Dietitian offers tips to keep your waistlines in check during a visit to the old ballgame

Washington, DC – April 10, 2009 – Baseball season is back and that means a few trips to a Nationals or Orioles game or even a minor league game. Each time we go to the ballpark our senses are tempted by the smells of hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and with all of these new baseball stadiums, more delicious, but less than nutritious food options. What can you do to stay healthy and not destroy your diet though?

National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Registered Dietitian Sarah Feasel says it’s okay to eat a little bit but don’t overdo it. She says to think realistically with your portions especially with large sized items such as the ginormous brats. “It’s okay to eat a hot dog for example with some mustard, a little ketchup and some onions, but watch how many you’re eating,” said Feasel. “Do you really need five hot dogs?” Feasel offers these tips:

• Things you can eat at the ballpark: Go for a hot dog with mustard, onions and a little ketchup
• Diet soda and water are the best choices for beverages but light beer is okay too
• If you have a sweet tooth choose a soft serve ice cream or low fat frozen yogurt; the scoops of ice cream are much higher in fat

Things you should try and avoid eating at the ballpark, if your diet is important to you:

• Think realistically with your portions; avoid jumbo or extra large sized items
• Avoid things with cheese on top; the cheese is high in sodium
• Steer clear of the basket of fried stuff, the chicken and fries...too much fat, too much salt and more calories than you need for the whole day

Feasel adds that you can bring your own food if you want. Nationals Park, for example, allows food items that are contained in single serving bags within a soft-sided container or cooler. Cut up some fruit and veggies and bring them to snack on with your hot dog and light beer or soda. “Everything is okay in moderation,” says Feasel. “You just have to know where moderation ends and excess begins.”