Amber Smith, Health and Fitness editor of the Post-Standard newspaper in Syracuse, New York, recently posted an interesting article in her blog. It is called “Fair Food: Step up and Match the Calories to the Fair Food.” She writes that for many of us the State Fair is about food, and gives as an example, the New York State Fair. She also created a quiz to the readers to check what they know about the nutritional difference between the meals they eat at the Fair. I am sure, a lot of people who are concerned with a healthy lifestyle, know the nutritional difference between beef hamburger and  steamed veggies.  Some they will eat hamburger instead of green salad anyway.

I asked one young women at the State Fair in Florida why she did not buy any meals with fruits and vegetables, but instead ordered a big, fat hamburger. She answered, “Because hamburger is  a real food. My body craves to have it! I am not worried if I’ll gain a little weight?! At least I don’t feel hungry.” She not alone, unfortunately. 

Did you see the crowds of people visiting State Fairs around the country?  State Fairs are organized for families and children to have good time, to feel community spirit and eat there well. Who can blame people for that?  Tons of fried, baked, cooked and whipped fat foods are traditionally displayed and offered for your enjoyment.  Do you know how many calories you load into your body when you eat a hot dog, grilled Italian pork or chicken sausage; the cornbeef sandwich or a smoked turkey leg? Some people do calculate these calories. Some don’t bother because they just got tired of crunching these numbers instead of having fun during the weekend.

There is a better solution. Focus on organic, healthy, whole foods and eating in moderation.  Put yourself in a mood to make a right decision.  It is not easy to do with the way State Fairs are organized today with traditional foods offerings. Look around, you will see how many other people just finished eating hot dog and started eating ice cream. Oh, well, another  high-calorie “devil,” but it tastes so good!  It is not easy to resist having a large sugar cone with mint ice cream. Otherwise, what is a pleasure of good life? 

Why didn’t you buy cotton candy? Sorry, probably it is a rhetorical question. Do you know what is the difference in nutritional value, for example, between ice cream and cotton candy?  Probably, not. If you were aware of the difference, you would definitely prefer to eat cotton candy  which has much less calories than ice cream. After all, who cares about those calories? Obviously, only you.

At State Fairs you will not find a big assortment of best convenience foods providing you with nutrients essential for your good health . You have only one choice: to indulge in fat foods with a small menu of green salads.  Recently I visited several fairs and food festivals in South Florida. I did not see too many organic, green, healthy foods on display there. I noticed that vendors offer the visitors traditional menu of hot and cold meals. This menu  is so old as the world is.  The same meals are introduced over and over again, many variations of fast food.  People got used to it and  If they are hungry, they buy and eat these unhealthful meals.

Here is a short list of meals usually offered at the fairs:

  •  Huge plate of nachos and melted cheese
  •  High in cholesterol and fat hot dog in bun
  •  Smoked turkey leg which looks like a baby elephant leg
  •  Greek salad with fat feta cheese
  •  GE corn in different shapes and preparations
  •  White bread sandwiches with cornbeef, veggies, cheese and mayonesse
  •  Italian grilled beef, pork or chicken sausage
  •  Famous red beef hamburgers

The List goes on and on. These eight foods contain in total approximately 6000 calories and 400 grams of fat at least. What about 2000 calories recommended by nutrition experts daily? Today is time to think about tomorrow.  Radical changes must be made now. Organizers of State Fair and local communities must selective for good and choose the best vendors who can offer families and children healthy, organic, tasteful foods instead of anti-nutritional meals that make them obese and sick. After all, it’s all about fun, good food, fine mood and healthy You and Your family.

Imagine, you eat 19-ounces smoked turkey leg. It looks good, but it gives you1,135 calories, 54 grams of fat. It is such a heavy load for your body. I did my simple calculations: one family of four can consume 8200 calories and 600 grams of fat  of food fair in one day. After that feast your body have to make an adjustment to come back to a normal functioning. The best is to eat lightly for the next six days. You let yourself to indulge in unhealthy, fat foods. Now you must recover your body from over-loading it. Make an effort. You don’t want to get sick, don’t you? You want to prevent any illness before it will struck you suddenly in one day.  So, make an effort. Give your body, mind and spirit a good rest and healthy food it deserves.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Mention: Post “Fair Food: Step up and Match the Calories to the Fair Food”, The Post-Standard, Syracuse NY Newspaper, http://www.syracuse.com/healthfitnessblog