Lumby Days, Playland, Calgary Stampede, PNE and most recently the IPE…are all places you may have enjoyed this year. Fairs bring all sorts of enjoyment from music, animals, lumberjacks and other interesting activities. Then of course many go for the food! I have to admit every year I attend at least one of these fairs and my intention is the mini donuts. It’s a tradition, plus of course the soft warm texture and taste of these cinnamon-sugar delights, I just crave automatically when I get there. I don’t share I get my own bag and eat them all! But I only do that at the fair, as it isn’t just about the donut. I know I am not alone; fair food is a thing. We don’t do it because the price is right or that it is healthy, on the contrary, the food is way overpriced and we know it is not good for us at all, so why?
Well, that’s because there are so many more elements surrounding the food. Fair food in general, possesses a unique appeal that makes it taste exceptionally good within the confines of the event itself. The experience plays a significant role, as we link these indulgent treats with special occasions and cherished memories, elevating their taste perception. What can truly set fair food apart is the freshness and preparation that vendors usually craft on-site, ensuring all these delicious treats are served hot and crispy, enhancing both flavor and texture. Furthermore, it’s the novelty, the sense of nostalgia, and the social, crazy busy, fun atmosphere all combined to make fair food simply that good.
Do I feel guilty nope, but I may have a bit of a stomach ache later, especially if I indulged in some other festive favourites too. I know the consequences and I know it’s only once a year. So, is the occasional indulgence bad at the fair or even once a week like a cheat day? The answer is no, it can actually be part of a way to keep you on track and succeed. These occasional slip ups or breaks can stop feelings of deprivation, satisfy cravings, be fun allowing you be part of an event, makes you happy and can be a reward for how good you have been doing.
Short term indulgences will not have a significant impact on long term health, but will have short term consequences as headaches, stomach aches, bloating, gastrointestinal effects, sluggishness, short term weight gain and mind fog amongst the few. This actually may be a good thing to remind us not to do this everyday. Or wonder how we ever lived feeling this way on a daily basis, before changing.
There are a few things you can do however; it you just want only the one thing you are going for and not overindulge in other things.
- Don’t arrive hungry. Eat before you go so you can limit your food to a few treats instead of grazing on food all day long.
- Go early in the morning, when you may be less likely to be enticed by the aromas of food.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Spread it out, check out all the offerings first, then choose the one you came for plus a couple of other items to enjoy over the course of the day.
- Share your choices then you can try more things with only eating a little of each instead of a whole lot of everything.
Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, Certified Personal Trainer
/Holistic & Sports Nutritionist
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