• Tackle your menu. Make sure you block the fat and intercept the added calories often found in traditional party food. Prepare some light finger food to bring to the tailgate party. A veggie tray with low-fat or fat-free dip will help. Crunchy snacks such as pretzels and baked chips are good, low-fat choices.

• Make a game plan. Have a small snack before going to a tailgate party. Going to a party hungry often results in overeating. Snacks containing a combination of protein, carbohydrate and fat will boost and maintain your blood sugar levels. Chances are you will eat less when faced with the football field buffet.

• Pack the pigskin. Remember to bring the football for a little touch game during the tailgate party. A little exercise on game day will kick-start your metabolism, which can help burn those extra calories.

• Game-time thirst. Moderate your alcohol intake. Alcohol causes blood sugar to drop, which leads to hunger. Also, alcohol can impair your judgment, leading you to eat more than you need and more than you probably would if you weren't drinking.

Food safety strategies

Harmful microorganisms reproduce rapidly when not refrigerated. The following food safety tips will ensure no penalties against those hosting a tailgate party:

1. Plan accurately. Don't pack extra food.

2. Before, during and after preparing your food, make sure you wash your hands by lathering them with warm soap and water for a full 20 seconds.

3. Include moist towelettes for guests to use.

4. Be sure to pack meats in a sealed plastic bag to keep juices from contaminating other food.

5. Keep two separate insulated coolers: one for drinks and one for food. This will keep your food chilled until you are ready to cook or serve it, especially with guests frequently dipping into the cooler filled with drinks.

6. Pack food in reverse order, so that the last ones packed will be the first ones used.

7. Toss all refrigerated food that has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90 degrees, toss the food after one hour.

8. If in doubt, throw it out.