Wahoo! It's fair time! Many people look forward to the sites, sounds, smells (not sure about the animal barns), and FOOD of the Iowa State Fair.
Growing up my mom did programs at the Homemaker's Theater. In fact, she claims she just about gave birth to me at the fair on August 16th, 1984. I found that story pretty cool when I was a kid......
ok I still do.
Growing up my mom did programs at the Homemaker's Theater. In fact, she claims she just about gave birth to me at the fair on August 16th, 1984. I found that story pretty cool when I was a kid......
ok I still do.
As my sister and I got older, Mom, would bring us along to be her little helpers. Our favorite day was when the Homemaker's Theater had their cookie decorating contest. Oh man, did we pile our sugar cookies high with frosting and sprinkles...we usually didn't even care what they looked like, we just wanted lots of sugar on them.
Apparently, when we took it serious we rocked the contest....blue ribbon baby!
Although my mind set hasn't shifted too much about sweet stuff, it has about finding healthy options at the fair.
Healthy options at the fair!?!?! Yes, you heard me correct.
but first, lets go over some of the worst offenders:
but first, lets go over some of the worst offenders:
- Giant Grilled turkey leg 1100 cal, 55g fat
- Funnel cake 760 calories, 44g fat
- Deep-fried Twinkies 361 calories, 28g fat
- Corn dog 250 calories, 15g fat
- Cotton candy 225calories, 0 g fat
- Caramel apple (no nuts) 325 calories, 5g fat
It's a good thing so many foods are portable and come on sticks because you will have to do a lot of walking to burn off some of these:
- Giant Grilled turkey leg 11 miles
- Funnel cake 8.5 miles
- Deep Fried Twinkies 4.25 miles
- Corn dog 4 miles
- Cotton candy 1 mile
- Caramel apple 3 miles
so now the healthier options:
- Turkey tenderloins or turkey breast sandwiches at the Turkey Federation (west of Anne and Bill Riley Stage)
- Pork chops on-a-stick at the Iowa Pork Producers Association (main location: east end of Grand Avenue; satellite locations: east of the main stand and on Rock Island Avenue west of the Livestock Pavilion)
- I can't believe I am going to say this, but if you really want that fried candy bar, Oreo (1) 80 cals
- Baked potatoes and corn-on-the-cob at Westmoreland (south of the Anne and Bill Riley Stage)
- Salad on a Stick at The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building; Cultural Center) – an iceberg lettuce wedge with carrots and tomato served kabob-style, served with dressing.
- Salads at various locations: Campbell’s (Elwell Family Food Center), Diamond Jack’s (west of the Livestock Pavilion), The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building; Cultural Center), The Greek Garden (north of the Varied Industries Building and southeast of the Administration Building), Master Jack’s (west of the Grandstand) and Steer and Stein (east of the Grandstand)
- Sandwich wraps at The Salad Bowl (west balcony of the Agriculture Building and Cultural Center Courtyard)
- Mixed fruit cups, melon cups and shish-kabobs at Beattie’s Melon Patch (west of the Giant Slide) and mixed berry cups at Stockman’s Inn (southwest corner of the Cattle Barn)
- Veggie corn dogs at Veggie Table (north of the Varied Industries Building).
Tips to help you receive the blue ribbon for healthy eating at the fair:
Now, I am not saying you can't enjoy your favorite annual fair food, say a corn dog. Go for it, enjoy it, and don't feel guilty about it. However, if you plan to spend multiple days, at the fair and make multiple food purchases you will want to use the following tips on how to stick to a healthy plan:
- Consider eating a light meal before going to the fair, so your stomach wont be empty.
- Think about your choices before impulse buying.
- Pick your favorite(s) and stick to these one or two items of indulging.
- Split high-calories foods with friends and family.
- If sizes are an option always ask for a small....you will still satisfy your craving.
- Stay clear of caloric beverages such as soda. A large soda contains about 400 calories. Bring along a water bottle to help you stay hydrated and full.
- Choose one of the healthier food options above!
Tune in to KCCI Channel 8 news tomorrow at 5 for the "staying healthy at the fair" segment.
Until next time...
look good, feel good, do good
http://www.sarabconsulting.com/
I went to the fair last year, and when it was time for lunch, I was like ah! what am I going to eat? So this post really helps if I ever head back up there :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for getting out the word about healthy options. Now to the State Fair people and vendors--offer MORE healthy and tasty options!
ReplyDelete