Snack Skinny at the Ballpark

As seen on May 29th, 2013 on:

written by The Nutrition Twins,

We’re in the heart of baseball season, a time of year when many of our clients come to us panicked that they may blow all of their bikini-season efforts on too many stadium snacks. After all, one game ticket means at least three hours to munch on high-calorie fare like cheese dogs, cracker jacks, loaded fries, and nachos.

While some ballparks have healthier options, your best bet is to arrive prepared with alternatives. The following five choices travel well and satisfy your desire to munch. Plus, they’re all 150 calories or less. Just be sure to carry them in plastic bags rather than coolers or thermoses which may not be allowed inside.

Crispbread with low-fat cream cheese and grape halves (two crispbreads such as Wasa, Ryvita or GG crackers, 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, five grapes cut in half)
Combined with the burst of sweetness from the grapes and the savory cheese, fiber-filled crunchy crackers are a home run. As an alternative to cream cheese take a page from France’s book, and try skim fromage blanc. The healthy and natural source of fat-free protein and calcium is made with skim milk that is set overnight to coagulate and then drained.

Pistachios (30 nuts)
An easy source of non-perishable protein, pistachios are perfect for on-the-go eating. You get about thirty of them for just 100 calories and shelling them takes time, which can give you something to do if the game goes into extra innings. You may not have to pack your own—some MLB stadiums sell Wonderful Pistachios at their concession stands.

Cucumbers and Hummus (1 cup of cucumber coins and 4 tablespoons of hummus)
The water-filled cucumbers will fill you up, and dipping the veggies in protein-rich hummus will slow you down so you can savor the snack.

Roasted turkey on apple (six slices of deli turkey and one apple cut into six pieces)
Wrap a slice of turkey around each piece of apple and dive in. Or make a turkey sandwich by using the apple slices as bread and put the turkey between the slices. The turkey provides a satisfying source of protein while the apple offers a sweet crunch.

Frozen fruit kebabs (1-1/2 cups fruit)
String small pieces of your favorite fruits (think grape halves, banana coins, and pineapple pieces) on three wooden skewers and them place in the freezer overnight. Remove them right before heading to the game so that they’ll stay cool. The fruit’s high water and fiber content helps with satiety, while the sweetness makes them feel like a real treat.

MORE: Diet-Friendly Ballpark Snacks

Edamame Hummus