Avoiding the fair food frenzy

August, 2008

by Morella Devost

Even though the Vermont summer has been everything BUT hot and dry, still the healthiest way to eat year-round is to eat what is in season locally. So what's in season in your neck of the woods? Around here it's cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squashes, kale, chards, blueberries... in other words, foods that are mostly moisture rich to help you combat the summer heat. Nature is signaling that it's important to stay hydrated, so remember to drink plenty of water.

Now, the summer is also fair season: street fairs, county fairs, music festivals, etc. Everywhere we go, we're tempted with good-looking food (emphasis on the looking part). So here are some tips on making the best choices to enjoy your fair experience to the max:

Foods to run away from:

FRIED anything: fried dough, french fries, onion rings, donuts, etc. These foods fried in vats of oil that are heated over and over again will send your body into emergency mode.
The big'ol soda made with High Fructose Corn Syrup (or what I call frankensugar) will send your blood sugar through the roof in a matter of seconds, making you want to eat more and surely causing cravings later in the day.
Cotton candy, mega lolipops and sugar snacks (nothing but sugar)
The average hotdog, corn-dog and pepperoni. Lord knows what's in those!

Foods to indulge in with measure:

Look for the local farmers and local vendors, they typically have fresh vegetable dishes that are wonderfully prepared.
Go for the grilled chicken or beef, corn on the cob, roasted veggies and salads.
Get yourself a good'ol burger. Maybe skip the bun and have a salad instead.
Pizza. There are worse things than pizza. See if you can get one with veggie toppings and/or chicken instead of pepperoni.

Enjoy the rides, exhibits, shows and game booths. Goof off with your family and friends! There's a reason why they call it quality time; it's impossible to measure the fulfillment you get from seeing the people you care about have a good time. It has nothing but positive health effects!