Facing some hard State Fair food facts
Posted at: 09/14/2012 11:53 AM
By: Maria Guerrero, KOB Eyewitness News 4

The New Mexico State Fair is in full swing. Many go just for the food. But there is a sad reality to the tasty delights you’ll find - they are loaded with calories.
The menus can make you dizzier than a roller coaster ride. The fair is where tradition and creativity go head-to-head - from salsa mixed into the batter of a traditional corndog to a donut burger.
"Most people they are just curious, like: let me see that," said vendor Elaine Welch.
Fairgoers like George White are pleasantly surprised with the creation.
"That's really good,” said White.
Another vendor in the main food court area managed to fry beer with the help of beer from Nexus Brewery in Albuquerque.
"That is really good. Can I have the rest of it?," said one fairgoer.
But you may want to reconsider when you know just how many calories are in these tasty treats.
According to WebMD: A funnel cake packs 760 calories, a foot-long hot dog is about 470 calories and a turkey leg is a whopping 1,136 calories.
Registered dietician Shelley Rael isn’t discouraging people from trying unique items at the fair.
"I just tell people if you know you're going to the fair and you're going to enjoy the food here and have fun with it. Eat lighter the day before. Eat lighter the day after," said Rael.
Rael says considered sharing that turkey leg. Even opting for a candy apple or cotton candy would perhaps be better.
"Not to say that candy apple or cotton candy which is just sugar is the best thing but it's going to be a lighter alternative so to speak at least you're getting some fruit with the candy apple," said Rael.
And if you look around, there are healthy alternatives.
"It's healthy, refreshing," said one vendor of his fresh, fruit bowl.
Rael also recommends drinking lots of water.
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