Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair: Enjoy Fair Treats That Support Your Health Goals

Now in its 71^st year, the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is a great time to enjoy fun, games, animals and delicious food. Fair food is usually synonymous with deep-fried, sugar-filled treats, costing you more than a day’s worth of calories.

To help you support your health goals, we’ve asked Kali Williams, MS, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian / Certified Diabetes Educator at UNC Family Medicine at Rosewood, to share her suggestions for healthy fare.

• To load up on fiber, opt for corn on the cob. “Keep it light by being mindful of your additions and limiting the amount of butter you use,” said Williams.
• For protein, healthy fats and a ton of other vitamins and minerals including Vitamin E, Vitamin B, iron and zinc, choose peanuts.
• For a sweet treat with a serving of fruit, order a frozen, dark chocolate-dipped banana.
• Kettle corn, said Williams, is delicious, satisfying and low calorie. “It contains fiber to keep you full and also delivers some sweetness,” said Williams.
• For a large snack packing protein, choose a turkey leg.
• Pickles are low in calories and contain probiotics to build your healthy gut bacteria. “Just make sure to avoid the fried pickles, and drink plenty of water,” said Williams.
• Feed your cravings with kebobs, a great way to combine grilled meats and vegetables
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with frozen yogurt, a healthier alternative to ice cream. “It can be topped with nuts, fruit or granola,” said Williams.

Fun at the fair can mean eating some of your favorite options and choosing some of the healthier alternatives that are full of flavor, Williams said.

“It’s important to create a balance,” she said. “You can do this by limiting yourself to one of your ‘must-have’ foods and then sticking to the healthier options.”

Eating a meal before heading out to the fair can help with portion control and keeping your indulgences to a minimum. Williams also suggests staying hydrated -- choosing water as your first option – and staying active to help combat some of your food choices.

Wayne UNC Health Care has a team of Registered Dietitians that provide individualized nutrition plans, group classes, medical nutrition therapy and other support to patients.

For more information, visit call 919-731-6508.