The Healthiest Way to Enjoy Food Fare at the State Fair

It’s the Minnesota State Fair time. It’s one of my favorite times to enjoy community, a day of walking, people-watching and of course, seeing what everyone eats. Eating seems to be one of the biggest attractions and the most excitement is usually about eating the latest (and usually not so great for you) crazy-fried item on a stick. SO, what fare will you have at the state fair?

You know…Food f-a-r-e. What will YOU eat?

Now, I know you don’t go to the fair to munch on a bunch of carrot sticks and broccoli florets, you go partly for the fried, sugary, fattening food. I get it….SO, I promise I’m not here to spoil your fun.

BUT…I do want to give you one simple tip to make your outing one that you won’t regret later. One that won’t show up on your butt, gut, or hips.

My Visibly Fit tip so you can enjoy the state fair even more: Portion Control!!

And, it’s easier than you may think. All you have to do is split it in two. Half of everything you order is for you and the other half for the person you’re with. Want even better news? Go with your family and split your favorite food fare among all of you. You’ll be satisfied without gaining all the extra, unwanted calories.

Here are some food facts to consider for encouragement so that you might share and practice healthy portion control. I warn you, I found this information to be totally disgusting. Are you ready for this? Ok…here goes.

1. A giant turkey leg is almost 1,200 calories and around 54 grams of fat. Just think…a giant turkey leg alone equates to over half of your daily caloric needs.

2. A bowl of cheese curds is almost 800 calories and 40 grams of fat. Blah!

3. A pronto pup or corn dog is 350 calories and 18 grams of fat. And most people eat more than just one.

4. A chocolate shake from the Dairy building is around 750 calories with 30 grams of fat.

Add them all up and you’ve just consumed a whopping 3,100 calories. Oh, and by the way…throw in a soda, sweet tea or fresh squeezed lemonade or two and you can add a couple hundred more calories to that.

Portion Control IS the ticket to enjoying your ticket to the fair. I promise – if you just stick to this simple one tip you’ll still have a great time at the fair and you won’t feel miserable afterwards.