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How do you keep those calories in check while still having a great time with friends and family? We have listed below great tips, swaps and ideas to help you make wiser decisions on the Mid Way and keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to adhering to your intake for the week.

Keeping To Your Diet In The Midst of the Fairway

You've been here before, we've all been here before. You are just getting into a great groove with your diet and exercise regimen when life throws you a curve in the way of an event: The Holidays, the Wedding Season, Birthday Parties or in the case of Wyoming: State Fair week. How do you keep those calories in check while still having a great time with friends and family? We have listed below great tips, swaps and ideas to help you make wiser decisions on the Mid Way and keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to adhering to your intake for the week.

Drink Water Before You Go, And Add Lemon.

Water is a good idea no matter what. And in Wyoming water is a necessity of life given how dry our climate is. But add water to your regimen 15 minutes before you head out to the fair. It will give you a feeling of fullness but also energy to walk all over. Add some fresh squeezed lemon and you will only increase the feeling of fullness as lemon plays a "slight" trick on your senses. Studies have shown that when you include lemon in your foods or beverages it tricks the body into thinking it has taken in salt or flavor. This only helps flavor your water but also helps with that feeling of fullness.

Have A Meal Before

If you can make a wiser choice, it's probably to refrain from temptations like burgers, hot dogs and cotton candy. So if you can, eat before you go at least a smaller meal so you have more control over your intake. This way you can measure out your plate, your calories, fats, refined carbs and proteins and know what you are taking in for this meal. When you arrive you will also be less tempted because you will be fuller. Think of it like you would your habits before going to the grocery store. You never want to go to that place on an empty stomach! And if you eat lighter faire before the fair you will be able to maybe grab a treat while walking around but you won't feel the pressure of trying to obtain a full meal.

If You Must Dine There, Choose Wisely

You've got this. You've been setting your bar REALLY high lately on how well you are managing so in the face of dining out at the fair you can make reasonable choices. You know that the more lean protein you eat, the better you are going to feel overall versus empty carbs; less breaded, more grilled; mustard on that hot dog versus ketchup which has higher sugar content; water instead of a soda. Also look for the smoker/grill stands to get your food from versus those who fry everything. You may also be able to get vegetable side dishes like grilled corn at these stands instead of the old onion rings or fries as standbys. Make wise choices just like you would at a friend's backyard barbecue or other outing and you are sure to pull through.

Walk It Off

The fairgrounds offer an abundant amount of paths to help get a nice stroll in after you eat should you dine there. So walk around, take in the sights and sounds. A walk after dinner is also a great way to help your body with digestion and get your fats/carbs/proteins working in good ways for your overall health.

Have any other tips for sticking to that diet plan in the face of sheer state fair food temptation? Let us know!