Game Day Greats

Outdoor grilling season's here!  We've got tips for a fabulous game day feast from Colleen Doyle, the American Cancer Society's nutrition expert.

Great grillin'.  No need to skip your barbecued favorites.  Just trim excess fat and cover your grill rack with foil. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow fat to drain but keep smoke away from cooking meats. Less smoke means lower exposure to heterocyclic amines (HAs), the chemicals that increase cancer risks.

New starting lineup.  Instead of burgers, try fresh, savory dishes like these grilled fish tacos. Make them with hearty corn tortillas and garnish with tomato and avocado slices for an extra nutritional boost.

Team colors. Toss fall winners like golden squash, red onions and brilliant orange or yellow peppers on the grill, too. These flavorful veggies are brimming with cancer-fighting antioxidants, yet low in calories.   

Smart substitutions. Skip the chips and try hearty pretzels or seasoned popcorn instead. Replace the sour cream in dips with Greek-style yogurt, adding fresh chives and other herbs for zest.

Skinny sweets. This chocolate cheesecake recipe will earn you high-fives all around. Enjoy rich flavor for less than 100 calories a slice!  Make it even more healthful with a sideline of fresh strawberries or blueberries.

Colleen Doyle teams up with Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, the Society's chief medical officer, to give you even more ideas for healthy tailgating in this fall podcast. And for a complete guide to fighting cancer in your lifetime, check out the Stay Healthy section.