Healthy food options at the ballpark that won't derail your diet

Thursday, August 4, 2016
VIDEO: Healthy food options at the ballpark that won't derail your diet
Citizens Bank Park has plenty of healthy food options that won't derail your diet during a trip to the ballpark.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Citizens Bank Park has plenty of healthy food options that won't derail your diet during a trip to the ballpark.

If you go see a game every once in a while, it's fine to splurge.

But if you're trying to be more healthy conscious, you won't have trouble finding healthy options.

It's all thanks to a partnership between Aramark and the American Heart Association.

Head to a Phillies game and you'll see ho tdogs, fries, cheesesteaks and plenty of other not-so-healthy foods.

But circle the stadium and you'll also find fresh, healthy food that's tasty too.

Anthony Campagna, executive sous chef for Citizens Bank Park says they get creative making menus that include healthy dishes. He shows off a few healthy options.

First, a soft garden taco packed with vegetables from Wahoo's.

"It's mushrooms, it's zucchini, squash, peppers, finished off with a spicy slaw," he said.

A garden wrap from Philly Fresh is also packed with veggies and plant-based protein, like edamame and nuts.

If you're looking a healthier burger, Wayback has a black bean burger. It'll save you on fat, calories and cholesterol and the fiber will keep you feeling fuller longer.

Campo's also offers vegetarian options including meatless chicken and cheesesteaks.

But for meat-lovers, Harry the K's has an Amish turkey burger.

"Everyone wants a great juicy burger, this gives you that, it also gives you a healthier option with the turkey," said Chef Campagna.

And if you don't want to leave your seat, peanuts are a great choice.

"Peanuts have a great source of protein, healthy fats and fiber and because they're in a shell they take longer to eat so won't eat as quickly or as much," said registered dietitian Parul Desai with Aramark.

She said expanding access to healthy options is part of Aramark's Healthy for Life 20 by 20 campaign to improve the health of Americans.

They also held nutrition classes as a pilot program in three community centers.

"Knowledge of what healthy eating comprises of, how to cook healthy, how to shop healthy," Desai explained.

And speaking of healthy, if you really want to hit out of park you can chow down on a Superfood salad also at Harry the K's.

Who would've thought you could get a kale salad at the ballpark? It's not their most popular item but they say they do sell about 40 kale salads every home game.

For more information on the Healthy for Life campaign, healthy recipes and smart shopping visit: http://www.aramark.com/healthyforlife

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