PHOENIX — Danielle LaFata has spent a lot of time in major sports stadiums and arenas as an adult. She has some advice for people who want to eat healthy at a pro sports event.
Don’t.
LaFata said it's okay to have a burger, hot dog, or a few slices of pizza.
LaFata, who is the director of performance and nutrition for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, thinks her advice is practical and based on her own appetite. Over the past 20 years, the food options at baseball stadiums have expanded, with items like The Renegade in Pittsburgh, The 4 Bagger in Atlanta, and a Polish Sausage topped with smoked brisket and spicy BBQ sauce in Chicago.
Just looking at the pictures of the food can make your cholesterol go up.
There are some healthier options, especially in places like San Francisco, where the Giants have a place called The Garden that focuses on “sustainability, urban farming, and healthy eating.” Most parks and arenas have a few places that offer salads, gluten free or vegan options if fans are willing to search a little.
But most people at baseball games aren’t necessarily trying to eat healthy.
The food available shows that.
Baseball is unique in the sports food world for a few reasons. The 162-game regular season means each team has 81 home games, so there are a lot of chances to sell food. The sport’s relatively slow pace also allows plenty of time to eat a hot dog or five.
Juan Villegas Sr. walked through the Chase Field concourse — home of baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks — with a big tray carrying two items called an XL Footlong Sonoran Style Dog and some Korean Pork Belly Nachos.
“Usually, I’m more of a classic guy, you know, like a regular hot dog,” Villegas said. “But me and my son had to give these a try. I’m about to devour them.”
LaFata suggests following an 80/20 rule for diet, eating healthy 80% of the time and indulging in some comfort food for the other 20%. She said if a person knows they’re going to a sporting event, they should spend the previous few days eating healthy so they can enjoy themselves.
That means lots of veggies and lean meats like fish.
“This is going to be my 20% day, or my junk food day,” LaFata said. “Throughout the whole week, you’re eating your 80%, you’re eating clean, you’re eating often, you’re doing all the good things you need to do for your body.”
Most customers aren’t counting calories at the ballpark — and in fact, calorie counts frequently aren’t even posted. Diamondbacks executive chef Stephen Tilder said Chase Field offers a handful of healthy options, but the top five sellers are almost always some variation of hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, soft pretzels and nachos.
“That’ll be 90 percent of your sales at any stadium and arena, because that’s just traditional fare,” he said.
There do seem to be a few exceptions in places like San Francisco, but most cities are more like Milwaukee.
Loren Rue, the executive chef at the Milwaukee Brewers’ ballpark, said that they tried offering Impossible (Meat) at their taco stands but it wasn’t popular. Despite this, Rue mentioned that people can still have healthy options at the ballpark.
Rue pointed out that people don't need to gain weight while watching the Brewers.
She also mentioned that they still offer veggie dogs and veggie burgers, and they aim to cater to the fans' preferences.
LaFata, the nutritionist, shared tips for not overeating at a baseball game, such as walking around the park to explore the food options.
Healthy food choices are usually found in specific areas of the venue.
She also recommended eating before the game to avoid feeling famished when faced with tempting food like an Apple Pie Chimichanga.
LaFata suggested that instead of worrying about cutting calories, people should enjoy spending money on good food at a sports event.
LaFata mentioned the option of having a bunless hot dog or burger for those following specific diets or trying to reduce carb intake.
Alternatively, she humorously suggested removing the bun to make space for a beer.
