blog #74 Healthy picks at a street fair

This Sunday as I was traveling to work, I passed by a huge street fair that closed off 86th street from broadway to the far Upper West Side.

I peeked over at the carts and saw people who were laughing, eating, and enjoying their doses of vitamin D from the sun (we need about 15 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure). The smells and colors were so intense that I was drawn to check out the stands. I managed to find healthy options for lunch, and I wish to share how you, too, can eat healthy at a street fair.  

In my medical nutrition class last week, we were discussing cancer and how nutrition plays a role in the development of cancer and various illnesses. In addition to touting the virtues of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, my professor also brought up how it is really important to avoid charred or burnt meats because of the nitrites (which can be a cause of cancer.)

 •Do not eat charred food

•Consume only occasionally meat and fish grilled in direct flame; as well as cured or smoked meats

On the other hand, raw or undercooked meats can harbor foodborne illnesses like e. coli and salmonella. Charring is at least a sign that food is probably well-cooked...

So, if you remove the grilled foods options (and all the fun!) from a street fair, what is there to eat?

I found these delicious crab summer rolls, which included lettuce, carrots, mint, celery, and basil. There was a side sauce offered with the roll, so I could choose how much or how little I wanted on my roll. 

Per serving (including the sauce), the roll averaged:

161 calories; 3g fat; 7g protein; 22g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 18mg cholesterol; 321mg sodium. 

Not bad!

I am well aware that not everyone eats shellfish, so I want to mention another healthy option: I also enjoyed one of these stuffed grape leaves which has 77 calories per serving (2 grape leaves equal one serving)

So what are some of your favorite food finds at a street fair?