1. Posted by JimmyK on Tue, Aug 05, 2008, 1:45 am PDT

Great tips! A few other tips I can give... 1- Ask for cups of iced water at the concession stands. Most parks will GIVE them to you free. Beats paying $3.50/bottle. 2- Bring a picnic lunch and leave it in the car. No matter what the BYOF policy of the park is, almost universally, you can get your hand stamped and have a picnic at the car. 3- Some parks have Subway, which is not a bad alternative. 4- At most parks I've visited, where you can get the pizza, you can also get salads instead. Another good option.

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2. Posted by stephanie1111@prodigy.net on Tue, Aug 05, 2008, 7:04 am PDT

great advice, i'm even going 2 sixflags today!

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3. Posted by Jeri M on Tue, Aug 05, 2008, 11:27 am PDT

Six Flags (Magic Mountain) actually has some good options even if they don't let you bring in outside food. I know that have at least one vending stand with fresh fruit (the apples are HUGE), and they have pre-packaged sushi at the 'food court'. Not gourmet, but not a bad option if you're watching what you eat.

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4. Posted by mestenodreamer on Sun, Aug 10, 2008, 6:13 am PDT

Well I don't usually go to the mainstream parks like Six Flags and such, but I am an annual visitor to the state fair. I usually get a corndog for the convenience but now I won't seeing this. And it's good to know that Dippin' Dots is an alternative. I love their chocolate dots.

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5. Posted by charlie's angel on Thu, Aug 14, 2008, 7:15 pm PDT

I don't think the cotton candy is a good idea, cotton candy is pure sugar. Why not bring a snack bar with you, it is a lot healthier than anything at the amusement park. Trail mix and granola are good options too!

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6. Posted by Picholeira on Thu, Aug 14, 2008, 9:00 pm PDT

Are any of those apples on a stick OK to eat, I wonder? What about plain caramel apples (no peanuts) or candied apples? Anyone?

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7. Posted by blue_eyes.rule on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:38 am PDT

Any kind of caramel apples or candy apples may not be that bad for you but they will rot your teeth after just one.

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8. Posted by judewhb on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:40 am PDT

Most fairs have roasted corn on a stick-- naturally sweet and tummy-filling!

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9. Posted by easydusit57 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:41 am PDT

Since fairs only arrive once a year and most people only attend the one locally within their area it's good bet this fat-feeding frenzy is going to happen regardless. That's what fairs are for, to have a good time and enjoy yourself. I say Let it rip!!

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10. Posted by kstatecane on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:42 am PDT

This articl is stupid. One of the main reasons to go to a fair is to eat the bad (good) food. As long as you don't eat like this all the time, one day eating bad at the fair is not going to make a difference for someone who normally has healthy eating and exercise habits. Enjoy life once in a while for pete's sake.

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11. Posted by brandyb680 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:42 am PDT

Part of the whole fair or park experience is indulging yourself in the fatty foods. You only eat them once or twice a year so what is the big deal in that. Everything is moderation is a better plan than restricting yourself so that you never experience a little fun. Don't eat six corn dogs, but a corn dog and little bit of a funnel cake split between you and your family is not going to do any harm,

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12. Posted by Scott M on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:44 am PDT

I thought this was about going to the fair? How did Six Flags and Disney get dragged into it?

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13. Posted by frighttimeproductions on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:44 am PDT

In my opinion, if you are going to enjoy a day at a theme park or the fair...it's not going to kill you to indulge a little bit. If you want a funnel cake...have one. Corn dog? Caramel apple? Go for it! It's not like you are making an every day thing of it and you are just going to walk it off anyway.

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14. Posted by Jenn on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:49 am PDT

Whenever I go to a park or fair, I usually pack a really healthy lunch full of fruit and leave it in the cooler in the car. I feel so much better and very full, without feeling sick. I also bring along a bag of nuts and dried cranberries to hold me over. It's a small enough bag no one will notice if you have then in your pocket.

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15. Posted by banannaball on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:51 am PDT

Folks, the reason you go to a fair, carnival, or amusement park is to be entertained, do fun and exciting stuff *once in a while* that builds fond memories and makes you smile. I completely agree that these foods, if part of a regular diet, will do us all in, but frellsakes! You're in a carnival atmosphere! Have fun! Eat a corndog if you want to. It's not like you' be back there Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as well? Carnival foods are part of the carnival/theme park experience. Enjoy!

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16. Posted by Mrs. W on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:57 am PDT

To repeat one of #1's comments: Tailgate or picnic all the way, baby! I've done picnics outside 6-Flags many times--just pack a cooler, find a spot under a tree, lay down a blanket and break out the healthy, homemade, goodies for a fraction of the cost.

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17. Posted by Not so much on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 7:58 am PDT

I say enjoy the fair! If you eat healthy on a regular basis. You can bet the the fair food will remind you why!

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18. Posted by heth365 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:22 am PDT

Agree with the couple others - the fair is about fun. It is financially irresponsible (overpriced), dangerous (have you seen some of the people who put the rides together?!), loaded with fattening food, and a haven for cheap toys you can win....BUT, that is why we go - because it's fun :)

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19. Posted by It's me! on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 9:19 am PDT

Since everything is so expensive at six flags we eat lunch at 11, then go up and leave before dinner. But we still end up thirsty. SInce your only allowed to bing in water we bring water and bring the little flavoring packets (like crystal light) in our pockets. Sometimes we each bring a little snack (like a gronal bar or fruit snacks) in our pocket, because it is so expensive to buy things there.

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20. Posted by Jos K on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 9:26 am PDT

parker70400 is [profane] right. Just enjoy your day at the fair or amusement park, no one cares eat a [profane] corndog and have some more of that [profane] [profane] you health nuts. One day of eating a little junk is not going to [profane] kill you!!!!

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21. Posted by DRNC63 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:30 am PDT

Eat what you want and have fun for one day. All of that walking will burn some of those calories.

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22. Posted by Joey on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 9:29 am PDT

Yeah, i definitely have to agree with many of the folks here. I'm a pretty health-conscious person, but man, enjoy the damn park! I feel sorry for people who are so obsessed with their diet that they never stop to enjoy stuff like this. Stop being so uptight!

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23. Posted by sweetypeas1@sbcglobal.net on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:31 am PDT

The easiest way to smuggle in water and snacks into Six Flags is to hide it under spare clothes for yourself and the kids and then put "girl supplies" on top. Make sure to be checked out by the biggest burliest male security screener. They see the 'supplies' freak out a little and don't go any farther. It helps to smile sweetly and say "oh sorry" with some conviction.

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24. Posted by Formidable! on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 10:11 am PDT

There's nothing nutritious at these types of establishments, no Rocket Science here folks. One does not go there for food, one goes for the rides/entertainment. Eat at home, before going and save a bundle, and you'll be healthier, as well.

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25. Posted by Steve W on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:35 am PDT

You all are a bunch of dim witted teenagers. And does someone pay this Hungry Girl moron for her "tips". Get a frigging life people, its not going to kill you to eat a hot dog now and then. I love the dim wit that brings dried cranberries with her to eat. God, you must be so much fun to be with. You people are idiots.

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26. Posted by Erik H on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 10:54 am PDT

Ploskik is right. The whole point of the fair is to kick back and not worry about every little thing you put into your mouth. The rest of the year you can be concerned about nutrition. But just enjoy the fair.

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27. Posted by dreamdress4less on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:35 am PDT

Even though most parks don't allow you to bring your own food in, they generally will allow you to leave and come back in (most will stamp your hand.) When we go to any theme park, we usually buy Subway and put in a cooler and just head out to the parking lot to eat. I have even seen people grilling in parking lots!

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28. Posted by rusty_nichol on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 10:55 am PDT

Outstanding observation but unfortunately the purpose of going to Six Flags or any outting is to spoil yourself and enjoy the Foods that you probably dont ever eat. Its nice having that corndog, or fries, or Lemonade. Who wants to count calories when your going there to enjoy yourself? Food for thought.

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29. Posted by ploskik on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 8:38 am PDT

You are missing the point. You go to the fair to see and do all the things you normally don't. Including eating the 'bad' stuff. Eat right regularly and indulge at the fair. That's why it's there.

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30. Posted by thornlake on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, 11:15 am PDT

Just puke after eating all that junk food.

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