Fair Food Comparison: Exactly How Unhealthy Is It?

Going to your local county fair is a fun experience for every age. From the thrilling rides to the deep-fried, tasty creations, the entertainment is infinite! For most, the fair is usually about spending time with loved ones, and of course, the food. From deep fried foods to sugary treats, fair food can skyrocket your daily intake of calories, sugar, and fat. It’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume, especially when you’re on a strict diet.

We’ve compiled your top favorite fair foods and “healthier” alternatives that cut the calories in half.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The smell of funnel cake travels far, making it hard for us to resist. However, the sweet, fried goodness is loaded with calories and fat which is not good for anyone watching their caloric intake. We have good news, fairs will typically offer sweets that are half the calories!

Jumbo Twist Donut

Calories: 904
Total fat: 49g
Sodium: 856g

Funnel Cake

Calories: 760
Total fat: 44g

Deep-Fried Candy Bars

Calories: 440
Total fat: 29g
Sodium: 274 mg

Cut the calories in half and indulge in these sweet treats instead:

Cotton Candy

Calories: 171
Total fat: 0g

Strawberry Crepe

Calories: 280
Total fat: 14g
Sodium: 149 mg

Sherbet

Calories: 270
Total fat: 4g
Sodium: 88 mg

Salty and Savory:

Fairs always have new, unique, deep-fried foods every year. It’s always tempting to try these savory foods, especially because they aren’t usually offered at any other time. If you are watching your calories, however, it’s important to keep in mind how fattening some of the foods are.

Krispy Kreme Sandwich + Curly Fries

Calories: 1225
Total fat: 57.7g
Sodium: 2084 mg

Giant Turkey Leg

Calories: 1,136
Total fat: 54g
Sodium: 14,400 mg

Barbecued Pork Ribs

Calories: 1359
Total fat: 68g
Sodium: 1760 mg

Trim the calories and enjoy a satisfying meal of fair food.

Turkey Burger + Sweet Potato Fries

Calories: 470
Total fat: 21g
Sodium: 640 mg

Teriyaki Chicken On-A-Stick

Calories: 251
Total fat: 5.8g
Sodium: 1132 mg

Chicken Kebab

Calories: 620
Total fat: 17g
Sodium: 1,029

Scripps AMG Tips:

Eat breakfast before heading out to the fair. You can significantly reduce your daily caloric intake if you don’t go hungry into the fair. Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, so why not start off healthy? You’re likely to have more endurance and energy throughout the day.
Fairs typically offer healthier options; keep your eyes peeled for the healthy vendors.
Sit down and eat. A common mistake of overindulging is mindless eating. If you sit down and focus on your meal in front of you, you’re less likely to overeat.
If you decide to indulge in a meal loaded with calories and fat, share amongst your group of friends and family.
Hydrate throughout the day. Drinking between meals is an important factor when controlling portions and managing unhealthy snacking.

As you head out to your local county fair, keep in mind that sharing is caring—your body will thank you!

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