Fun Food at the Fair

Who doesn't love going to the County Fair each summer? It's a favorite pastime for many. However, when it comes to the food, the fair can sabotage your healthy eating efforts. With a little bit of planning, this year's fair experience can help your health stay on track!

Let's be honest, it's unrealistic to expect yourself to not eat or drink anything at the fair. However, certain foods are better choices than others. Most foods at the fair are not going to have a food label for you to check the calories and fat, so here are a few better choices you can make.

Other tips to help your waistline:

• Eat before you go to the fair. This will decrease the urge to eat everything you see!
• Make a lap around the fair before buying any food. This will give you a chance to see what is available and make the best choices.
• Dance! Weather it's Josh Thompson, Luke Bryan or Everyday People you are listening to, get some exercise in to counteract the higher calorie foods.
• Split a favorite fair food with a friend. Eating half of a funnel cake (about 380 calories) is better than devouring the whole thing at 760 calories!
• Bring a picnic meal. Some fairs allow you to bring food.

Lastly, don't be afraid to enjoy a small portion of your favorite fair food. If you eat healthy all day and decide to split a bag of Cotton Candy with your children, you can still stay on track with your good eating habits.