Have fair fun with the kids but also keep healthy eating in mind

The fair is a great family event and I took my kids every year. It is one of our fun memories. We are city folks, so seeing the cows and chickens and other 4H events was really enjoyable.

The fair offers a great fun time for all and lots of goodies to choose from. The important thing to remember is that these events are also great learning opportunities for kids. They don't understand that some foods are okay once in a while and in moderation.

Here are some food facts about fair foods to keep in mind:

• bratwurst in a bun - 804 calories with 60.5 grams of fat
• candy apples - 215 calories with 0 grams of fat
• churros - 102 calories with 6.2 grams of fat
• corn dogs - 250 calories with 14 grams of fat
• cotton candy - 171 calories with 0 grams of fat
• foot long hot dog and bun - 470 calories with 26 grams of fat
• fried cheesecake - 655 calories with 47 grams of fat
• fried cheese curds - 569 calories with 39.9 grams of fat
• fried oreos - 490 calories with 28.5 grams of fat
• fried snickers bars - 444 calories with 29 gms of fat
• fried twinkies- 420 calories with 34 grams of fat
• frozen chocolate banana - 240 calories with 4 grams of fat
• funnel cake - 760 calories with 44 grams of fat
• giant turkey leg - 1, 136 calories with 54 grams of fat
• grilled corn on the cob - 201 calories with 1 gram of fat (no butter)
• lemonade - 210 calories with 0 grams of fat
• onion flower - 1320 calories with 72 grams of fat
• soft pretzels - 340 calories with 2 grams of fat

So what's the strategy for taking the kids to the fair and enjoying some of the fair foods that are considered by many "Tradition!"

• Feed the kids their normal breakfast and late morning snack before arriving at the fair (this way that won't be quite as hungry)

• Have your child choose one favorite sweet treats and share it. Portions are very large, even for an adult

• Make sure your child has plenty of water. They won't need sugary fruit juices to add to the sugar they will get from fair treats.

• Bring some of your own snacks

• Consider going early so that you can have dinner at home

Now that you have a sense of the amount of calories that can easily be eaten in a day at the fair, hopefully you see the importance of planning and setting some limits.

When you add in all the other fun stuff to do at the fair, food doesn't have to be the focus.

Source of calories: CalorieKing.com