Deep-Fried Snickers, Pork on a Stick: Which Presidential Candidate Did the Most Diet Damage at the Iowa State Fair?

Donald Trump ate relatively healthy pork on a stick this weekend at the Iowa State Fair. A few other candidates were not so austere in their food choices. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s practically a rite of passage for presidential candidates: Visit the Iowa State Fair, mingle with the locals, and get photographed … eating junk food. The 2015 fair boasts more than 70 food options available on a stick — including apple pie (new this year!), deep-fried butter, and, of course, Twinkie Dogs.

The state fair runs from Aug. 13 to Aug. 23, and many candidates flocked to the fairgrounds over the weekend — and didn’t disappoint. Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, and others visited and downed greasy, fried foods in front of a huge audience.

It sends a mixed message to a country struggling with a rising obesity rate, but who can argue with tradition?

“Mostly these foods are ‘American’ foods, which the candidates are trying to show that they support,” Samuel Accardi, lead dietitian for nutrition intelligence company Mind Plus Matter, tells Yahoo Health. “But it’s important for all the candidates to consume a healthy diet for the long campaign trail.”

Candidates’ choices varied, but overall they made some decent food choices given what was available, Accardi says.

Here’s a breakdown of what candidates ate over the weekend and their approximate calorie counts, plus how bad it was, nutritionally speaking.

JEB BUSH
What he dad: Deep-fried Snickers bar and pork chop on a stick

Photo: AP

Calorie count: 981 (600 for the fried Snickers bar; 381 for the pork chop)
Dietitian’s take: Bush’s fried Snickers bar was not a good choice, says Alexandra Miller, corporate dietitian at Medifast: “This option is one you want to avoid, especially since it offers little to no protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.” It’s rich in sugar, which can lead to a surge in blood glucose and subsequent insulin spike, which could sap energy later on, Accardi says. At least, experts say, he made a good choice with the pork chop.

MIKE HUCKABEE
What he had: Pork ribs

Photo: AP

Calorie count: 500 to 1,400 calories per serving
Dietitian’s take: Nutrition information varies wildly for pork ribs depending on the serving size, amount of fat left on the ribs, and which condiments are used, Miller tells Yahoo Health. “While pork ribs are a good source of protein, they are high in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat,” she says, adding that the sauces and seasonings used to make ribs may also be high in added sugars and sodium.

HILLARY CLINTON
What she had: 16-ounce lemonade and pork chop on a stick

Photo: Getty Images

Calorie count: About 581 (200 for the drink; 381 for the pork chop)
Dietitian’s take: While Clinton’s pork chop was a good move, the lemonade is a high source of sugar, which can lead to an insulin spike. As a result, Accardi says, Clinton could experience a small sugar crash later and feel sluggish.

DONALD TRUMP and MARTIN O’MALLEY
What they had: Pork chop on a stick

Photo: Getty Images

Calorie count: 381
Dietitian’s take: “Pork on a stick is a good choice,” says Accardi. Why? Its high protein content and some fat will be filling but won’t cause a huge change in blood sugar, leaving them feeling energized. “There is research showing that maintaining blood sugar throughout the day increases cognition — perfect for a speech or debate,” Accardi says. The chop even made the Iowa State Fair Healthy Choices food list.

BERNIE SANDERS
What he had: 16-ounce soda

Photo: Getty Images

Calorie count: About 160 calories
Dietitians’ take: Sanders wasn’t photographed eating, but he was captured drinking a soda. That can cause a sugar crash similar to Clinton’s lemonade, Accardi says, and research has shown the high fructose corn syrup in his drink could leave him craving more high-calorie foods. Adds Miller: “Soda is a rich source of empty calories.”

CARLY FIORINA
What she had: Nothing (in front of the cameras)

Photo: AP

Calorie count: 0
Dietitian’s take: While fair food is typically unhealthy, Accardi says Fiorina’s choice to avoid it altogether wasn’t a good one because her body still needs fuel while she’s meeting potential voters. “It is OK to indulge on occasion,” he says.