It’s that time of the year again when the State Fair of Texas and Big Tex is back in town. With the opening of the fair on Sept. 30, a plethora of fried food, including funnel cakes and cookie fries, arrives on the Dallas food scene. A turkey leg contains a whopping 1136 calories, and fried snickers has around 500 calories. However, don’t let the sight of oil and powdered sugar scare you health conscious foodies away from the fair because here are some healthier options that still lets you enjoy the fair experience.

Dole whip

At only 80 to 90 calories per cup of this pineapple soft serve goodness, this tropical dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth without loading on the fats or sugars. It’s also a great way to cool off from the Texas heat especially if you’ve been out in the sun all day. To go on the healthy eating route, switch out fried ice cream or Oreos for this refreshing treat.

Corn on the Cob

While corn on the cob at the Texas State Fair does have butter brushed on it, it is still a healthier option at 180 calories to your normal fried options. After all, according to Livestrong, corn is a good source of protein, fiber and metabolism.

Fruit Cup

The Frutería in the food court doesn’t offer their customers a mediocre and soggy fruit cup. Instead, they offer a Mexican inspired one filled with watermelon, melon, jicama, coconut, pineapple, lime juice and a kick of cayenne pepper.

It’s All Greek to Me

Also located in the food court, It’s All Greek to Me offers a range of healthy options that will have you covered from main dishes to desserts. Their gluten free Greek salad includes all the vegetables you need in a day: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. If you are being tempted by all the fried food, then make a stop at this stand because they also sell greaseless french fries that are fresh cut and baked. One of their stand out menu items is their Greek honey yogurt with fat free baklava.

Share Food

I do admit the Texas State Fair experience isn’t completely fulfilled unless you take at least a bite of fried food, so I recommend sharing a cheat plate with several of your friends. This method allows you to try some of the infamous and over-the-top treats without feeling guilty by devouring it entirely. Keep in mind you will also be walking around and engaging in fun activities that will help you burn off some of the food you consume.

Most importantly, enjoy yourselves at The Texas State Fair with friends and family whether you eat the fried food or not, but just keep in mind, there are healthy eats and treats available.

The Texas State Fair is open from Sept. 30 to Oct. 23.

Gates open daily at 7 a.m.

Exhibit buildings, outdoor exhibits and food concessions are open:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Sundays through Thursdays
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Fridays and Saturdays

For a daily schedule of all performances and events click here: daily schedule 

State Fair of Texas

3921 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210

(214) 565-9931

-Aurelia Han – A&E Editor-