HEALTHY EATING
State fair food booths are famous for deep-frying most anything-even butter. It’s not unusual for a single serving to hit 500 or even 1,000 calories, with dozens of grams of fat.
As unlikely as it may sound, it is possible to get a taste of a state fair without overindulging, says Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic specialist in nutrition and preventive medicine.
* Give yourself a good start and eat something healthy before you go. Have some fruit to start the day or a salad before you go in the afternoon.
* Work off the extra calories through walking, which is easy to do at the fair.
* Burn off extra calories by getting in an extra workout or two, before or after the fair.
* Decide ahead of time how much and what you’ll indulge in. If you have a plan, you’re less likely to overeat. Turkey legs on the midway or dairy barn homemade ice cream? Pick one and plan ahead.
* Split portions with family or friends. This will not only help decrease calorie intake, but also lets you enjoy more tastes and may help to save money.
* Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and aid the digestive process. Stay away from non-diet soda. It’s loaded with calories and sugar and has no nutritional benefit. Drink water instead.
* Don’t panic if you overindulge. Return to your normal eating routine the next day.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine