Guilt-Free Foods To Help You Eat Healthy At The Fair

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- There's always been a lot of focus on the new and interesting food at the Minnesota State fair, but finding something to eat without feeling guilty about it is hard to do.

The fairgrounds are full of smells that tempt you to buy delicious, but often fried, food. Much of it is weighed down with empty calories.

Nutritionists say it may be tough, but there are healthy options if you know what to look for.

WCCO-TV walked the grounds with a registered dietitian, Anika Christ R.D., and she gave some healthy options and a strategic-eating plan for eating at the fair.

First, she said if you love meat, the pita sandwich is a good option. It doesn't contain a lot of processed products and has veggies too.

Another great option is chicken, steak or buffalo kabobs. They have a lot more nutrients and vitamins because they contain veggies and grilled meat. Plus they are easy to eat and pull off the stick.

Salad-on-a-stick at 'Giggles' has fresh all ingredients -- grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chilled Minnesota-grown wild rice. It will keep your energy going, keep you satisfied and tastes great, Christ said.

She also said assume that all portion sizes at the fair are too big. If you plan on digging into the more unhealthy options it's best to share, take a bite and throw it away.

High-protein foods will sustain you longer. If you eat every 3-4 hours make sure there is protein in what you put in your mouth. Christ said your energy will stabilize, you won't crash, and you are less likely to overeat.

When in doubt, she suggests sticking to whole foods that aren't fried or processed. Those options will give you big taste and lower calories.