Summer without a fair or festival just isn’t summer, in my opinion. Unfortunately, each year festivals seem to try and one-up each other, calorically speaking, with offerings like deep-fried butter, chocolate-covered bacon, and even (gulp) a bacon cheeseburger sandwiched between two donuts. The good news is that you can enjoy fair fare (yes, even deep-fried or chocolate-covered things) by planning ahead. Check out these tips for enjoying your next fair experience without the side of guilt:
· If you really want to try the latest deep-fried food, do so (and enjoy it!). Just make sure you balance your choices by sticking to one or two special treats and planning to eat healthy before and after the fair.
· Wear a pedometer and challenge yourself to take a certain number of steps during the fair. Remember, there are about 2,000 steps in one mile, and walking one mile burns about 100 calories.
· Decide what indulgence you want to try before you buy. You can do this by checking out the fair’s website and reviewing the list of vendors and foods (if available). You can also do a lap around the grounds and check out all the vendors before choosing what sounds best—this will help you add more steps, too!
· If you can bring your own water, take a bottle to keep you hydrated. If you must hit the lemonade stand, purchase the smaller size and add water to save money, and add volume to your drink without adding calories.