You’re not alone! An estimated 150,000 visitors line the streets between St. Joe and Wabash, and I guarantee you most of those people are feeling the effects of eating all that sugar and fat just like you. 

I could spend my time giving you one of my loving “kick in the pants” for overdoing it last week. I could smack you upside the head for so many corn dogs (each) containing 375 calories/35g fat or a funnel cake which has a whopping 760 calories/44 g fat (www.calorieking.com) …but no. I think my efforts would be better received by not focusing on the past, but rather looking towards the future and how you can use your trans fat overdose to bring about some new healthy changes into your lifestyle. Yes, you heard me. You can use the Fall Festival to help you get healthy!  

Think about it. You have figured out how to rush down to Franklin Street, grab some lunch and get back to work without skipping a beat. Now, keep up the habit but now scoot your booty down to the gym for a quick workout or take the time to walk instead. Think that sounds crazy? No crazier than some of you willing to lay petal to the medal and take out a mailbox (or even a small child) trying to get your Haystack fix for the day.  

Think you can’t give up your lunch time to exercise? You seemed ok walking up and down the four blocks of food booths with a Fried Twinkie in one hand and a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich in the other. I think if you tried, you just might be able to come up with a way to walk and eat a nice healthy sandwich instead! Priorities my friends, priorities. 

Lastly, you have built a great habit this week and probably don’t even know it. You see, I work at the Bethel Temple booth and when someone buys 20 pronto pups I can’t help but ask why. Usually, it’s so the person can munch on these grease filled babies all day long. I really don’t need to say why this is terrible for you so let’s talk about the good here instead.  

Eating small meals more often is certainly a great thing to do when trying to control your weight. It gives the body just enough fuel and energy - but not too much so that it is overloaded with extra calories or fat. I will suggest that you switch from Pronto pups to healthier food options, but the habit of eating less more often is my point.  

While I realize this all a bit tongue and cheek, I do want you to know that there are times through the year where you may blow your diet or overdo it a bit (ok, a lot). You need to realize that you can always start fresh and jump back on the healthy living bandwagon. Never throw in the towel! Keep making steps toward healthy lifestyle changes no matter what. It really is all about attitude and persistence. You WILL reach your goals if you keep the right attitude and stay focused.