As summer wraps up, it's that time of the year when we all get nostalgic about the Canadian National Exhibition. The summer never seems complete until we've made our annual trip to this 135-year-old tradition. In addition to the rides, games and attractions, one of the big draws is the new and outrageous food additions each year. One year it's bacon on everything, the next year it's deep fried anything you can digest!
No one goes to the Exhibition to eat if they're watching their diet. You have to indulge to have the entire experience. However, it's wise to be armed with some nutritional ammunition before you go all out.
I checked out 5 kiosks at this year's CNE and broke down which of their indulgences did less damage. Remember, it may only be a once-a-year experience but let's at least mitigate the repercussions on our waistlines!
1.Colossal Onion
So take a large, innocent low calorie, low fat and nutritious onion, dip it in batter, deep fry it and serve with Thousand Island dressing and you end up with your entire daily calorie count and fat for two days!
Deep Fried Onion and Thousand Island Dip
2000 calories / 135 gm fat
This is the same as eating 8 orders of Burger King onion rings in fat.
The least damage will come from the Potato Chips with Nacho Sauce and Bacon Bits.
1200 cal / 89 gm fat
Not exactly a great option, but if you consider splitting it amongst friends you will have room for the other CNE delicacies.
2.Mac and Cheesery
This dish consists of mac and cheese, ground beef, extra cheese and sauce, sour cream and frito chips as a garnish.
Taco Mac and Cheese
750 cal / 32 gm fat
It's equivalent to eating 8 Kraft Dinner mac and cheese bowls in fat.
Instead, play it safe and go for the Basic Mac and Cheese.
545 cal / 9 gm fat
A lot less heart stopping fat!
3. Fran's
This dessert is loaded with calories and fat because it consists of deep fried bread, whipped cream, ice cream, maple syrup and chocolate sauce - oh my!
Banana Split Cake
1100 cal / 55 gm fat
Think of this as inhaling 4 banana splits from Dairy Queen in fat.
Rather than dessert, best to go for a main meal Thanksgiving Waffle.
860 cal / 6 gm fat
At least you won't get a sugar high from a waffle made from cranberry stuffing, topped with fresh roast turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes.
4. Far East Taco
Here you have Bao bread stuffed with marshmallow fluff, hazelnut spread, graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows and drizzled condensed milk.
S'more Bao
880 cal / 30 gm fat
You may as well sit by the fire and make 7 S'Mores with a large marshmallow and milk chocolate squares.
Instead, skip the sweets and go for meat with the Beef Bao.
470 cal / 15 gm fat
At least you're getting a meal consisting of the bao bun, beef, cheese, kimchi and pickled veggies.
5.Olympus
This cone is made of pizza bread and is stuffed with strips of beef, mashed potatoes, corn, peas, cheese and gravy.
Olympus Beef Cone
Cal 740 cal / 50 gm fat
This is the same as consuming 8 pieces of Chipotle Steak Pizza from Pizza Pizza in fat.
A healthier option is to go for the Greek Salad Cone.
400 cal / 24 gm fat
It's a lighter version of a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and olive oil vinaigrette stuffed in the pizza cone.
So here's you CNE nutrition 101 course. No reason you have to undo your belt buckle a few notches if you know which indulgences to choose and lose!
MORE ON HUFFPOST: