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Slideshow: 12 Healthy Tailgating Options Just in Time for Football Season

Citrus-Tarragon Chicken Kabobs

Kabobs are a great way to cook veggies on a grill! Pair them with a lean protein, and you’ve got a meal that’s tailor-made for diabetes-friendly tailgating. This recipe comes to us from Blake and Reid Ferguson, of the Buffalo Bills and LSU Tigers respectively, who know a thing or two about game-day eats. Blake has been living with type 1 diabetes since he was 13, and he and his brother Reid love to grill. In fact, Reid says, "Anything that can go on a grill, I will cook it." Packed with vegetables and lean meat, these kabobs will go quick on game day.

Spinach Yogurt Dip

It's not a football party without dip, and this fat-free take on spinach dip will be sure to please—without the guilt. Serve with chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or celery for an ultra low-carb snack.

Baked Hot Wings with Cilantro Lime Dip

Who knew Buffalo wings could be diabetes-friendly? Baking instead of frying makes this a healthier version of hot wings that you and other football-loving fans will love! Instead of bleu cheese dressing, we suggest using our tasty Cilantro Lime Dip.

Boneless Barbecue “Wings”

Not a fan of bone-in wings, or maybe looking to please some kids that like tenders but don't mind a little kick? Boneless chicken breast meat with a crunchy baked coating stands in for traditional chicken wings in this easy-to-prepare recipe. An enhanced barbecue sauce gives it a spicy-sweet appeal.

Veggie Dip Cups

Need something that looks great and cools the heat after a couple of hot wings? This is the perfect option for kids AND adults! Pre-portioning veggies and dip together helps control portion size, and you can double dip in your own cup! Make a larger batch for game day or anytime you're entertaining. If you don't have all of the dried herbs and spices on hand, you could use 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing powder mix instead.

BBQ Meatballs

These barbecue meatballs can be ready in just 30 minutes. Double or triple the recipe when feeding a crowd, and you've got a true crow pleaser. Just keep an eye on the portions—these can go fast!

Juicy Lamb Burgers

It's not a game-day cookout without burgers. And this healthy take on a grilling staple from author Robyn Webb is a way to give a get-together something extra. Robyn says, "Make everyone feel special when you serve them this treat. It’s not every day that you’d serve lamb, but it’s a nice change from beef and turkey. The lamb provides all the juices you need, so there’s no need for cooking oil."

Turkey and Veggie Chili

This chili makes a great one-pot meal, which can be prepared beforehand and then easily loaded up to a get-together. The beans provide healthy carbs, the turkey provides lean protein, and the carrots, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes supply the veggies. Quick, easy, healthy and perfect on a cold, late-season game day!

Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Early in the season the weather is still warm and fresh corn is still in season. Made for grilling, this recipe puts a nice twist of flavor into an American favorite. Remember, corn is a starchy vegetable, so serve it with some lean protein, like the Juicy Lamb Burgers above, and a low-carb vegetable like green beans, zucchini, or a salad.

Herb Potato Salad

If there's a grill and a group of people, you should probably have a good potato salad. While most potato salads rely on lots of fatty mayonnaise, this recipe relies on mustard and seasonings to deliver a super flavorful, healthier version of a traditional comfort food. Like the corn recipe above, this dish can be starchy, so you'll want to keep an eye on portions and balance with greens and lean proteins. A classic potluck dish, it’s sure to be a hit when you bring it to a picnic, tailgate, or any other gathering.

Chicken Nacho Casserole

Turning nachos into a casserole means no one has to fight over the chips with the most toppings! Try this healthy version that has all the flavor of traditional nachos without all of the extra fat and carbs.

Chicken Tacos

Nothing says, "It's a party!" better than a taco bar! This recipe, from cookbook author Robyn Webb, makes the perfect base for choosing your own toppings. Robyn explains, "I chose chicken thighs for this taco filling, as the spicy chile sauce pairs better with it than chicken breasts. Chicken is blander in taste than beef, and it benefits greatly from a nice soak in a lime juice-laced spice blend. You can also prepare just the chicken filling (leave out the tortillas) and serve it with a few vegetables on the side for a nice lean, but definitely tasty, meal."

Mini Veggie Frittatas

For a 1:00 P.M. kickoff, the festivities can get started early. Which is why it's always nice to have a breakfast option available to get things off to a good start. These low-carb little frittatas make a quick and healthy breakfast! This recipe is just a start, so feel free to experiment with different veggies, such as zucchini, asparagus, or spinach.

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