Fall is in the air and there’s nothing like a football game, some hot wings and an ice-cold beer. Stop! Put the high-fat foods and alcoholic beverages down before you commit a healthy-living penalty.

You can enjoy the game and keep your eyes focused on your health, too. Here are five tips to help you score big on wellness.   

Tip #1: Ditch the high-fat, high-calorie and high-sugar sauces.

• Instead of slathering on the sauce, think of rubbing on the low-sodium flavor. Fresh herbs and spices in various combinations such as basil, chili powder, cumin, curry powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, thyme and no-salt, spice blends are all good choices.  Try this spice rub, which will help boost heat and flavor in your favorite grilled foods.
  
  1/4 cup paprika
  2 tablespoons oregano
  2 teaspoons chili powder
  1 teaspoon garlic powder
  1 teaspoon black pepper
  1/2 teaspoon red pepper
  1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  ½ teaspoon onion powder
  
  Mix ingredients in a bowl. Rub on your favorite meat, poultry or fish. Cover meat and/or veggies in plastic wrap, set in refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before grilling. (Tip: Make up a big batch in advance by tripling the recipe and storing it in an airtight container for future use.)
   

Tip #2: Skip the ground, chuck hamburger meat and the processed hot dogs, which are all high in fat.

• Always opt for lean cuts of your favorite meats and trim any visible fat. Try extra-lean, ground turkey breast for your chili. Or, grill chicken breast, pork tenderloin, and low-fat, chicken hot dogs on the grill.

Tip #3: Add a little variety to the pit by grilling fresh vegetables for sandwiches. Or, bring fresh veggies and salsa to nibble on during the game.

• Mushrooms, red onions, squash, zucchini, asparagus, egg plant, peppers, onions, mushrooms, radicchio and/or romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, celery and some potatoes (those for baking, not boiling) are perfect on the grill.

Tip: #4: Drink water!

• Calories from sugary drinks (soda, juices and sweetened teas) and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits add up quickly. Choose water whenever possible. Or, drink water between your high-calorie, drinkable treats. It’ll help keep you hydrated. Remember: Alcohol is very dehydrating to the body.
   

Tip #5: Keep your food safe.

• Pack your food and drink in separate, ice-cold coolers. People will be digging in the drink cooler much more often which could affect your meat if it’s in the same cooler. Also, remember to wash your hands thoroughly (pack antibacterial soap, too) when preparing your food.