The Great Minnesota Calorie Comeback: Shedding that state fair “stash”

Did you enjoy eating your way through the Minnesota State Fair?

Are you feeling some guilt about that? Not to rub it in, but some fairgoers consumed several thousand (even more than 6,000) calories during one state fair visit.

Nutritionists calculated that if you eat just one order of each classic favorite (like a Pronto Pup, cheese curds, mini donuts, and cotton candy), you will swallow 4,569 calories. Keep in mind the USDA suggests an average daily intake for adults of 2,000 calories.

So what now!? How do you try to shed all those calories sitting on your thighs and your backside?

“It all starts in the mind,” said Lindy Vincent, host of the award-winning health podcast “Get Lean & Lit with Lindy.” Vincent added, “If you think you can do it, you can do it.”

Vincent says the first step is simple: go online to tdeecalculator.net. “Put all of your stats in, and it’ll all be laid out for you: how much protein, carbs, and fat you should be eating.” The website asks for your age, weight, height, and activity before calculating the number of calories per day you should shoot for if you want to maintain, cut, or add weight.

From there, Vincent said you can put together a plan with foods you actually like to eat that fit inside your allowed calorie intake. “For example, if you’re eating 1,700 calories a day and you know you want to lose one to two pounds, it will tell you to cut between 300 and 500 calories.”

The opposite is true too, and why some Minnesotans add pounds at the State Fair. For example, the giant smoked turkey leg is more than 1,300 calories. A couple of those can easily add weight, especially if you treat yourself to a deep-fried Snickers bar for dessert, which is about 450 calories. Just the two items would fill up an individual’s entire calorie count for the day.

Another important factor that can tip the scales when it comes to calories is exercise. “I love pickleball,” Vincent said. “Do something you enjoy, figure it out, whether it’s swimming or horseback riding.” Exercise helps burn extra calories and makes that funnel cake or milkshake from the Dairy Barn doable. But just one.

Get more health and fitness tips from Lindy Vincent by listening to her podcast Get Lean & Lit with Lindy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.