This is an archived post, but suitable for the end of the State Fair.
By Rick Mitchell, M.D.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31
It’s that glorious time of year when the thoughts of Minnesotans turn to the most Minnesotan of all endeavors – the ritual eating of food on a stick! Whether you are a connoisseur of corn dogs or a proponent of Pronto Pups, if you are a fan of the Fair you will undoubtedly be getting excited about your annual binge! Or perhaps you can’t wait to try the latest decadences the fair has to offer (candied bacon doughnut sliders, anyone?)
Let’s talk food. Contrary to popular belief, being at the fair doesn’t mean that the usual laws of nutrition go away. Fruits and vegetables are still preferred over deep fried anything (including deep fried fruits and vegetables – but if you must go the deep fried route, a deep fried pickle spear at 50 calories is obviously better than 891 calories for 5 deep fried Oreos.) Second, if you have specific health problems that have a dietary component, those dietary suggestions can’t be ignored just because it’s State Fair time. For instance, if you have congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, or leg swelling, steer clear of high sodium items like cheese, anything pickled, and processed meats like hot dogs and bacon. The Blooming Onion at 12 carb choices is probably anathema for someone with diabetes. Beers, wines, and rich foods may lead to gout flares in susceptible people.
So how do you do food? Easy. Any sort of food that is mostly fruit or vegetable will be great. Get some fresh corn by the grandstand. Get the fresh fruit at the produce exchange (or chocolate dipped fruit kebobs at Caribbean Smoothies for an extra treat.) Combat Minnesota-sized portions by sharing with friends and family. I’m pretty sure one bite of the deep-fried Snickers bar didn’t ever kill anyone, and while 15 Sweet Martha’s cookies would be 1350 calories, 3 cookies are only 270. At 110 calories a glass, the milk at the all-you-can drink milk stand is good enough for you to be worth a couple of refills. And while a little pop for a treat is fine, caffeinated varieties can dehydrate you and make you feel worse on a hot day. Finally, pick ONE thing you just can’t do without, get it, eat it, and enjoy it without feeling guilty. Even 1000 extra calories on one day of the year (assuming you aren’t messing up any underlying health conditions) is a drop in the proverbial bucket.
Food isn’t the only health consideration. With predicted highs in the mid to high 70s, dehydration is something to watch out for. The easiest way to do this is to keep an eye on the color of your urine when you go to the bathroom. It should be clear to very pale yellow. Anything darker should send you to the nearest water source to refill your water bottle! As dehydration advances, symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and lightheadedness can occur. So drink plenty of water! (Water is amazing stuff…maybe I should give it its own article…)
Sunburn is another thing to beware. Even on an overcast day, UVB rays which cause sunburns can get through the cloud cover easily, and can also get through average density clothes (which only provide about SPF 5 unless it is specifically sun protective material.) Put on sunscreen before you go, and reapply every few hours.
With all but the most strong-willed of us unable to resist deep fried Nirvana, your thoughts may turn to some exercise to lose a few calories. Try the 2-mile history walk in addition to any other walking around you do, and you can take off another 250 calories or so. But don’t let the relatively low number discourage you! The exercise will also help your body regulate your sugar levels better so you won’t feel fatigued.
Finally, there’s lots of other health related stuff at the Fair! Donate some blood and help others! Check out “Wiser Living” outside the 4H building for ideas to help seniors live healthfully and independently for as long as possible. If my first article about the importance of a primary care doctor in your life didn’t convince you to get one, get your blood pressure or blood sugar checked out at Health Fair 11 at Dan Patch and Cooper, or get your annual flu shot. Check out a healthy cooking exhibit. And if you should need it, there are First Aid stations across from the West End Market and inside the 4H building.
See you at the Fair, and God bless you! Rick