Balance of Food

As the baseball season begins, trips to the ball field usually mean hot dogs, French fries, pretzels, soft drinks, beer, cotton candy, and more. But can you eat healthy at the ballpark? I love baseball, but I have to watch what I eat. I want to have the best of both worlds. Yes, you can make a trip to the ballpark your rare indulgence. But do you really want to waste your indulgence on a smoshed pseudo-steamed "hot dog"? Here are a few tips: -- Try to eat before or after the game. Or eat just enough at the park to carry you over to after the game. Not great solutions, but something to consider. -- Research. Go to the ballpark's Web site and see if you can find a menu. For example, Milwaukee, king of food not healthy for you, does have a nice taco salad. Order it with lettuce instead of chips. I can personally vouch for its goodness. But that's the thing. Look around the park and make sure you found the healthy option. -- Try to bring food in. The rules are really sketchy on this topic. Check ahead of time. Sandwiches wrapped in cellophane have a better shot than ones in containers. (Think of not bringing things one could throw onto the field). -- Find a decent prospect. Popcorn is healthier than a corn dog. Split a container of French fries instead of eating them all yourself. -- Water. Pop and beer sounds good at the ballpark. But water allows you to have more calories with food. Stadiums are usually anal about sealed water bottles (like they have to be sealed), but you can bring one in. Another great tip: refill the water bottle with water fountains at the park. They won't have the original taste of the bottled water. But when it's 90 degrees, water is water. These are some great tips, but there are others. In fact, if you know of a healthy alternative at a ballpark near you, let us know.