Healthier Foods Up to Bat at Today's Major League Ballparks

Buy me some sushi and veggie wraps? There are a lot more choices besides "peanuts and Cracker Jacks" when you go out to the ballgame these days, according to an article in Heart Insight.

In "Hit a Nutrition Home Run at the Ballpark," health and medical journalist Mark Fuerst presents a "scouting report" on some of the healthy—and delicious—food choices available at several newly built or renovated big league ballparks. The new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx reflects New York City’s diverse ethnic tastes, with offerings including fresh-made sushi and vegetarian Asian noodles. Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., has "Healthy Plate" carts offering grilled vegetable and turkey wraps, hummus, and vegetables, among the healthy options. At Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, Asian stir-fry stations are located throughout the ballpark.

As Major League Baseball evolved into a big business, ballparks have stepped up to the plate to offer a wider array of new menu choices to meet fans' preferences—from fresh fruits, local produce, and "a cornucopia of salads" to vegan or vegetarian versions of old favorites like burgers and hot dogs. While some of the new options may only be available in suites or other premium seating areas, others can be found at food courts and concession stands throughout the ballpark.

Of course, the standard fare of "lukewarm hot dogs and watery beer" isn’t being sent down to the minors anytime soon. But the new choices are here to stay for fans who want healthy or vegetarian options when they go out with the crowd at the old ballgame.

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins