Funnel Cake - How Many Calories?

August community carnivals are wallet-sucking, dizzying fun. What kind of fitness mileage will you need to log to justify that famous carnival pastry -- The Funnel Cake?

Funnel cakes are made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil in a circular pattern. Then you deep-fry until golden brown. This large, melt-in-your-mouth treat is often served with powdered sugar, jam or other toppings. Hmm ... batter fried in hot oil? This can't be good.

Carnivals may make you hungry, but at least be aware of what you're eating. Take a guess -- how many calories are in a typical funnel cake (8.3 ounces) you'd see at a carnival fun fair?

The Daily Plate reports an 8.3-ounce funnel cake has 760 calories. Fat and carbohydrates are scary -- 44 grams of fat and 80 grams of carbs, with only 8 grams of protein. This is all before the two scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberry topping and dash of whip cream.

If you order a funnel cake, make sure to eat it with a friend -- or two or three. Then plan on one long workout to undo the damage.