Redesigned Diet Slideshow(YTH) : Diet & Fitness > Is It Worth the Splurge? Ballpark Foods

Don't Strike Out on Your Diet

By Melissa F. Pheterson

"The excitement of a ball game can fuel that hand-to-mouth activity, adding hundreds of extra calories you're not even aware of," says Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom. Luckily, there are healthier concessions cropping up at a stadium near you. (Three cheers for the Pittsburg Pirates' salad bar; the Baltimore Orioles' yogurt parfaits; the New York Mets' sushi and the Anaheim Angels' corn on the cob). But for ballpark food traditionalists, read on to find out how to make a smart splurge.

NEXT: Hot diggity dog >>

Hot Diggity Dog!

The calorie counts in wieners and sausages can make your diet cry foul. A loaded foot-long hot dog is equivalent to scarfing two regular dogs and buns! Make yours a turkey wrap (350 calories) or garden burger (300 calories).

Which wiener is worth the splurge? (Vote to find out how many calories are in each and how many minutes it would take to walk off for the average 144-lbs woman.)

NEXT: Slugger snacks >>

Slugger Snacks

As we boo, cheer and dodge fly balls, we can nosh without even knowing it for nine innings straight. To avoid pigging out, team up with your friends. "Take a vote with your pals and choose one fun snack you can all share," says Madelyn. Split a jumbo pretzel, nachos or nuts. For the time it takes to pry them loose from the shell, a handful of peanuts will last you several innings—keeping you at 150 calories.

Which snack is worth the splurge? (Vote to find out how many calories are in each and how many minutes it would take to walk off for the average 144-lbs woman.)

NEXT: Dandy candy? >>

I Want Candy

Count on the ballpark to bring out your inner kid—and trigger those cravings for childhood treats! Don't let a bag of cotton candy send you into spun-sugar shock. Watch portion size, too; eating your way to the bottom of the Cracker Jack box is not worth the prize. "Be a taster instead," says Madelyn.

Which candy is worth the splurge? (Vote to find out how many calories are in each and how many minutes it would take to walk off for the average 144-lbs woman.)

NEXT: Last licks >>

Last Licks

Face it: The seventh-inning stretch is just an excuse to get dessert. And you can indulge if you barter your calories, says Madelyn. Forgo that extra beer for a syrupy snow cone. Instead of funnel cake, fried dough sprinkled with sugar, try an ice-cream sandwich (150-250 calories) or Dippin' Dots ice cream (165 calories per half-cup serving). Take a lap around the stadium in search of frozen yogurt, at around 120 calories, it's the dessert home run.

Which dessert is worth the splurge? (Vote to find out how many calories are in each and how many minutes it would take to walk off for the average 144-lbs woman.)

NEXT: Three cheers for beer >>

Bottoms Up!

We know, those salty, greasy foods cry out for something to wash 'em down. But ballpark drinks can throw you a caloric curveball. To cool down on those humid evenings, opt for ice-cold water or tea. Or try an Icee slush at 110 calories. If you're imbibing, stick with light beers, says Madelyn, and choose the 12-oz. bottle over the 20-oz. draft cup. Tread carefully with fruit-based alcoholic drinks and hard lemonades: "They have tons of extra, wasted calories," says Madelyn.

Which drink is worth the splurge? (Vote to find out how many calories are in each and how many minutes it would take to walk off for the average 144-lbs woman.)

NEXT: More ways to get fit this summer >>