Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Looking for Healthy Tailgating Food? Try a Taco Bar
2 min read
Tailgating food doesn’t have to be unhealthy, enter – taco bar. Hosting a taco bar for a tailgate can mean a mix of purchasing pre-prepared ingredients and making a few easy recipes at home. The key to a successful healthy taco bar is to offer a variety of lean proteins and vegetables in a tasty way.
The size of street tacos make them excellent for portion control. Consider offering mixed greens for guests who prefer a to make their tacos deconstructed in a salad format. These easy and delicious options will pack in nutrients for everyone at your next taco bar:
- Black beans
- Two-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken (recipe below)
- Mixed greens for salad
- Salsas
- Fajita vegetables
- Chilled creamy cilantro lime cabbage salad (recipe below)
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced onions
- Pickled jalapeños or banana peppers
- Low-fat shredded cheese
- Avocados
- Guacamole
- Diced pineapple
- Lime slices
For University of Michigan and Michigan State fans, flaunt your team colors with an "A-maize-ing" Pineapple Salsa with blue corn chips and a State Salsa Verde with white tortilla chips.
State Salsa Verde
Check out this Spartan-friendly recipe and serve with tortilla chips.
Recipes
Another fantastic recipe to consider incorporating into your tailgate is this grilled shrimp tacos with avocado and chili lime chimichurri recipe.
Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
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