Open your car trunks, dig out your slow cookers and pack your coolers — tailgating season is upon us. And while beer and chips are bound to be part of that roundup, it’s totally possible to add some healthy items to the mix. The key is to sneak in plenty of vegetables, substitute lean meats and beans for higher-calorie proteins, and get in a variety of whole foods. With this tailgating menu, that’s easy to do.

Start off with a solid snacking base. In addition to tortilla chips, bring plenty of carrot and celery sticks and bell pepper spears to dip into this flavorful yet virtuous Five-Layer Mexican Dip.

Then take the chill off with Rachael Ray’s Indian Summer Turkey Chili. Smoky barbecue sauce, grill seasoning blend and chili powder help pack this dish with flavor.

Haven’t you heard? Cauliflower is the new chicken wings. Crunchy roasted cauliflower gets the Frank’s hot sauce treatment in Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Sauce.

You’d never guess that these decadent-tasting No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are lighter than similar cookies.

Kerri-Ann is a registered dietitian who writes on food and health trends. Find more of her work at kerriannjennings.com or follow her on Twitter @kerriannrd or Facebook.