It is easy to work up an appetite while enjoying an outdoor festival. During our glorious Miami International Book Fair, I took some time off from the readings to check out the food court.

It had an international flavor with arepas (339 calories each), gyro sandwiches (680 calories) corn dogs (250 calories) and lemonade (210 calories). Asian food was well represented and the average offering of meat and rice would be about 870 calories.

There were also those Fred Flintstone-sized turkey legs, which, if you eat the skin, come in at about 1,136 calories. I had a savory crepe with turkey and mushroom that was messy and delicious and probably about 300 calories.

With our beautiful winter weather, browsing outdoor festivals is a treat for all the senses, taste included. But festival food strategies are needed if outdoor fairs are a frequent activity. Take the edge off hunger by having something to eat before heading out. We make better food decisions when not starving. This also works when food shopping.

If possible, walk or ride a bike to the event for extra calorie burning. Bringing your own water saves money, time and helps you avoid a 200-calorie thirst quencher. Toss a tangerine, banana or even a baggie of baby carrots in your pack for a walking snack.

Survey the food court before making your choices and think about sharing with friends. Look for skinless chicken and grilled food rather than fried. For dessert, if you must have the ever present funnel cake, share it with all your festival friends. One 8-ouncecake has 760 calories and 44 grams of fat. Frozen yogurt in a cup would be a better choice.

The more you save on food, the more you have to spend on art and jewelry. Check out www.calorieking.com for more nutritional information on fair and carnival food.

Sheah Rarback is a registered dietitian at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.

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