Ask the Experts Blog

Thousands of people attend county fairs to pay homage to summer’s end, and celebrate one last time before school begins. County fairs always bring fun, food, and entertainment, but it’s often times difficult to eat healthy or even sensibly when the aroma of corn dogs, cotton candy, elephant ears, funnel cakes, and roasted almonds invade your senses.

Christina Sheldon, a Registered Dietitian at Lakeland Hospital, Niles, shares the following advice to help combat fair food cravings:

• Avoid fried foods – even fried vegetables. Frying dramatically increases the calorie and sodium content of food. Even fried vegetables lose a majority of their nutritional value because minerals and vitamins are overpowered by high amounts of added fat, salt, and sugar.
• Eat smart. So-called “healthy” fair foods like taco salads often contain cheese, chips, and dressings that can be high in fat. Look for lean meats and sautéed vegetables, like a kabob with chicken, onions, peppers, and pineapple, or split a bag of raw, heart-healthy peanuts with someone.
• Keep it moving. There are so many activities to see and do at the fair. Stay active and take some extra time to walk around the fairgrounds to help burn some extra calories.
• Leave the house feeling full and satisfied. Eat a well-balanced meal that includes fiber and protein before going to the fair to help ward off temptation. Make a turkey and spinach sandwich on whole wheat bread or enjoy some skinless chicken with sautéed vegetables and brown rice. Proper hydration can also help keep hunger at bay.
• Pack for a snack attack. Bring healthy, on-the-go snacks to the fair to help tame hunger pains. Try making homemade protein bars and trail mix, or packing an insulated cooler with string cheese and fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Think before you drink. Beverages like lemonade, pop, and tea are loaded with calories. Make a fruit-infused drink or lemon water at home, and bring it with you. Be sure to use natural sweeteners, like pure, raw honey, instead of sugar. You can also make fruit ice cubes to help keep water cold and flavorful.
• Treat yourself in moderation. County fairs are special events that families cherish and look forward to each year. If the temptation to indulge is too powerful to resist, keep portion control in mind. Choose the smaller meal option, hold the “extras” like butter, cheese, and sour cream, or share a sweet treat with another family member or friend.

Join the conversation! Do you have a trick to avoiding temptation at the fair? Share with us in the comments section below!