Ballpark Food

At one of my community presentations, a participant asked, "What do I eat at the ballpark"?  Last weekend, I walked the entire TD Ameritrade ballpark surveying the food items for sale. 

I must admit that I do not usually eat food at the ballpark.  It is too expensive for a dietitian's salary!  I usually drink water while enjoying the game, people, and the beautiful park.   I was impressed at the variety of food available.  Yes, they serve the usual hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, fries, popcorn, cotton candy etc.  All those foods tend to be higher in fat, sodium, and carbohydrate than they would be at home.  At home, I can purchase lean cuts of meat and use low sodium products for seasoning. 

Some different items for you to consider:

• Fresh food stand (near section 109) – veggies and dip, fruit cup, salads, turkey and veggie wrap, Mediterranean wrap (all veggies)
• Bison burger
• Veggie burger
• Peanuts (good item to share)
• Athenian salad with or without chicken
• Greek potatoes
• Burritos (they were not fried – yea!)
• Large pretzel (must share with a friend, otherwise it is a high carbohydrate food choice.  To lower the sodium, asked for it without salt).  Flavor it with some mustard as a dip.

As the youngest child in a family with seven children, I only remember sharing food with my family at the ballpark.  I did notice that the people around my seat did not purchase food.  Most chose water or soda as a beverage.  A few rows ahead of my area, I noticed a family with two young children.  They purchased one cotton candy.  The family of four shared the candy.  For sure, sharing food at the park will decrease the expense, calories, fat, and sodium. 

This year try some smart swaps at the ballpark.  Instead of the hot dog and fries, try a salad or a veggie wrap.  Variety is the spice of life.