2025 Louisiana Festival Food: How to Make Healthy Choices

In Louisiana, we are known for our food, festivals and love for our families. It's not unusual for people to roll their eyes at the idea of eating healthy at festivals. And nutritionally speaking, a day or two of indulging in decadent festival food won't make or break things. If you want to ensure you have the energy to maximize your festival-going experience, what you eat and drink will impact the way you feel.

If feeling good and optimizing energy is essential to you, then what you eat matters. The question is, how can we eat well while still enjoying Louisiana's culture?

Tips for a healthier festival:

Beware of buzzwords. I love seeing more and more festivals providing healthier options. However, avoid assuming keto, vegan or gluten-free items are more nutritious. Check out how the items are prepared. The truth is a fried vegan doughnut is still a doughnut.

Hydrate. Bring a refillable water bottle and drink up to stay hydrated! Other low-calorie hydrating options at many festivals include sparkling water, fruit-infused water, or unsweetened, herbal iced teas.

Eat more plants. When it comes to what to eat, think: "How can I eat more plants?’’ From salads to beans to fresh fruit; where can you incorporate more of these into your diet? Think Southern-style plant-based eating. Beans, peas, okra and collard greens create a plate full of fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals, all for less than 400 calories.

Pack some snacks. Stock up on the right snacks to keep you energized and satisfied. A few nutrient-dense, nonperishable ideas include nuts, trail mix and low-sugar protein bars (look for less than 5 grams added sugar per serving).
Share the splurge. When it comes to the more indulgent items, find a friend (or a few) to share. Usually, a few bites is enough to satisfy that craving!

Look for Ochsner’s Eat Fit seal. While not all festivals will have Eat Fit options, some, including New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, do! The Ochsner Eat Fit team works with local restaurants to develop and identify menu items that meet specific nutritional criteria, including no refined carbs, less than a teaspoon of added sugar, low animal-based saturated fats, and reduced sodium.
Download the Eat Fit App to discover vendors serving Eat Fit-approved dishes at participating events, along with detailed Nutrition Facts for each dish.