Game day prep: 22 tailgate slow cooker dishes ranked from healthiest to unhealthiest

KellyNelson // Shutterstock Whether you’re getting ready for the big game or prepping for a community tailgate, slow cooker recipes are a simple and hearty way to feed a crowd. Plus, they typically require very little effort to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time getting hyped for the football game with your friends and family.  But it’s easy to lose sight of your health goals when grazing at a tailgate buffet. Maybe you’re trying to hit a daily protein goal or cut back on fats and sugar. Whatever nutrition objectives you’re aiming for, you’re covered. Hims ranked the healthiness of 22 popular tailgate slow cooker recipes from Allrecipes.com based on the following categories: Protein: A high-protein diet has been found to increase muscle mass, even if you’re on a weight loss journey. Saturated Fat: Research shows that saturated fat intake contributes to higher LDL cholesterol levels. That, in turn, could possibly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fiber: Fiber has a number of health benefits, including reducing hunger, fostering better metabolism, and improving heart health.  Calories: Calculating the right amount of daily calories for your body is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re trying to lose weight, you may also consider creating a calorie deficit.  Net Carbs: Not all carbohydrates are created equal, but eating too many can negatively impact your health–especially when it comes to refined carbs.  Sugar: Consuming too much sugar can lead to compulsive overeating in general, so it’s wise to pay attention to your intake.    Key Findings Lean protein options shine as some of the healthiest tailgate dishes.  Processed and fried meats are among the least healthy recipes, including little smokies, cocktail meatballs, and bacon wrapped smokies.  Warm dips appear on both the best and worst lists, highlighting the importance of using health-conscious ingredients no matter what dish you’re making.  Here are the healthiest and unhealthiest tailgate dishes to craft the perfect spread for your next game day. Slow Cooker Tailgate Recipes Ranked from Healthiest to Unhealthiest