Feasting at Folkfest

Saskatoon's annual Folkfest event starts tomorrow and goes until Saturday night (August 16-18).  I have enjoyed attending the different pavilions over the years to experience different cultures and sample their delicious/traditional cuisines. I also find it's a great time with friends and you're sure to run into someone that you know.

As someone who truly enjoys traveling (and food) I am always intrigued by different cultures and I love to learn about their different dishes, spices, etc.  If you're trying to stay on track and keep good nutrition in mind I have a few tips for you to consider. 

• First of all I recommend checking out the Folkfest website as some of the pavillions provide a brief list of the food(s) available.  This can help you plan your route if there is a particular food that you want to track down.  It is also beneficial to help create your plan - How many foods will you try?  What will you pass on so that you can have what you really want at the next location?  When will you go?
• Decide how many options/foods you will allow yourself for the night - create a budget and stick to it.
• It's important to still eat in a varied and balanced way before you arrive.  This will help you meet some of your nutritional requirements and ensure that you don't show up over-hungry.  Don't skip meals to save those calories for an over-indulgence later that night.  Chance are that you will be so hungry that you'll end up consuming way more than you planned.  This is why it's important to figure out when you want to go.
• Aim to arrive hydrated and continue to enjoy water throughout your Folkfest experience.  It will quench your thirst for zero calories.
• Enjoy some foods that may be new to you, but don't forget that can also include whole grains and vegetables or fruit.  
• Try to limit fried foods and go light on sauces. 
• Share - often the first bite or two tastes the best, so share with a friend so that you're able to enjoy more variety later.
• Enjoy yourself (don't stuff yourself) and get back to your routine the next day/meal.

Have a great time!

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Memory Lane

Quite often we get too busy with work and other commitments that we forget to have fun.  Think about the simple pleasures in life (a sunset, a walk on the beach, good company, a bike ride) and what you used to enjoy doing - or perhaps you're still finding that fun in your adult life!

I grew up near the Forestry Farm and so we would go for picnics, play in the park, or walk around checking out the animals.  I also remember field trips to Wanuskewin Heritage Park and Beaver Creek Conservation Area with my classmates.  We have such great parks and river trails in Saskatoon, but we sometimes forget to use them.  We almost need to think of ourselves as a tourist in our own city to remember all the great sites and activities.

We went for a walk/hike at Beaver Creek last weekend with a couple of friends and it inspired today's Q's Day:

What was your favourite childhood activity?

We used to think of things as activities rather than exercise - even just the term affects the level of fun.  Why aren't you still doing that activity?   

Share your activities, comments, questions, answers, etc.
I'd love to hear from you,

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com