The Choomongous, the Boomstick, bacon on a stick, and let’s not forget the classics like nachos, hot dogs, cotton candy — you see where this is going. When it comes to dining at the ballpark, we fans probably aren’t keeping things nearly as healthy as the players we watch racing across the field.
We asked Amy Goodson, dietitian to both the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, if it’s possible to eat healthy at Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium amongst the abundant cheese and grease. While Amy sides with the it’s-OK-to-splurge-once-in-awhile attitude, she also offers a few secrets if you’re frequent ticket holder, or if you’re just looking to watch your calories.
D Magazine: What is the healthiest option at the Rangers or Cowboys games?
Amy Goodson: If you’re trying to find good options, obviously any type of lean meat — like a burger with a slice of meat, a slice of cheese, and a bun. When you start coating it with bacon and other stuff, that’s when it becomes a problem. At the center field plaza at Globe Life Park, they have a market with sandwiches, fruit, and gluten-free items. On the ground level in the end zones of AT&T Stadium, they have a little healthy food kiosk. They serve string cheese, fruit, little hummus and carrot packs, and they serve some little sandwiches on bread with lean beef and lean turkey. They are located in each end zone. Balance is key.
What is the unhealthiest?
I hate to bash food, but I think one of the biggest problems with stadiums in general is serving size. Is it that your little Boomstick hot dog would be so bad, or is it that it’s four times the actual serving? My theory for some of those unhealthy options is to share with a friend. Typically I’ll tell people just don’t go to a ballpark or a game starving — that’s the first problem. Have a snack. Then, if you want to, choose one of those things that are higher in calories or lower in nutrients, and share with a friend.
Do you have any input into what is served at the games from a nutritional standpoint?
No, I really don’t. I am in charge of what’s in the locker room. The fans are kind of on their own. I do know a lot of what is served in those things because I’ve worked with a lot of people there for the different facilities, but I really don’t have a say in what actually gets sold there.
Is there a secret menu or item at the Rangers or Cowboys games no one knows about?
I don’t think so. The Market Plaza at the Globe Life Park would be the little gem of healthiness and the two kiosks at Cowboys stadium on the ground level are probably the most well-kept secret for people that want to try and eat well. But, like I said, if you’re going to a game once a year, by all means splurge a little.
