Staying (Mostly) Healthy While Eating at the State Fair

10.09.2019

Cooler temperatures in October make it a prime time to visit the State Fair of Texas.

The annual Texas tradition offers fair-goers not only handmade crafts, prize livestock, carnival rides and concerts, but plenty of deep-fried novelty foods to try.

Taylor Tran, registered dietitian and employee health program manager at The University of Texas at Dallas, offers a few ways to eat a bit healthier at the fair:

• Don’t go hungry. Eating a meal or at least a snack before you go will help you avoid overeating.
• Share with others. To avoid going overboard, try a variety of foods, and split portions with your friends or family.
• Splurge a little. Specialty foods are a highlight of the fair. Don’t deprive yourself, but stay mindful of portion sizes.
• Get back on track. It’s not the end of the world if you eat horribly one day. Adjust your eating habits the next day, and make sure you stay active.

“Focusing on the entire State Fair experience with family and friends – and not just the food – will keep you on track,” Tran said.

—Robin Russell