Tips for Navigating Food at Fairs
By Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD
With fair season around the corner, it’s a good time for reminders about how to navigate fair fare (no pun intended!) when you’re trying to lose weight, eat healthy, or manage a diet-related condition. County and state fairs are known for their deep-fried foods and plethora of treats that may be delicious but aren’t usually nutritious.
Read on to learn our top tips for making the most out of the fair while still being mindful of your food choices.
1 – Remember, it’s just one day.
Eating your favorite foods at a fair is part of the experience, and going to the fair without eating just isn’t realistic. That’s why it’s important to remember that while what you eat at the fair may be indulgent, you’re probably not eating those foods every day. If you have more fried foods and dessert than usual but eat a well-balanced diet on other days, don’t sweat it. After your fair experience, continue with your weight loss meal plan or diet meal delivery as usual.
2 – Practice mindful eating and consider portion size.
While a day of deep-fried foods probably won’t make too much of a dent in your healthy eating plan, it’s not necessary to overdo it either. Just because every treat under the sun is available doesn’t mean you have to try them all. Enjoy your favorites and save room to try one or two new treats if you want, but remember to take it slow and practice mindful eating. If you feel satisfied after two or three cookies but have a bucket of them, stop there and share the rest with friends.
3 – Drink water throughout the day.
Staying hydrated on fair day will help you stay in tune with your hunger cues. You’ll be less likely to confuse dehydration with hunger and overindulge, and you’ll have more energy when drinking water versus a soda, alcoholic beverage, or milkshake. Remember to bring a refillable water bottle.
4 – Check out the healthy food options.
The main appeal of going to a fair may be the treats and fried foods, but more and more healthy options have popped up over the years. For example, some of the new foods at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair include steamed buns and hummus platters. If you’re curious about better-for-you options to mix in with treats, take a lap around the fair when you get there to peruse what’s available. You may just find a new favorite! Depending on the fair, there may also be resources available that show the nutrition content of popular foods, such as this helpful table from Health Partners.
Note from Healthy For Life Meals: While you enjoy the fair, let us take care of your meals at home! Get started with one of our plans today and start receiving delicious, chef-prepared meals to help you on your journey to better health. Save $10 on your first order with promo code: TryHFLM.