[Tigger]

Hi Everyone!!

I am a huge figure skating fan and go to many events. Now the shows are no problem since that's only one night, but when I can, I do attend competitions and when I do, I'm there for the day. That can be a problem since we all know what kind of food is served at arenas/sporting venues. Same problem at a movie theatre.

I'm going to be attending a Lord of the Rings convention in Toronto in July and there's going to be an all day movie marathon. As at a sporting venue/arena, the food choice is not that great.

While bringing in food is frowned upon at a movie theatre, you can usually do it if you have a legit medical problem. Arena/sporting venue is getting a bit trickier these days, as they're really cracking down on it. The reason being bringing in something from outside could be a security risk. The real reason being it takes away revenue from the arena food providers.

The Civic Centre in Ottawa wasn't too bad when I attended Canada's National Figure Skating Championships this year. Not only did they allow food in as long as you had proof of a medical condition, but they also had the most incredable turkey and veggie wrap I've ever had!! Also really yummy Chai Tea, anyway... They and Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario seem to be the exception rather than the rule though.

Anyone have any advice on what to do in situations like this?

[sunshine]

Hi Tigger,
I am an old pro at bringing food with me WHEREVER I go. I have a collection of various size coolers, some hard some soft. In 'tricky' circumstances I rely on my smaller sized soft shell zippered ones that fit into a large purse. If they are checking bags at the entrance, I make sure I am wearing clothing that at least has some pockets, and then i have hardboiled eggs, ziplock bags with nuts, one with celery/cucumber. A small cooler will hold a packet of cooked chicken thighs(very handy and very satiating). I cook them in a broth of ginger and soy and they are delicious cold. A small ziplock of fresh baby spinach is quite flat and will last. Always bring a jacket, even in warmest weather, to such events, just for the extra pockets. Of course if you can go out to your car now and then during a long event, you can have a large cooler containing items to 're-stock' the pockets or take a break and eat them outside. Most events will allow you to leave and come back. This way you can have yogurt/cut up fruit and your favorite other things. (Thermos of favorite tea from home). I make it a point to never get 'caught' in a situation where i must make a choice to eat subpar and compromise my own health. I know it's crucial for me to eat well and if i can help it, i won't subject myself to ****. If i'm in a pinch i do my best to wait till i get home but if that's not possible, i run into a whole foods and pick something good from their deli.....or i have run into the local grocery store, and grabbed a tuna in the foil pack and a couple of mustards from the deli counter, a fork, and that definitely holds me off til i get home. The tuna would definitely not work in a situation where you are needing to be discreet--because of the strong smell, but otherwise it is a great snack. Wasa crackers and nut butter can also be 'stowed away' in a pocket and are great. Hope these ideas help . Admittedly, all of this takes a some extra effort.....but I'm so used to it now.....and actually have fun being creative!

[rzrbks]

sunshine

Hi Tigger,
I am an old pro at bringing food with me WHEREVER I go. I have a collection of various size coolers, some hard some soft. In 'tricky' circumstances I rely on my smaller sized soft shell zippered ones that fit into a large purse. If they are checking bags at the entrance, I make sure I am wearing clothing that at least has some pockets, and then i have hardboiled eggs, ziplock bags with nuts, one with celery/cucumber. A small cooler will hold a packet of cooked chicken thighs(very handy and very satiating). I cook them in a broth of ginger and soy and they are delicious cold. A small ziplock of fresh baby spinach is quite flat and will last. Always bring a jacket, even in warmest weather, to such events, just for the extra pockets. Of course if you can go out to your car now and then during a long event, you can have a large cooler containing items to 're-stock' the pockets or take a break and eat them outside. Most events will allow you to leave and come back. This way you can have yogurt/cut up fruit and your favorite other things. (Thermos of favorite tea from home). I make it a point to never get 'caught' in a situation where i must make a choice to eat subpar and compromise my own health. I know it's crucial for me to eat well and if i can help it, i won't subject myself to ****. If i'm in a pinch i do my best to wait till i get home but if that's not possible, i run into a whole foods and pick something good from their deli.....or i have run into the local grocery store, and grabbed a tuna in the foil pack and a couple of mustards from the deli counter, a fork, and that definitely holds me off til i get home. The tuna would definitely not work in a situation where you are needing to be discreet--because of the strong smell, but otherwise it is a great snack. Wasa crackers and nut butter can also be 'stowed away' in a pocket and are great. Hope these ideas help . Admittedly, all of this takes a some extra effort.....but I'm so used to it now.....and actually have fun being creative!

>>>>>>>doffs his hat in admiration<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Holy Carp,

What can added to that except,

Do you have a hollow cane and do the heels come off your shoes and reveal hidey-holes?

[sunshine]

[amccrazgrl]

I say eat what you want in moderation.
So you want popcorn just get a small or kid portion.
Hot dog thats not many carbs about 15-20 for the bun.

You could always find something. I've noticed they have wider varitey of types of food. Not just your basic burgers,dogs,nachos,popcorn staples.

[sunshine]

I guess that's fine as long as you feel ok after eating a hot dog. I would feel horrible, though. It's probably easier for me also as i have 3 teenagers who really appreciate that i always try to have good food stocked in the fridge. We're all pretty athletic and even the youngest has made the connection that he has greater energy reserves when training or in competition if he sticks with nourishing food choices/wholefood. It's probably harder for a younger person to put so much energy into food prep and i understand that...it's kind of a routine you put yourself into and then it works. I know it's easier to gravitate to the stuff you're saying....hot dogs and such and if your body doens't mind it once in a while, that's fine.

[Tigger]

What I don't get is w/so many people these days on medically specific diets, why aren't these places changing things? I would love to have popcorn, but because of the salt, it's a no no. Even my friends who go to these things, but can eat whatever they want say there should be better choices. When you're in a arena for a week long event, french fries everyday is not the best thing in the world. And if you're from out of town and using taxi/transit, then the cooler in the car option isn't a doable thing either.

Sigh...It really is getting silly w/how much they're cracking down on this. I mean, why should you be made to feel like a criminal (and trust me, I've seen ushers on a power trip actually threaten people who bring in food like they're making a drug bust) just because they can't eat the food at an arena and for a legitimate reason? It's mindboggling!!

[psilocybin]

Originally Posted by Tigger

Hi Everyone!!

I am a huge figure skating fan and go to many events. Now the shows are no problem since that's only one night, but when I can, I do attend competitions and when I do, I'm there for the day. That can be a problem since we all know what kind of food is served at arenas/sporting venues. Same problem at a movie theatre.

I'm going to be attending a Lord of the Rings convention in Toronto in July and there's going to be an all day movie marathon. As at a sporting venue/arena, the food choice is not that great.

While bringing in food is frowned upon at a movie theatre, you can usually do it if you have a legit medical problem. Arena/sporting venue is getting a bit trickier these days, as they're really cracking down on it. The reason being bringing in something from outside could be a security risk. The real reason being it takes away revenue from the arena food providers.

The Civic Centre in Ottawa wasn't too bad when I attended Canada's National Figure Skating Championships this year. Not only did they allow food in as long as you had proof of a medical condition, but they also had the most incredable turkey and veggie wrap I've ever had!! Also really yummy Chai Tea, anyway... They and Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario seem to be the exception rather than the rule though.

Anyone have any advice on what to do in situations like this?

i go to hockey games all the time...and i never worry about this..but yet i will eat anything..i just usually get the best thing to my ability of counting. like beef on a wheck, pizza i can count pretty easily to, maybe a deli sandwhich. and if you go a bit high who cares?? correct later on

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by rzrbks

>>>>>>>doffs his hat in admiration<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Holy Carp,

What can added to that except,

Do you have a hollow cane and do the heels come off your shoes and reveal hidey-holes?

Priceless. Never leave home without it...

[psilocybin]

LOL! is that food in your pocket or are u just happy to see me

[someone]

I am assuming you are not on Lantus.. the best way would be to just get on Lantus and bolus for whatever you eat.

For some reason you cannot go on Lantus? Well.. I guess you just have to continue smuggling food into the arenas.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by someone

I am assuming you are not on Lantus.. the best way would be to just get on Lantus and bolus for whatever you eat.

For some reason you cannot go on Lantus? Well.. I guess you just have to continue smuggling food into the arenas.

Tigger is a type 2. I assume due to the concern over food choices (s)he is not on insulin.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by Tigger

What I don't get is w/so many people these days on medically specific diets, why aren't these places changing things?

It really is getting silly w/how much they're cracking down on this. I mean, why should you be made to feel like a criminal (and trust me, I've seen ushers on a power trip actually threaten people who bring in food like they're making a drug bust) just because they can't eat the food at an arena and for a legitimate reason? It's mindboggling!!

Change is coming. I was at Yankee stadium last summer and they had an array of healthy options. If the establishments with healthy options see $ coming in because of it, there will be a movement towards healthy food world-wide. The reason the traditional fare is hot dogs, fries, and pizza is because they are cheap and easy to prepare, and there is not a large risk of food poisoing, because they are so well preserved they never go bad! It is about turning the largest profit possible.

You can get away with bringing in food anywhere if you play the diabetes card well. Ushers have found food on me (I've got the deepest pockets ever) and I always state calmly that I'm diabetic. MOST of them understand the implications of that and let me go. If they don't and get power hungry on me, I say, "If you take that away from me I am going to go into your event anyway. I then may have a low blood sugar, pass out, and maybe even hit my head for good measure. You will be the one calling 9-1-1 in about 3 hours. When I wake up in the hospital I am going to sue, insert sports team / music group, insert venue, AND YOU PERSONALLY Mr. *read name off badge*"

Depending on how much of an idiot the guy is the more drastic I make it sound. If he's a real jerk I make it sound like I'm going to stop breathing the moment he takes my roll of lifesavers candy away from me. If he's just kind of an uninformed person, I merely educate him on the ins and outs of living with diabetes, and flirt a little bit to grease the wheels.

[Tigger]

Thanks Erin and not only am I Type 2, but I'm also a she.

You're right, places are changing, sadly places like Yankee Stadium (I can't believe I'm actually cheering for something the Yankees do. Jays fan here. Anyway...) and the Civic Centre in Ottawa and Copps Coliseum in Hamilton seem to be the exception to the rule. I did send an e-mail to the head of security of the Civic Centre before going to Ottawa in January for Canadians and he was great!! Told me that if I had any problems, to ask for a supervisor and if I was still given a hard time, to show them my glucometer and related accesories. He said if that wasn't proof I actually did need the food I was bringing in, then nothing would and he would deal w/it personally.

Thankfully nothing did, but as I said, that sadly seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Another place that's been fantastic w/me is the SkyDome, now Rogers Centre in Toronto. As long as I've told them I've got water and whatever w/me when they search my bag and why, it's never been a problem.

And just for further clarification... When I said you are there for the day at a skating event/curling bonspiel, a major skating/curling championship spans the time frame of a week or half a week. Once you are in that arena for the day's events, you are there for the day. Plus, while bringing a cooler is great if you're from the area, if you're not, like I usually am and don't know anyone from the local area at the event, then the cooler option is not an option. As great an option it is.

BTW...Friends of mine attended the last two US National Figure Skating Championships and it didn't matter that people had documentation on them about their respective medical dietary needs. Security was searching everyone's bags and regardless if it was just an odd breath mint, it was tossed. Considering how some people travel hundreds of miles for these events and factor in the cost of the tickets and hotel...Wouldn't you be wondering what kind of options were left to you?

[sugarfree76]

does anyone know how bad movie theatre popcorn is for us?