Fair Play This Summer

Funnel cakes, French fries and fried food. Oh my! Bring on the street fairs, carnivals and amusement parks, where tasty temptations lurk around every corner. Don’t let limited healthy food options derail your diet goals.

Eating healthy at an amusement park or other outdoor summer entertainment spot is tough. Temptation is everywhere! Staying on the healthy side of things can be a real challenge. Fortunately, research shows parks are getting better at meeting the nutritional needs of visitors.

Planning ahead and packing smart can save you calories (and cash). The majority of parks let you leave and come back, so pack a picnic lunch and toss in a few snacks. Fresh fruit slices, almonds and unrefined granola bars are easy-to-tote snacks. Wraps, like the one suggested below, travel well, too.

Dr. Ancy’s Famous Veggie Wrap

• 1 sprouted whole grain wrap
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 2 romaine lettuce leaves
• ¼ red bell pepper, sliced
• 1-2 pickle slices
• 1 shredded carrot

Spread the Dijon on the wrap, toss in the veggies, fold and go!

If eating in the park is your only option, no sweat. Choose grilled chicken over a hot dog, and avoid fried foods. Swap out soda for water to stay hydrated on a hot day.

If you can’t resist plowing into a plate of cheesy nachos, then go for it. Allowing yourself one unhealthy indulgence in a day full of fun won’t hurt anything. Plus, you’ll burn off more than a few calories by walking the park.