Even if you missed all the summer fairs, we are now into the harvest fair season. I really wanted to write an article about maintaining your healthy life style while at the fair for a day. Then I went online to the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) and the Durham (Connecticut) Fair food choices. That took healthy eating out of the formula for healthy living. I thought, well, bring lots of water to stay hydrated. But the fairs warn you that they can check your bags and backpacks and they do NOT want you to bring in your own beverages. What's a woman to do?
Well, when you go to the fair wear sunscreen, wear a hat, bring a long sleeved shirt in case the sun is really brutal, and wear good walking shoes. Not for you (healthy woman) those platform shoes with all the bling or even the great cowboy boots (evan though nothing else says Country like a pair of boots). Your feet will thank you if you forget about those stylin' choices of footwear. You will be able to walk longer and see more, too!
But back to healthy eating at the fair - it CAN be done:
- Share! The bag of clam fritters I bought? I picked up an extra bag, split my order with my husband, and I did only half the damage. Because I might have finished that whole bag. The lobster roll he bought? He split it with me. And about that lobster roll? it was plain, chilled lobster meat in a fresh white bun. No butter, no mayo. And it was wonderful!
- Think small! When there is a choice of sizes -- like at the ice cream booth -- get the small one. You will be just as happy and may leave some room for something else you would like as well.
- Stay hydrated! Buy water. Don't think that $1 to 2.50 is a lot for water. What kind of a bargain is a superduper sweet and artificially colored drink for $2.50 to 4 when you were only thirsty. If you are hungry for sugar (and really going to have some) make it count, don't waste it on a sugary drink.
- Plan ahead! Think about what food really mean country fair to you and have a few of those. Really plan ahead and have a good and filling (this could mean high in fiber) breakfast BEFORE you leave for the fair. If you let yourself get too hungry it's harder to be smart about your choices.
Have fun at the fair!
