wt 18 — Sunday, July 16, 1995 - North Shore News ween, s for sum IF YOU'RE watching your intake of fat and calories, you might think that sum- mer fairs and festivals provide a mine- field of diet-busting temptations. But you can enjoy these seasonal outings without going overboard, said Sheila Crook, a representative of TOPS (Take Off. Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit support group that has chapters throughout Canada ‘and the U.S. “At any fair, you'll see plenty of foods loaded with saturated fats and calories.” said Crook, “But you needn't eat everything offered at every booth, Ari yourself with: a strategy so you can enjoy the fair along with everyone else.” Here are tips from veteran fairgoers: who know how to have fun atthe fir while stick- ing to healthy eating habits. ‘ @ Eat a sensible meal before leaving hone. even if you phin on eating at the fair. This allaws you to be particular in your selvetions rather than setuing for the first thing you sce just to satisfy a ravenous hunger. @ Decide if there's one special treat —~ mayhe a bay of cotton candy -— that symbolizes sum- mer-festival fun to yous Work this treat into your meal plan for the day. When the time comes, you'll be able to enjoy it guilt-free, @ Before you order, observe how fuod is pre- pared. Some vendors deep-fry everything from hot dogs to zucchini! Do yar really want to use up a whole day's allotment of fat and: calories on a single side dish? @ Most fairs also offer wholesome and satis- fying selections that don’t leave a tingering TORTIE SAL ESTA IES IA ELAN DET EER “aftertaste” of guilt: fruit cups or. whole fruit, sparkling water, low-fat dairy products, baked » potatoes with low-fat toppings, breads and bagels, and so on. . : @ Drink plenty of water whenever you spend lots of time walking and sitting outdoors. It's Sasy to misinterpret body signals and think “meal” instead of quenching your thirst. Helpful hints like these are often traded at TOPS chapter meetings. For information on chapters ins your area, call Sheila Crook at ~ 987-3477 or toll-free at 1-800-932-8677, . dy ee location.