Enjoy the State Fair the healthy way: Healthy food options at the State Fair of Texas

By Betty Murray

The State Fair of Texas is off and running, and like any year at the state fair, fried foods rule. An estimated 3 million people will visit the fair this year, many of them to indulge in the newest fried concoction, such as the fried bacon cinnamon roll, fried sugar, chicken fried cactus bites or deep-fried jambalaya.

Simply put, the State Fair of Texas can be the dieter’s worst nightmare. Indulging in deep fried, fatty foods can add hundreds, if not thousands of calories to your daily intake. Granted, few people will return to the fair daily to partake in the fried food fest, but even if your visit to the fair only lasts one day, there are a few healthier options.

The Caribbean Jerk Shack offers a wide range of Jamaican jerk favorites made with original Sadie B sauces. The Jerk Shack is offering vegetarian options such as Jerk Tofu, veggie patties and spinach patties. The Jerk Tofu is grilled with separate tools so the vegetarian foods at the Jerk Shack will never touch non-vegetarian foods.

Learn more about what healthy options the Caribbean Jerk Shack is cooking up at the fair this year in this video from CBS Dallas

Click here to find the Caribbean Jerk Shack on the map of the fair grounds.

Cassie’s Frozen Yogurt is another healthier option for state fair food. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by Cassie’s for a serving of low-calorie frozen yogurt. Cassie’s is located on the Midway.

Click here to find Cassie’s on the map of the fair grounds.

Many vendors offer gluten free options. Look for foods such as roasted corn, fruit cups, tamales, Greek salads, red beans and rice, fresh squeezed lemonade and even gluten free popcorn.

It is possible to enjoy the great State Fair of Texas without ruining your diet. Before heading out to the fair, plan to eat a healthy meal. Going to the fair on an empty stomach may make it more difficult to resist the temptation to indulge in unhealthy, high-calorie fried foods. If you do plan to eat at the fair keep your eyes open for these and other healthy options. Rather than sugary drinks, beer or soda, drink plenty of water.

Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.