Major League Ballparks hit a “Healthy Homerun”

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Take me out to the ballgame, but don’t let me take home an extra pound or two. There is no question, grabbing a snack or a meal at a major league baseball can really add additional calories. If you’re buying peanuts that’s good, but leave the Cracker Jacks behind!

It is possible however, to eat healthier at many ballparks these days. The good news is that the modern ballpark is equipped with choices and savvy eaters can maneuver their way around the diamond finding many culinary gems. Many of the ballparks consult with chefs to help consumers not only savor the game but also some light fare as well. At many parks you’ll find vegetarian versions of hot dogs, Mexican food and pizza. Many offer salads and fresh fruit. If on the West Coast, up north at Seattle’s Safeco Field, seafood choices are the main dish. Further south, if you’re a Padres fan you can enjoy seafood tacos.

I am from Philadelphia and LOVE The Phillies. I am proud to say that Citizen Bank Park has been voted the number one vegetarian ballpark four years in a row! While I am not a vegetarian, there are many healthy food choices for a variety of dietary needs. There are gluten free snacks and to my surprise gluten free hot dogs and buns at the South Philly Market concession stand. At Planet Hoagie (a hoagie is another term for a sub sandwich or hero) you can turn any sandwich into a salad. Scrumptious salads such as The Vedura feature roasted eggplant, broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, sharp provolone and The Poppy Salad is donned with fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted eggplant, roasted red peppers & sun dried tomatoes.

If in New York for a Yankees game you can dine on a variety of ethnic cuisines including fresh-rolled sushi or head over to Farmers Market and get some fresh fruit salad or veggies. If you decide to splurge on Italian pastries however (my one and only weakness) the calories are all clearly displayed so you know how much you’ll need to burn the next day!

My advice for a “Healthy Homerun”, research the food choices before heading to the game. Have a plan and while it is okay to splurge, pick one thing and even better yet, split it with a fellow fan!

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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