Tastes of Fiesta
April in San Antonio means “Viva Fiesta!” We celebrate our unique cultural heritage through food, dancing and parades. But overindulgence can lead to unwanted pounds and that post-Fiesta feeling of guilt. Want to party guilt-free and still enjoy your favorite goodies? Then follow these tips.
GO FOR GRILLED AND FRESH
Save calories by avoiding the fat and breading from fried foods. Every tablespoon of fat has a whopping 150 calories. Watch out for fried, creamy, cheesy, stuffed and buttery foods.
BEST CHOICES: Grilled Shrimp Kabob, Baked Oysters, Yakatori Chicken Kabob, Fresh Fruit Kabob, Roasted Corn with no toppings, Caramel Apple or a Snow Cone.
CHOOSE SMALLER PORTIONS
If you can’t resist those high fat, high calorie favorites, try splitting those foods with a friend. Or try taking small tastes of several different foods. That way you can still enjoy your favorite tastes without overindulging.
FOODS TO LIMIT: Fried Onion Flower, Zulu Chips, Fried Desserts and Candy Bars, Fried Turkey Leg, Twice Baked Potatoes, BBQ Pork Wings, Gorditas and Portabella Puffs.
BUDGET YOUR CALORIES, ALCOHOL AND MONEY
Plan a budget for the amount of calories you are willing to consume from food and alcohol at each event. Moderation is the key. Eat before you leave home. You will be less hungry when you get to the event, and that will save calories. Or try limiting your selections to one or two foods and calorie containing beverages per event. Better yet, plan how much money you are willing to spend and stick to it. $20–$25 per person should allow you to sample your favorite foods and beverages, but not overindulge.
| WORST HIGH CALORIE CHOICES | BEST LOW CALORIE CHOICES |
|---|---|
| Fried Onion Flower: 1500 | Baked Oysters: 370 |
| French Fries (1lb.): 1430 | Yakatori Chicken Kabob: 315 |
| Fried Cheesecake in a Tortilla: 960 | Caramel Apple: 250 |
| Fried Turkey Leg: 900 | Apple Strudel: 230 |
| Texas Twice Baked Potato: 875 | Grilled Shrimp Kabob: 225 |
| Corn on the Cob with the works: 850 | Snow Cone: 170 |
| BBQ Pork Ribs: 820 | Fresh Fruit Kabob: 90 |
| BEVERAGES HIGH TO LOW |
|---|
| Margarita (8 oz): 500 |
| Wine (8 oz): 160 |
| Beer (12 oz): 140 |
| Lite Beer (12 oz): 95 |
| Diet Soda or Water: 0 |
MAKE IT YOUR MISSION TO BE ACTIVE
Enjoy those Fiesta activities that keep you moving and burning extra calories! Dance the night away; Take your bow-wow to the Pooch Parade; Join the Fiesta Mission 10K Run; Park further away and walk more.