11 Tailgate Foods That Won't Hurt Your Waistline Slideshow

You shouldn't feel that going to a tailgate will automatically mean an end to your healthy diet. You can still enjoy your favorite tailgate recipes while watching your waistline. You won't believe that you can still eat your favorite snacks — and even a chocolate cupcake — while staying fit. 

If you want a fresh, easy, and healthy salad that also pairs nicely with whole-grain chips, try making your own bean salad. Combine pinto beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans with diced onion, garlic, olive oil, and your choice of assorted bell peppers. This colorful creation will be filling and delicious.

Eggs are a healthy source of protein and deviled eggs will keep you full. If you are in charge of making the deviled eggs, swap out the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.  

Having a cheeseburger is fine on special occasions but opting for lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, will be a better option. You can grill pineapple with your chicken for the perfect sweet and juicy dish.

Chips and dip are an obvious pairing for tailgates but if you swap them with vegetables and hummus dip, you will be supporting your health and your waistline. You can make your own hummus and serve it with chopped celery, carrots, and cucumbers. 

Whether you simply roast them or make your own trail mix, nuts are perfect for snacking at a tailgate because they provide you a dose of healthy fats and protein. Portion out your nuts so that you don't overeat. A little goes a long way!

Stuffed peppers can be made with quinoa, corn, beans, tomatoes, and spices. The array of flavor will make you forget about meat completely and your taste buds will be satisfied. The whole-grain quinoa and protein-packed beans will keep you full throughout the entire tailgate. 

You can solve your chip cravings by replacing the usual ones with a healthier alternative. Sweet potato chips are filled with vitamins and are shown to strengthen the immune system. You won't felt guilty about indulging with these delicious chips. 

You should feel like you have to eliminate your favorite sandwiches while at a tailgate. Instead, take a whole-wheat wrap and combine turkey, avocado, hummus, tomato, sprouts, carrots, and apples to have a delicious, fiber-loaded lunch. 

Chocolate cravings do exist, so when you are tempted by cookies or brownies, you'll want to find a healthier dessert. Make your own vegan chocolate cupcakes with whole-wheat flour and unsweetened cocoa. This decadent treat will be approved by all your friends and family.

If you are looking for a healthy dish you can make ahead of time, try making vegetarian chili in the slow cooker. That way, it will be cooking while you are packing and preparing everything for the tailgate. 

Skip the greasy fries and make your own zucchini fries with avocado aïoli. The pesto-guacamole is an amazingly healthy indulgence that you don't have to feel guilty about. This vegan alternative to classic aioli is full of good-for-you fats that everyone will love.