My ADA

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

April 11, 2005

Whether during the first inning or the seventh-inning stretch, chances are you’ll get hungry during a three-hour major-league ball game.

Traditional choices abound: hot dogs, beer, popcorn. The good news is that today’s ballpark fare just might include some surprising options, from crab cakes or sushi to low-fat frozen yogurt or fresh fruit cups—and water.

If you head to the ballpark now that the baseball season’s open:

Eat something first. That takes the edge off your hunger so you won’t overdo on high-fat, high-calorie ballpark foods.
Know your food options. Decide before you line up to buy. As a regular fan, scope out the offerings early in the season. If you take in just a game or two a season, call a fan for the insider food story.
Go easy on beer and other alcoholic drinks. Calories add up. Plus, you may need to drive home after the game.
Enjoy the game. If you do splurge on ballpark food, cut back the next day.

Source: 365 Days of Healthy Eating from the American Dietetic Association (Wiley 2004), Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS

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