Surviving the OC Fair

Summer is officially here in Orange County, although truthfully, when is summer not here in Orange County? But during the months of July and August, it is officially summer. How do I know? Well, besides the calendar telling me so, I know it’s summer in Orange County because the Orange County Fair is here!!

 The OC Fair is great. You can walk around, listen to music, ride rides, play games, and shop. But for most people, the OC Fair is a place to eat! There are some really interesting (a nicer way to say fattening) food choices at the fair. Every year I am amazed at how they can make Fat even FATTER!! 

Here are just some of the food items available at the fair and their statistics (Stats courtesty of Calorieking.com): 
Chilli Dog – 450 calories/ 32g fat/ 32g carbs 
Fried Twinkie – 420 calories/34g fat/ 45g carbs
Cheese Fries – 645 calories/ 38g fat/ 62 carbs 
Fried Chicken (1 piece) – 360 calories/ 21g fat/ 11 carbs 

 Last but not least…. 
 Jumbo Twist Donut – 905 calories/ 49g fat/ 109g carbs 

 Who thinks of this stuff? 

 Keep in mind when cruising the fair that many of these items are not just fried; but they are battered first, THEN fried!! A double calorie whammy in one bite! 

 Ok, I don’t want to scare you away from stepping foot on the fairgrounds this year, because it’s a great place and a lot of fun. So, here is the important part---How can you avoid overeating and getting caught up in damaging all the hard work you have been putting in to your fitness health AND have enjoy the fair??? 

Here are your fair tips: 
1) Eat before you go to the fair. Choose something healthy that is reasonably high fiber/high protein. This will help you feel full longer so you can enjoy all of the other attractions the fair has to offer without wanting to eat when you walk in the door. 
 2) Drink plenty of water – water helps you feel full and will help keep the fried food craving away. 
 3) Choose something healthier to eat – turkey leg, grilled corn, BBQ without all the starchy side dishes. (fried Veggies don’t count – they are still fried. Check stat below) 
 4) Choose one treat and share it – sharing is a great way to avoid overeating. Have a couple bites and pass it on. 

 And then be sure you are enrolled in our next boot camp or personal training to keep your positive fitness momentum. Your fellow boot campers are there for support too. 

 Write me back or post a comment and let me know what methods you used to avoid the food pitfalls of the fair. 

Have a healthy day! 
 Coach Greg