Counting calories at Target Field

Just in time for the Twins' home opener, HealthPartners thought you might like to know how many calories are in the average ballpark food: 550.

In fact, you'd have to walk around the bases 202 times to burn up one order of nachos and cheese, according to Heidi Schmidt, a health coach at JourneyWell, HealthPartners's wellness program.

In the never-ending battle to curb obesity, the health plan has been trying to educate people about the true cost, in calories, of some of our nation's guilty pleasures.

"You know, hot dogs get a bad rap," said Schmidt. Turns out they're not the worst thing on the menu at most ballparks. A bratwurst, she said, is actually a better option than a grilled chicken sandwich with two teaspoons of mayonnaise.

At the risk of spoiling an all-American tradition, here is Schmidt's take on 13 ballpark foods and drinks, from most to least calories:

•Peanuts in the shell (8 ounces): 1,280

•Nachos and cheese (4 ounces): 1,100

•BBQ pulled pork sandwich: 720

•Chicken breast sandwich: 515

•Sunflower seeds (3 ounces): 495

•Hot dog with bun: 470.

•Bratwurst with bun: 430

•Beer (20 ounces): 250

•Soda (20 ounces): 239

•Jumbo pretzel: 180

•Cracker Jack (1/2 cup): 120

Of course, she adds, that's calories only; sugar is another story.

But you can find a list of vegetarian concessions on the stadium website (www.startribune.com/a295).

The message, if you're having a treat at a baseball game, is "have one, not three," says Schmidt.

"And stay just as active as your favorite players."