch of plastic bottles, which will inevitably be the last things left in the bottom of the cooler? Just make it easy for your friends by putting the water out front and center.

Drink more water at a healthy tail-gate via A Lady Goes West

Cucumber is my favorite addition to water, but lemon, raspberry or even mint work well too. And when this lovely set-up is staring at you in the face, you and your friends are much more likely to hydrate throughout the day. And if you are choosing to throw back a couple of adult beverages, remember to drink a big glass of water between each. You’ll be very glad you did.

Let’s be real, tailgate parties are laid-back, fun get-togethers meant to be enjoyed. You definitely don’t want to go into one feeling restricted, but with these tips, you’re sure to make a few better choices. And if you make the dip, don’t tell anyone that it’s actually made with Greek yogurt and see if they notice. Good stuff.

Find more party inspiration with Gather Now

If you’re planning to host a get-together with your friends one day soon, may I suggest you check out the Gather Now tumblr, which is an awesome site for inspiration on how to add something extra to all of your social engagements. Happy gathering to you, my friends!

Gather for a healthier tailgate party today with these tips ... #GatherNow #tailgate #food  Click To Tweet

**Disclaimer: Please note that this post is sponsored by Gather, which is owned by The Clorox Family, and The Clorox Family is the parent company of Hidden Valley. While I did receive product and was compensated, all the thoughts and opinions are my own. And as you know, I love to talk about food and parties, so it’s a win-win for us all. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that help keep the lights on around here.

Questions of the day

Have you gone to a tailgate party?

What’s your favorite tailgate food?

Ashley signature

 

 

Follow along with me on Bloglovin‘, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Filed Under: Food, Healthy living, Lifestyle, Recipes Tagged With: Clorox, dip, entertaining, Gather Now, Hidden Valley, party, recipe, sponsored, tailgate food, tailgate party

SIGN UP FOR A FREE GIFT

Get a free "How to have a great week of workouts" checklist and action plan when you sign up for the list. And you'll get new posts by email.

About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
Stay in touch ...
Bloglovin', Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook.

Comments

  1. Becky @ Olives n Wine says

    October 15, 2015 at 3:35 am

    In college and grad school I tailgated every Saturday like it was my job! Go Iowa State 🙂 I agree, tailgating isn’t the time to be worried about healthy eating but sneaking in a few healthy habits during the day can never hurt!
    Becky @ Olives n Wine recently posted…And we’re off!My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Ditto! And no, I was a lot less worried about being healthy back in college too. But these days, I’m definitely all about the WATER, in addition to the fun!! 🙂 Happy day to you, Becky!

      Reply
  2. Marielle says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:03 am

    I always make sure to have a water bottle with me at all times, so at least I will be hydrated! Tailgating and getting together at a friends house to watch football can be tough to eat healthy, but I try to more these days!
    Marielle recently posted…What’s New?My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:32 am

      Hi Marielle! I know! And you definitely don’t have to stick to your normal eating, but just a few swaps here and there can help. 🙂 Happy day to you, lady!

      Reply
  3. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:08 am

    You know I always make sure there are veggies. And I bring my cornbread muffins!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Mom, Otters, Pumpkins, and I’ve Got the FeverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:32 am

      That’s a great combination, Susie!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:14 am

    Love cucumber water! I used to do a whole mix of oranges, lemons & cucumbers years ago but now it’s just lemons. Great tips Ashley!
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…3 Ways To Make Your Food Photography Stand Out: Part 1My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:34 am

      Thanks, Megan! I totally drink more water when it’s flavored. 🙂 I guess I’m not alone in that! Have a great day, lady!

      Reply
  5. Shae@Finance&Fitness says

    October 15, 2015 at 5:43 am

    I love this! Tailgates are so much fun but it makes me feel a whole lot better going into them with a game plan so I can really enjoy the experience 🙂
    Shae@Finance&Fitness recently posted…Butternut Goat Cheese SaladsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:34 am

      Hi Shae! Agreed! As long as you do just a FEW things better, it makes the day a win! 🙂 Happy day to you, lady!

      Reply
  6. P.Jeanne says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Great ideas! I especially love adding flavor to water, it always helps me to drink more 🙂
    P.Jeanne recently posted…This weeks meals: Gluten Free eatingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:47 am

      It TOTALLY helps me to drink more too! I need to do it everyday! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:41 am

    Love this – and glad you enjoyed tailgating in beautiful Ohio! It’s not a bad place to have gone to college, ha!

    I actually had a sample of the Hidden Valley mix on a recent grocery visit. Great idea to use it for tailgating. Can’t lie, I’m usually the one bringing stereotypical chips/hummus or cupcakes, and devouring boneless wings. This sounds like a great opportunity to mix it up. 🙂
    Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Weekly FavoritesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:49 am

      Hi Jessica! You can get into whatever you want food-wise of course, but just a FEW swaps — like extra water and movement are certainly worthy to make the day better. 🙂 And where did you go to college??

      Reply
  8. Heather @ Life In Leggings says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Great tips Ashley! Scott loves those Ranch dip packets. Tailgating sure is fun! And I’m totally with you… sometimes it’s even better than the sporting events. 😉
    Heather @ Life In Leggings recently posted…Easy & Delicious Ways To Get More Protein (#ProteinPantry)My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 7:47 am

      I always think it’s better than the event itself hahahah! And who would have thought you could make a dip SOOO tasty with just a powder packet and Greek yogurt. I love it! Happy Thursday, Heather!! 🙂
      Ashley recently posted…How to gather for a healthier tailgate partyMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Beth @ Sublimely Fit says

    October 15, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Love these tips, Ashley! I tend to indulge during fun activities like tailgating, although I tend to eat pretty well most of the time, so it’s not so bad. 🙂 I am a sucker for buffalo chicken dip–I always devour it when it’s around!
    Beth @ Sublimely Fit recently posted…Sun Salutations for BeginnersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 1:41 pm

      Same here, Beth! But I still try to get in the water and make at least one healthier swap. 🙂 Happy tailgating to you, lady!

      Reply
  10. Hilary says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I honestly never did much tailgating we just had football parties! I loved making the food, we always had some healthy choices too! I loved baking up some potatoes and grilling out some chicken and shrimp for everyone!
    Hilary recently posted…October Current’sMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 1:40 pm

      Sounds like a good time, Hilary!! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Dani @ Dani California Cooks says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    For some reason, the only tailgates I’ve been to have been in colder weather? So we love making spiked hot drinks while you’re hanging out outside.
    Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…Curried Chickpea and Cauliflower Salad (vegan, gluten free)My Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 15, 2015 at 1:40 pm

      How about that, Dani. I guess going to school in Florida meant I was usually in the heat! 🙂 Spiked hot drinks sound fun too!

      Reply
  12. Caroline S says

    October 20, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Love the healthy spin on tailgating!
    Caroline S recently posted…My PLANS 4 HALLOWEENMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      October 20, 2015 at 10:15 am

      Thanks, Caroline!! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ashley bio pic

Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a mom and fitness instructor living in Charlotte, North Carolina. I love to help you live a balanced life with no extremes, making sure you never skip a rest day. A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals, clean beauty tips and wellness insight with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

Connect with me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search This Blog

Follow

Get my ebook

Fit & Fertile ebook: How I found my body's fitness from the inside out by overcoming hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Recent Posts

  • Current faves: LEAD conference, “Shameless” and workouts
  • Ask-me-anything A Lady Goes West Advice Corner: second edition
  • Current faves: Easter fun with my mom, a challenge and workouts
  • Les Mills On Demand vs. Peloton app: Everything you need to know
  • Current faves: Microblading, human design, visitors and workouts

SIGN UP FOR A FREE GIFT

Get a free "How to have a great week of workouts" checklist and action plan when you sign up for the list. Your email address will automatically be added and stored to receive new posts by email and more. See the Privacy Policy for details.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

The latest on Instagram

Negativity be gone. "Think about negativity from o Negativity be gone. "Think about negativity from others as junk mail. Learn to sort your mail, and don't let that junk in the house." -- I heard this thought from @glennondoyle over the weekend while soaking up the annual @beautycounter virtual conference, and boy it spoke to me, as someone who used to get really upset when others didn't treat me well. I no longer internalize any of that junk, nor allow it, and it's freeing. And it's a lesson for us all.
.
I'm all about the unfollow for people or accounts that leave you feeling icky or less than. And I think you can use the unfollow both literally and figuratively in your life. Remember, if you've been experiencing negative energy from someone or something -- sort your mail and leave that junk in the trash, don't even bring it into your house. Have a good night, friends. xoxo -Ashley
Because focusing too much on what you eat and how Because focusing too much on what you eat and how you move can lead to a restrictive routine, and once you’ve been there and done that — you don’t want to go back to that place. Friends, be kind to yourself, fuel yourself well, and always make time for life. xoxo -Ashley
Peloton or Les Mills? This is divisive debate, bec Peloton or Les Mills? This is divisive debate, because people are rightly obsessed with each platform and tend to have strong feelings either way. Here's the deal: I think the Peloton and Les Mills platforms are both AMAZING, because they are getting more people moving and giving more people access to incredible workouts, all at a reasonable monthly price. I use both apps every single week, and I think that you can definitely enjoy both. I wrote a whole post on the blog this week about Les Mills On Demand vs. the Peloton app, and I went through everything you need to know to make a choice. You can check out that post later, but here's a top-line overview:
.
Peloton vs. Les Mills On Demand:
-The monthly price is fairly even for access to both apps and both have free trials for 30 days
-There is great variety of workouts on both apps, but @onepeloton has a larger quantity of workouts and more short workouts
-Peloton has the fun-connected-digital community vibe and trackable data nailed down, but @lesmillsondemand workouts are better tested and programmed (and they are always effective, whereas sometimes Peloton workouts leave you wanting more)
-Both apps offer "programs" with workout calendars and I highly recommend following them to get better results
-There are incredible instructors on both platforms, and it depends on your personal style which instructors will resonate with you
-You can get in a great workout on either app, but you have to make sure you're doing the right mix of cardio and strength each week, rather than choosing randomly, in order to get more fit
.
I'm in the camp that you can enjoy more than one digital fitness platform, especially because the price is better than the cost of one live-studio class. If you want to check out more on this, head to the blog here: https://aladygoeswest.com/les-mills-on-demand-vs-peloton-app-everything-you-need-to-know/
.
Keep moving, friends! I'd love to know. Are you team Peloton, team Les Mills On Demand or other?
I teared up a little after receiving my first dose I teared up a little after receiving my first dose of the vaccine, thinking about the last year and all we’ve been through. Whether you choose to take this vaccine is up to you, but it’s a choice I wanted to make. And it’s given me a lot of relief and hope for what’s ahead. Thank you to all the health-care and front-line workers out there for all you do.
A season of firsts! Here’s to our first Easter b A season of firsts! Here’s to our first Easter back on the East Coast and in our new house. My mom drove up from Florida to spend the week with us, and this is our first holiday together in far too long. Now for the important question: What’s your favorite Easter candy, friends? For me: Not big on candy, but I’ll choose carrot cake over any other dessert Easter or not. Hope you had a great weekend, lovelies. ❤️🥕🐰
Mom and Dad’s first date night out in more than Mom and Dad’s first date night out in more than a year. And I’m pretty sure we wore these same outfits the last time we went out. But that was in San Francisco, and now we’re in Charlotte. Lots of changes in our lives over the last year, but we’ve done them all together. Cheers, friends. Pass me a martini. ❤️🍸
Load More... Follow on Instagram

As seen on

A Lady Goes West is a personal blog meant for entertainment purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice from your own doctor, trainer or nutritionist. While I'm a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the workouts, food and plans I post are what works for me and may not work for you. Please enjoy these stories and tips from my life, but proceed with caution. Also, know that affiliate links and sponsored posts appear from time-to-time, and I appreciate your support. For more information about how your data is stored, visit my Privacy Policy. Thanks for reading!

Copyright © 2021 Ashley Pitt (A Lady Goes West) · Design by MakeMe{dia}Over