Eat ‘em if you got ‘em

August 28, 2007

By J.J. Harrier

Frontiersman

PALMER - For those looking to begin an end-of-summer diet, the Alaska State Fair may not be the best place to start.

With more than 60 food vendors at the fair this year, the temptation to indulge is stronger than ever, and for those counting calories, staying on that fat-free track can be virtually impossible. From homemade waffle cones, cream puffs, ice creams, crispy tacos, hot dogs and deep fried everything, those trying to find healthier fares at the fair to help keep the weight down may have a difficult time.

More than 10,000 people visited the fair on Sunday, most with an agenda to eat and enjoy. While amusement rides, shopping and live music is near the top of the list of things to do at the state fair, sinful snacking shoots right to the top for many.

So how can you enjoy the fair without walking out full of goody-induced guilt?

The answer, according to the Mat-Su Health Foundation, lies in the choices you make. Monday, the foundation and Mat-Su Regional Hospital promoted their Healthy Living Day at the fair, encouraging visitors to make healthier choices at the fair and in their lives. A small booth at the Yellow Trail entrance to the fair is marked with yellow and green balloons of the Mat-Su Health Foundation's booth, where &#8220Healthy For Life” bracelets were being handed out, reminding fairgoers looking to make changes in their diet that they don't have to settle for crispy donuts and turkey legs this year.

Vince Curry, CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, said the purpose of Healthy Living Day is to offer easy and quick alternatives to falling victim to unhealthy cravings and habits.

&#8220We try to provide information and encouragement to the Borough on three health basics to improve your lifestyle - three days of exercise, five fruits and vegetables a day and zero smoking,” Curry said, adding that with the current obesity epidemic and type 2 diabetes on the rise in the U.S., adopting this healthier lifestyle is the only way to battle the bulge.

Even though the fair carries a slew of unhealthy food choices, Curry said just walking the fairgrounds all day could counteract the heavy meals between.

&#8220People should enjoy the fair, exercise and eat in moderation,” he said. &#8220Of course, that's not always easy to do, but changing habits is not an overnight thing. It takes a commitment, which is what we are trying to promote.”

This is the second year Mat-Su Health Foundation has put on Healthy Living Day, handing out more than 10,000 wrist bands last year with more expected to be distributed this week.

At the smoked salmon Caesar salads and quesadillas booth in the food pavilion of the fair, owner Les Burtner knows people are looking for tastier and healthier food choices while visiting the fair. For seven years has been providing baked salmon and crispy salad choices for his customers.

&#8220I try to offer people healthy choices that are tasty and nutritious,” Burtner said. &#8220I'm one in a few that do.”

If it's fried foods you're looking for, some booths offer low trans-fat options and low carbohydrate items, like Vagabond Blues and Glacier Pizza, both serving up healthier platters of veggie wraps, salads and cold entrees. Look closely and you may find fresh, steamed Alaska oysters, fruit cups or a halibut kabob. But you may need to look hard.

Many, like Kay Hautanen from Anchorage, aren't too concerned that the food at the fair is an artery clog waiting to happen.

&#8220I could see why people would want healthier choices,” Hautanen said, holding her deep-fried halibut and platter of fries. &#8220But people do come to the fair for the fair food, which isn't always the best thing for you. People come to eat and it all comes down to what looks, smells and tastes good.”

So what are those looking for healthy fair food to do?

&#8220Take the time and shop around,” Curry said. &#8220You can find just about anything you're looking at the fair, and you'll get healthier just walking around looking. That's what is great.”

Contact J.J. Harrier at 352-2269 or valleylife@frontiersman.com.

Editor's note: Look for Lifestyles Editor J.J. Harrier's daily fair coverage and fair blog online at www.frontiersman.com.