Attending baseball games is one of our favorite summer and fall activities. We are huge sports fans so we always jump at any opportunity to attend games. About two weeks ago we went to our first Yankee game of the season. Before we go to any game, we always have a game plan of our food options and choices in order to help us stay on track. Take a look at how we plan below and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
1. Plan
This may be an obvious first step when it comes to staying on track at baseball games, but it really is essential. When we recently went to the game, we didn’t have too much notice. We received the tickets and were out the door within thirty minutes. Even though we were on a time crunch, I didn’t let that be my excuse for going completely off track for the day. We hit our local grocery store, stocked up on water and healthy snacks. My healthy choice of snack that day was an RX bar. If I opt to eat some form of protein bar, I usually like to go for one that has very few ingredients.
2. Most stadiums allow you to bring in food/water.
Some may not know this, but most stadiums allow you to bring in your own food and water. Each stadium will have their own specific rules and guidelines. Before attending, do your research on the stadium’s website and see what their rules are. Most of the stadiums by us have a clear bag policy. I usually put my water and food inside a large freezer ziplock. Bringing in my own food and water is one my favorite ways to stay on track for the day. I will be much less tempted to wait in the snack stand lines if I have some healthy snacks at my disposal.
3. Try to avoid the fan-food.
One of my all time favorite snacks to enjoy during a game is popcorn. In theory, popcorn sounds like one of the healthier options out there. This past weekend while attending the game, of course I smelled some fresh popcorn and couldn’t help but wander over to look at it. Maybe this is a new thing or something I’ve never noticed before, but the calorie content right next to the different sizes was a complete and total buzzkill.For example, a jumbo sized popcorn contains 2,310 calories and a souvenir bucket contains 2,430 calories. Most of the available snacks at the game will have about the same amount of calories. Not only is the fan-food super calorie dense, but it is also expensive!
4. Eat before or after the game.
Depending on the time of the game, we always plan on eating before or after it. We usually pair our sporting events with some form of treat or indulgence and it is so much more worth it and satisfying to save your calories for a sit-down meal either before or after the game. If we are attending a 1:00PM game we usually stop to get a bite to eat on the way home. If we’re attending a 7:00PM game, we normally eat on our way there. For more information about how to stay on track at restaurants, you can check out our stay on track while eating out our tips here.
How do you stay on track when you attend ball games? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments below!
Unfortunately, I never stay on track when I attend baseball games. The hot dogs get me every time :). Great tips though.
lol! Thank you 🙂
I had no idea that you could bring in food from outside to a stadium. That is interesting to know. The stadiums tend to hike up the prices and food items cost so expensive there. Good to know.
Thanks! It is so convenient that you can. Be sure to research the guidelines for bringing in food and beverages for your local stadium.
I had not really thought about bringing my own food and water to events. That is great to know, and these are great tips for staying on track while out at an event.
Thanks! You absolutely can, be sure to research each stadiums specific guidelines.
I always stay on track because I can’t risk eating while watching the game. These were good reminders.
Thank you!
We don’t put butter or salt our popcorn. It tastes good still and I don’t think it has as many calories that way.
Air popped plain popcorn is one of our favorite ball game snacks as well.
That is an old pic of Yankee Stadium..lol. I love RXBars and Yankee stadium does let you bring a bag in but I don’t think you can bring liquid in. Not sure.
You are 100% right though. Going to a game with my 8 year old son..he’s never hungry before but as soon as we get in the stadium…and burgers, fries, drinks for 2 will cost at least $50 in Yankee Stadium. My rule of thumb is whatever you paid for the tickets, double it for the stadium. Even when I try to avoid it.
That was actually a picture I took about two weeks ago! I was able to bring in water bottles, as long as it unopened they usually let you bring it in. It is crazy what the prices of food at the stadium are!
My granddaughter is allergic to everything imaginable so we always take her foods along when we go anywhere if we have any doubt at all. I need to start preparing meals before we go. I love all of your tips on staying on track, we are huge sports fans.
Thank you! It really makes it so much easier knowing exactly what you are eating.
These are great tips for staying on budget at a baseball game. I haven’t been to one in so long. I’ll definitely have to go before the season ends and try this out. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome, let me know how they work out for you!
This is such a great post. These are such awesome tips. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
I had no idea you could bring in your own food and water! I’ll definitely have to check to see if my baseball stadium let’s us do this.
Awesome, definitely do it! It really makes such a difference.
I never knew that you could bring your own food into baseball games. That’s awesome! That’s something I’ll have to consider the next time I go.
It helps you stay on track and helps you from spending excess money at the stadium!
It’s so true some of the delicious things we have grown up with which such great associations, once you see the calorie count it really turns you off. I do love my popcorn at a game though. Would be hard to miss it.
I usually make some popcorn and bring it in with me – that way I don’t feel like I’m missing out on much.
How do you manage to write so well. It’s so good to know somebody’s take about things.
Thanks
These are great tips for staying on budget at a baseball game. That’s something I’ll have to consider the next time I go.
Awesome!
I always try to eat before or after a game since their food is pricey!
Smart!