Yes, it's State Fair time, and by the end of today (or any of the 11 following days), many of us will have to pay for the extra baggage that comes with the fair (and we're not talking about free literature and shopping bags). You know what I mean. That roasted ear of corn with butter that dribbles down your arm comes at a cost. So do the French fries dangling from your fingers. As for the cheese curds? Well, eat them slowly, because it will take plenty of time to burn them off. So enjoy your once-a year treats from the Great Minnesota Eat-Together. And then get walking. Here are the believe-it-or-not statistics on the top-selling fair foods.
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
8 to 10 (1/2- oz. each) 580 calories, 26 g fat, 6 miles to walk.
PIZZA
5 oz. pepperoni, 404 calories, 17 g fat, 4 miles to walk
CORN DOG
3.7 ounces (regular size), 350 calories, 25 g fat, 3.5 miles to walk
ICE CREAM
Single scoop (vanilla or strawberry), 290 calories, 18 g fat, 3 miles to walk
CHEESE CURDS
7 oz. (1 container), 1,140 calories, 81 g fat, 11.5 miles to walk
FRENCH FRIES
25 medium, with ketchup, 310 calories, 14 g fat, 3 miles to walk
MINI-DONUTS
12 (11/2- in. diameter), 720 calories, 37 g fat, 7 miles to walk
FOOT-LONG HOT DOG
With bun, condiments, 540 calories, 31 g fat, 5.5 miles to walk
ROASTED CORN-ON-THE-COB
1 large ear with 2 tsp. butter, 200 calories, 9 g fat, 2 miles to walk
PORK CHOP ON STICK
4 ounces, 290 calories, 17 g fat, 3 miles to walk
Calculations based on 180-pound individual burning 100 calories per mile at a brisk walk. From "Compendium of Physical Activities," Medical Science Sports Exercise, 2000:32 (Suppl): S498-S516. Nutritional information from Bea Krinke, registered dietitian, St. Paul.
