At a barbecue, a baseball game, or the park, who can resist a scrumptious hot dog? Unfortunately, hot dogs aren’t always the healthiest food, so eating one can make you feel a little guilt-ridden. Now, the good news is that you can make healthier choices by knowing which ingredients to avoid in your hot dog and which properties to avoid, such as certain sizes of hot dogs. Pair healthy hot dogs with specific toppings and condiments and you won’t have to feel so bad about enjoying one—plus, there will be health benefits if eaten in moderation!
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
Considering Different Hot Dog Properties
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Avoid oversized hot dogs. Bigger hot dogs mean more chemicals, preservatives, calories, and sodium—which are all unhealthy in high amounts. Skip any dogs labeled jumbo, bun-length, or stadium style. They can have up to double the amount of all the unhealthy junk you’re trying to avoid. [1] X Research source
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Opt for nitrate-free hot dogs. Nitrate or sodium-nitrate is used to help hot dogs last longer on grocery store shelves. But eating nitrates may increase your risk of cancer, so choose a nitrate-free option for the healthiest hot dogs. [2] X Research source
- Nitrate-free hot dogs are usually clearly labeled, usually as "uncured" or "no added nitrates". If you're not sure whether your dogs have nitrates, scan the ingredient list for “sodium nitrite” or “sodium nitrate.”
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Choose organic hot dogs. When it comes to finding nitrate-free hot dogs, an organic option is usually the best bet. The meat in organic dogs isn’t treated with any sketchy antibiotics or hormones either, so you can definitely feel better about eating them. [3] X Research source
- Organic food often tastes better as it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals.
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Pay attention to the sodium levels. High sodium levels make many store-bought hot dogs a scary option. Check the nutrition labels on any package you’re considering, and avoid brands with more than 370 milligrams of sodium per serving. [4] X Research source
- Be careful with "lite" hot dogs. They've often got a ton of sodium to help boost their flavor.
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Consider hot dogs made with turkey or chicken. All-beef hot dogs are definitely traditional, but hot dogs made with turkey or chicken are great alternatives. [5] X Research source
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Look into vegetarian hot dogs. A meatless dog is almost always the winner when it comes to healthy hot dogs. That's because vegetarian hot dogs are made from soy protein, so they've got a lot less unhealthy fats and calories than traditional meat versions. [6] X Research source As an added benefit, they don't have hormones and will have much fewer chemicals.
- Don’t overlook the sodium levels in veggie hot dogs. They're sometimes loaded with sodium for extra flavor to make up for the lack of meat.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Choosing Healthy Additions for Hot Dogs
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Use whole grain buns for the hot dogs. A refined white bun may be the go-to bread option for a hot dog, but it contains only carbs with almost no fiber which will be rapidly digested and spike your blood sugar. [7] X Research source White buns are often high in sodium too. Wrap your dog in a whole grain bun instead for added fiber and other nutrients. [8] X Research source
- Want an even healthier wrapper for your dog? Fold a lettuce leaf around it for a carb-free option.
- Using half a bun or going totally bun-less completely can make your hot dog an even healthier meal.
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Skip the ketchup and mustard, or pick healthier options. Ketchup and mustard are definitely classic hot dog condiments, but they’re often loaded with sodium. Stick to fresh, low-sodium condiments, such as salsa, to add big flavor. [9] X Research source
- Can't give up your traditional hot dog condiments? Go with low-sodium ketchup, mustard, relish, or sauerkraut to keep your dog healthy.
- If using ketchup be mindful of the added sugar. Grab a bottle of sugar-free ketchup instead—it still tastes the same, but it's much healthier. You can also make your own using healthy ingredients.
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Top your hot dogs with vegetables. To really make your hot dogs a healthy meal, add plenty of fresh veggie toppings. Go to town chopped tomatoes, shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and chopped onions for added crunch and flavor. Or you can add some tasty heat with chopped jalapeno or banana peppers. [10] X Research source
- Want even more intense flavor? Mix some fresh herbs and spices, such as cumin, cilantro, or scallions, into your veggie toppings.
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Warnings
- Even if you lighten them up, hot dogs aren't ever going to make a healthy foods list if they're overeaten. For the healthiest diet, eat them in moderation.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/healthy_cooking_blog/how_to_choose_the_best_hot_dogs_and_what_to_avoid
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/healthy-hot-dog_b_918524.html?slideshow=true#gallery/40522/8
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/healthy-hot-dog_b_918524.html?slideshow=true#gallery/40522/7
- ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/healthy_cooking_blog/how_to_choose_the_best_hot_dogs_and_what_to_avoid
- ↑ http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/article/hot-dogs-without-guilt
- ↑ http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/article/hot-dogs-without-guilt
- ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/carbohydrates-and-blood-sugar/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eatingwell/healthy-hot-dog_b_918524.html?slideshow=true#gallery/40522/5
- ↑ http://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/article/hot-dogs-without-guilt
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