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In the News - October 2008
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Funnel Cakes |
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Pig Lickers |
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LITTLE ROCK - Thousands of people come to Little Rock each October for the Arkansas State Fair. While many are competitors in different arts and crafts contests and livestock shows, most are going to have a good time. When you decide to take a break from the midway, the lure of pleasant scents from food vendors may be too tempting to resist.
But it's important to remember that you'll be taking more away from the fair than memories. There are all of those calories and fats to consider, too.
Dr. Rosemary Rodibaugh is a nutrition specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. She says choosing the correct items to consume at the Fair can be done.
"People look forward to having fun at the Fair and part of that fun involves food. But, if people are interested in their health, they need to think before they eat."
Dr. Rodibaugh points out that the items you'll typically find at the Fair aren't your usual standard bill of fare. "Most of the options will be fried which means they're loaded with fat, especially the unhealthy trans- and saturated fats. They will be high in calories and sugar. Portions will be oversized. Most will not have many of the health-promoting vitamins, minerals, fiber or phytochemicals.
"If you want to sample some of the fried fair foods, try one or two items and share with friends. Don't feel like you have to taste everything. Take one or two small bites and then leave it alone. Most of it will probably taste like the fat it is fried in anyway."
There are a lot of new item making their debut at this year's Fair. Some -- like Fried Dr. Pepper, Cheese Nuggets, and Deep Fried Cheesecake on a Stick -- are battered and dipped in hot oil. Others like Pig Lickers, a round of bacon dipped in chocolate syrup, consist of more than one item that's high in fat or sugar combined with another. Dr. Rodibaugh says choose these items with care.
Concerning Pig Lickers, which have already drawn a good deal of conversation in the media: Rodibaugh said "If you choose this, share with a friend. It's loaded with fat, saturated fat and sodium."
Other foods Dr. Rodibaugh says you need to think about before shelling out your money:
Dr. Rodibaugh points out that there are plenty of things you can eat at the Fair, without the guilt.
"It is not impossible to find healthier foods at the Fair. Look for choices that contain fruits, vegetables, grains and grilled meats such as: chocolate dipped bananas, caramel apples, smoothies made with lowfat yogurt and fruit, grilled corn on the cob, grilled chicken, pizza with fresh veggies and burritos with grilled meat and veggies. Drink water or real fruit juice rather than drinks made with sugar syrup and flavoring. Portions are important. Buy the small rather than jumbo size drinks and sandwiches. Buy a slice of pizza instead of a whole pie."
For more information on the Arkansas State Fair, check out the website at www.arkansasstatefair.com. If you'd like to learn more about practicing good nutrition , contact your local extension agent or go to www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
October 3, 2008
By Kat Robinson
For the U of A Division of Agriculture
Edited by Elizabeth Hill
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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