Tips for Enjoying Fair Food While Keeping a Healthy Diet

The State Fair of Texas is well-known for its diverse food offerings, leading many to wonder how they can enjoy these treats while maintaining a healthy diet. Denice Taylor, a registered dietitian with Texas Health Arlington, shared some strategies with KERA’s Sam Baker to help fair-goers navigate their food choices.

Taylor emphasizes the importance of portion control, advising visitors to avoid super-sized foods common at the fair. She recommends researching available food options on the Texas State Fair website to identify healthier items. Many booths indoors feature smaller, healthier portions during cooking demonstrations.

For those planning to eat outside, she suggests sharing food with companions. Bringing extra forks and small plates allows for tasting a variety of dishes without overeating. Contrary to the common practice of arriving hungry, Taylor advises having a meal, snack, or smoothie before going to the fair. This approach can help mitigate the urge to indulge excessively.

The time of day also plays a role in dietary control, with Taylor recommending early visits to the fair. Mornings or early afternoons provide more opportunities to walk off calories and maintain better food choices.

For added physical activity, Taylor advises retrieving a map upon arrival and walking to the farthest food stands. This not only allows for more steps but also enhances the overall experience of the fair.

Taylor mentions that it takes approximately 9,000 steps to offset the calories from an average corny dog, but reminds fair-goers not to let one indulgence derail their eating habits. Starting anew the next day is crucial.

In terms of beverages, Taylor cautions against sugary drinks often available at fairs. A practical tip is to purchase a water bottle early on and refill it to save both calories and money, which can help control hunger throughout the day.