Fair Fare

*updated August 3, 2012


The finale of summer - the Wisconsin State Fair. Otherwise known as The Enemy of all healthy diets. I mean really, how many healthy foods come on a stick??? Well, we're going to go get through this without sabotage.

I was thrilled to see that the State Fair's website has a tab for "Healthy Alternatives" that lists 51 options (up from 27 last year!) - it's like they read my mind. Here they are with vendors listed in alphabetical order:  http://wistatefair.com/2012/fair/healthy-alternatives/index.html

This list made my mouth water, but so does the list that has cream puffs, cookie dough and deep-fried anything-you-can-imagine. Fortunately, I don't like things on sticks or bones (popsicles, chicken wings, etc), but I realize not everyone shares that prejudice. I am, however, a sucker for anything sweet, rich or salty that isn't skewered, and I refuse to deprive myself of a treat here and there.

I will put State Fair in the category of holidays, simply because it is one of those things that comes up once a year, but holds a lot of tradition for some families. It's not something that you should avoid because it wreaks havoc on your healthy efforts. It can be a great opportunity to get the family together, see some interesting sights, maybe hear some good music, and spend time together. The solution is simple:  plan ahead.

If you know you're going to splurge on something tomorrow, start preparing today. Cut back on your calories, increase your activity, and drink as much water as possible. Before you head out the day of, make sure you get in a good sweat session, and have a balanced meal that includes 15-20 grams of filling protein. Drink water all the way there, so you're full and less tempted. Do not, I repeat, do NOT go to the fair hungry. Once you get there, walk around! There are a lot of other things to see besides food. Go see the animals, tour the shops, people-watch. Even stop for a healthy treat like an apple and a glass of milk. Think about it in advance, and come prepared to choose one naughty treat. Or, two naughty treats that you plan to split with a friend.

If you're tempted to overindulge, think about how hard you've been working and the goals that you've set for yourself. If it takes you one week to lose two pounds, do you really want to undo that work in one day? Think about the last time you overdid it, and how miserable you felt afterward. Then, when you get home, pat yourself on the back and take a walk!