The Best Foods to Eat at Stadiums When You're at a Concert or Game

Hot dogs are a staple at stadiums, but do not think you have to miss out on all of the fun flavors of a game day dog. Instead, order an all-beef hotdog. Skip the sugar-laden ketchup and opt for a more mindful condiment like yellow mustard, instead.

If you enjoy a lot of vegetables on your hot dog then add on a hefty handful of fresh ingredients if they are available. Some options include avocado, coleslaw, diced tomatoes, fresh salsa, grilled mushrooms and onions, peppers, pickles, and sauerkraut.

If you want an added layer of flavor and even more protein, opt for a spoonful or two of baked beans or chili. Not only will the beans provide an additional source of protein, but the fiber will help fill you up too.

It may be tough to head to a baseball game and not order a box of Cracker Jacks. Isn’t it a moral prerogative to enjoy peanuts and Cracker Jacks at a game? We think so at least! The good news is that original Cracker Jacks have about 2 grams of protein in one serving. (28 grams, which is roughly a little less than a quarter cup.) If you are craving something salty and sweet at the ballpark, then reach for a small handful of Cracker Jacks and enjoy the ball game.

French dip sandwiches are loaded up with freshly-shaved beef, which is flavorful and packs a decent amount of protein. Skip the melted cheese, but load up on any vegetable toppings like grilled mushrooms and onion. If you are watching carbohydrates or calories, limit the bread bun or skip it entirely for a fancy deconstructed French dip. A word of caution: A French dip sandwich, especially served au jus, may contain a lot of sodium, so skip the alcohol and soda and hydrate with water instead.

Stadiums are listening to ballpark goers and concert attendees, and many locations are starting to offer more mindful menu options, so be on the lookout for items like fresh fruit cups. Fresh fruit offers an array of antioxidants and many essential nutrients people simply do not get enough of. Not to mention fruit is low in calories, fat and sodium. Plus, it is a more mindful option than any of the other traditional sweet treats offered at stadiums.

If you need a meal that is a little more filling, order a grilled chicken salad, sandwich or wrap. The grilled chicken provides a solid source of protein and the salad, sandwich or wrap will include a smattering of fresh vegetables like cucumber, lettuce and tomato. If you are watching your calories, ask for any dressing or sandwich sauce on the side.

A grilled hamburger is another great food option to order if you are eating at a stadium. Beef is another good source of protein, which can help keep you satiated for longer. That means less snacking and less thinking about what else you can possibly purchase at the overpriced concession stands. If you are watching your carbohydrates or calories, skip the bun and cheese slice. Instead, go bunless or ask for extra lettuce and DIY your own handheld lettuce wrap. (You’re welcome.)

Is it just us or does an order of loaded nachos closely resemble a salad? Grab a fork so you can dig into all of the delicious toppings like avocado, black olives, fresh lettuce, shredded cheese, and salsa. If possible, try to skip the chips or limit your intake and add a spoonful of a protein-packed topping like ground beef, pulled pork or shredded chicken, instead. You may have to pay an additional cost, but your stomach, and taste buds, will thank you when you are not hungry right before the concert kicks off.

When you think of popcorn, you may not always think of nutritional benefits because it is just so good, but besides being low in calories, popcorn provides a ton of dietary fiber.

According to the American Heart Association, “Popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems. Federal dietary guidelines say half of all grains consumed should be whole grains, and popcorn packs more fiber per serving than whole-wheat bread.” At 30-55 calories per one cup, popcorn contains 5% of your daily recommended value of fiber and is brimming with polyphenols. (Polyphenols are an antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. As if you even needed more reasons to enjoy a handful of popcorn!)

Beware though, all of this amazing information is referring to basic popcorn that has not been cooked in oil and butter, and unfortunately, most of the popcorn available at stadiums have been popped in oil that may contain trans-fats. If you want to fill up on a low-calorie snack that is full of fiber, limit yourself to a few handfuls of stadium popcorn.

Smoked pulled pork is another option that provides protein, which can help keep you full. No one wants you hangry trying to leave the crowded parking lot! Just like other stadium selections, skip the bun and sugar-laden BBQ sauce. Instead, layer on fresh flavors with other toppings like grilled mushrooms and onions.

Raw and roasted peanuts, either with or without the shells, are a perfect protein-packed snack, but do not go overboard. Peanuts are not nuts and are technically classified as legumes, which means these deliciously addicting little guys can cause digestive upset for some people. Bottom line: Avoid mindlessly crunching and stick to a few handfuls, instead. Oh and be sure to share!