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The great Minnesota Get Together otherwise known as the Minnesota state fair!
How can you go to the state fair, have a great time and not ruin the progress you have made this summer?
1. Water
This may not be exactly what you expected to see listed for eating healthy food at the MN State Fair, but bear with me. Every year, thousands of MN State Fair visitors fail to match their water intake to the amount of sodium laden food they're eating (not to mention all the buckets of sweat on hot days) and end up getting dehydrated. You can buy bottled water at most stands in the MN State Fair, or can purchase it really cheap right outside the Minnesota State Fair, either on Snelling or at parking areas and bus stops. There are always people trying to make a profit off of guests who haven't yet entered the MN State Fair or are just leaving. They have learned that water sells quickly, especially if it is under $2 a bottle. Culligan also has multiple stands of FREE water.
2. Milk
If you are sick of bottled water but want something to drink other than pop, you should stop by the all you can drink milk stand. It is not only one of the healthier options at the MN State Fair, it is also economical, at only $1 for all the milk you can drink (although overdoing it wouldn't be very healthy either!)
3. Corn on the Cob
This is a popular choice at the MN State Fair, which isn't surprising considering how much butter people slather on their corn. Just ask for it without butter and if you need salt, only sprinkle a little bit (you may get some curious glances from the staff or MN State Fair visitors). Corn on the cob works well for dinner, as it is both filling and nutritious. You can find it up front by the Grandstand.
4. The Lamb Shoppe
The Lamb Shoppe is located in the food building of the Minnesota State Fair. It is a great option for eating healthy food, because the lamb can be served in small portions and cooked without grease, not to mention that it is grass-fed and organic.
5. Small Ice Cream Cone
This is your dessert option if you are planning on eating healthy food at the MN State Fair. The small or kid size ice cream cone is similar to one you'd get at Dairy Queen in size, taste, price, and nutrition. Not the healthiest thing every, but compared to other Minnesota State Fair food, it isn't half bad. You can get small ice cream cones at any stand that serves ice cream or sundaes. Try the homemade ice cream cone, it is creamy and delicious!
6. Andre's Watermelon Stand
Watermelon is a great option for eating healthy food because it fulfills you fruit requirement and is the most refreshing Minnesota State Fair food.
7. Fruit/Veggie Platters
The fruit and vegetable trays are a good choice for healthy Minnesota State Fair food. They are usually on the pricey side though-typically $5-6 for a tray. Then again, a lot of food at the MN State Fair is even more expensive. If you're planning on eating healthy food, skip the dips no matter how tempting they may be.
8. Pickles
Okay, they're not that healthy-the sodium content is atrocious. But they make a healthier snack than, say, cheese curds, and there are almost no calories. You can get giant pickles and kool-aid pickles at several stands all over the Minnesota State Fair.
9. Olives on a Stick
Hooray! Eating healthy food on a stick is possible after all! Yes, a little known stand in the bazaar offers an assortment of olives on a stick, and unlike every other Minnesota State Fair food on a stick, the olives are not fried or battered.
10. Apples
The apples sold at the Agriculture building are healthy and cheap at only a quarter per apple! This is an even healthier and more economical option for eating healthy food at the MN State Fair than the milk stand. You can pick your own apples from a number of varieties, most of which are grown locally and/or are organic.
11. Nuts
There are multiple stands around the state fair that offers nuts of all assortments. Pay some attention to serving size and you will get full!
12. Pork Chop on a Stick
This has to be my favorite option at the state fair. I will typically get 1-2 of them, some corn on the cob and that will usually be my lunch or dinner. They are so tasty.
13. Salad on a stick
They sell over 3,000 of them per day so some people are eating healthy at the fair! Campfire grill is in Machinery Hill and this will be their second year of that yummy creation.
14. Smoothies
If your looking for something sweet without all the extras go for a smoothie. There are multiple locations around the fairgrounds offering the delicious alternative to ice cream.
There are some good options and lots of bad at the state fair!
If your going to try the bad here are some tips:
Split the serving between multiple people
WALK a ton, you should have to anyway
Sit down to eat, if you actually pay attention to what your eating you will eat less
DRINK WATER, it will help keep you full and is calorie free
In the end, the best option for eating healthy food at the MN State Fair is not eating Minnesota State Fair food at all, and just brown-bagging it, or waiting until your MN State Fair visit is over before grabbing dinner or your 5th snack of the day.
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