Healthy theme park eats

Summer fun means visits to water parks, theme parks, Disneyland and others. While most people get plenty of exercise during these excursions, finding healthy foods is another matter. Every corner seems to have a cotton candy or ice cream cart, smells of buttered popcorn, funnel cake, corn dogs and curly fries. Although sometimes difficult, eating healthy at these venues is not impossible.

Begin your day with a healthy breakfast. Have whole grain cereal, wheat toast or pancakes, fresh fruit, eggs or egg beaters, milk and fruit. A good breakfast will keep you fueled during your jaunt in the park.

Drink plenty of water and bring extra. Many of the times that we feel hungry, we are really thirsty. If the park allows it, bring some individually wrapped snacks like granola bars, chewy oatmeal bars, trail mix, baby carrots and dried fruit.

General Advice:

These are tips most people already know, but we sometimes need a reminder or two...or three.

• Plan ahead what you are going to eat.

• Look for fresh, not processed foods: You can usually find fruits and veggies in every theme park-you just have to search for them.

• Watch those sauces: Order sauces on the side, this way you can be in charge of how much mayo or special sauce is on your burger.

• Watch portion size: Many parks like to give you your money's worth when it comes to food, so be aware when you order. Split orders with others in your group. Make an appetizer your meal.

• Avoid fried foods: Choose grilled, baked, broiled or poached.

• Make substitutions: Instead of ice cream order sorbet or frozen yogurt, instead of fries order a baked potato.

Poor Choices:

Funnel cakes, nachos, chili cheese fries and corn dogs. These choices are laden with fat and empty calories.

Better Choices:

Cheese pizza, caramel apple, corn on the cob. These choices provide a little bit of fiber and other nutrients.

Theme parks are great venues for fun and exercise-you can often cover 5-10 miles in a day. By making healthful food choices a theme park visit can be a fitness day incognito.