It's FIESTA Time

Who knew that it would be such a challenge to stay focused while trying to lose weight???

Food is EVERYWHERE in this town…it’s no wonder why San Antonio appeared as #3 on the top ten fattest cities in the US. After living in this city for over 6 months…I can easily see how and why it reached such a lofty status on this disparaging list. And make no mistake about it…Fiesta plays its part in this cities #3 ranking for sure!

What originally began as a commemoration to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jancito, has grown into a Texas-sized celebration that is only matched by the spirit of its people. This 11 day, 107 event gala attracts 3.5 million people and generates more than $285 million dollars annually. It has now grown into a celebration of this cities’ rich heritage, and this year, Fiesta marks its’ 118th anniversary. While this city-wide celebration hosts plenty of parades, exhibits, athletic activities, and live music with dancing, you better believe that there will be plenty of FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!

Starting with “Oyster-Bake” on opening weekend (yes, that’s right…an entire festival featuring oysters! Like’em fried, raw, baked, steamed or barbequed...doesn’t matter one bit!), and going on to the "Champagne and Diamonds Brunch, A Taste of New Orleans, Fiesta Nueva, A Taste of the North Side, The Chips & Salsa Event, Ole’ Luncheon," and finally what I am sure will become a personal favorite, " A Fiesta Taste of Texas Wine Country!" All of this is BEFORE attending the "Battle of the Flowers, Night in Old San Antonio," or any of the other activities that will have on hand, your typical festival foods like ice cream, funnel cake, turkey legs, corn dogs and cotton candy. Oh, and of course, this IS Texas, so you know there will be plenty of chalupas, flauntas, BBQ tacos, and armadillo eggs for the tasting. Now keeping in mind that there are over 100 events featuring these culinary delicacies…there’s a stomachache coming on, just thinking about all of the food to be consumed.

Now I would love to hide under a rock for two weeks, until Fiesta blows over, but I don’t think that I’d have a job to come back to when it’s all said and done. I have asked before and I ask the question AGAIN…how does one remain focused in the face of temptation??? I suppose I could eat before I go…or try to make healthy food choices and avoid the fried stuff. I could allow myself a little indulgence and make time to work off the extra calories, or I could just take myself out of my misery and hide under that rock!

My first reaction is usually the correct one…

I’ll talk with you again in two weeks!