strategies for a healthy day at the fair with the kids

The county fair just left our area.  It is an event that I have enjoyed for the last 5 years with my grandniece.

I always enjoy the fair because of the family atmosphere, pony rides and all the wonderful farm animals.  I grew up in the city so seeing the animals and how proud the children are who entered them into the fair is just great.  I always learn something new and of course, who can resist seeing the little chicks hatch!  The piglet races are always fun too.

But the one thing that always surprises me is the fried foods.  It seems they come up with the craziest fried food items at the fair.  So this year, the new fried food is deep fried kool-aid balls which is made by popping scoops of Kool-Aid batter into the deep fryer.

These fried foods have become an expected part of the experience and are now debuted events.  The deep fried kool-aid balls debuted at the San Diego Fair this year.

But these fried foods are not only super high in fat but in calories too!  Often loaded with sugar and overall, not good for the body.

A little facts about these foods might make you think twice:

Calories in some State Fair food favorites

• Onion flower (1): 1,320
• kettle popcorn (large 10-ounce): 1,200
• Giant turkey leg: 1,136 calories
• Fried Coke is estimated to have 830 Calories per cup
• Cinnamon sugar funnel cake  790
• Funnel cake (1): 760 calories
• Fried cheesecake (6 oz.): 655 calories
• Twinkie Dog Sundae: 500 calories
• Foot-long hot dog and bun: 470 calories
• Fried Snickers (5 oz.): 444 calories
• Fried Twinkie (2 oz.): 420 calories

With just a little offense strategy, you don't have to completely throw out all nutrition logic.

Strategies for a healthy day at the fair:

Feed the kids before you go

Bring some baggie healthy snacks

Have them pick one fried food and balance it with a healthy food item

Have the kids split a fried food favorite.  it is really about portion size so split it between 2 or 3 kids

explain to children that these are once in a while foods.  Use these foods as an opportunity to teach them a little about nutrition, portion control and once in a while foods

get in lots of walking!

Other resources:

Summmer Kit Fitness Fun Pack

Fun Grilling Ideas Article Healthy Summer Grilling - Fruits and Veggies on the BBQ

Healthy Summer Snack Foods For Kids Article Keep the kids on track with these healthy summer snack tips.

Summertime And Healthy Outdoor Eating Article Enjoy Family Time Outdoors With These Healthy Picnic Ideas