It’s that time of year again when over a million people head out to the Great Minnesota Get-Together aka the Minnesota State Fair!

There are more than 450 foods available and over 60 of them come on a stick. Most of those are probably deep-fried as well.

From deep-fried candy bars and cheeseburger sliders, to pork chops on a stick and Sweet Martha’s cookies, there is no shortage of food that will pack on the pounds.

But, then there is all that walking!

The MN State Fair grounds cover 320 acres of land and just the walk from the car to the entrance can be enough to work up an appetite.

When it comes down to it, walking is great exercise as it’s low-impact and comes with numerous health benefits. It can lower the bad cholesterol, raise the good cholesterol, lower blood pressure, manage weight and improve your mood.

Plus, it’s usually in the 80s or 90s at state fair time. Add in the heat with all that walking, and the pounds should be sweating off! Right?

Unfortunately, probably not. One deep-fried on-a-stick food item probably doesn’t get worked off in an hour. And all that walking only makes most people more hungry. Chances are, you’ll eat more than one item and you’ll end up packing on a few pounds.

Hey, look at the bright side. You’re outside, enjoying life, eating great food and exercising. I’d call that a win even if you do come home with a few extra pounds.

No matter how you look at it, the Minnesota State Fair is great and I’m excited to head on out with the wife, eat some food and enjoy the day. Can’t wait!

See you there.