Can you still have one of these on a healthy diet?

On Labor Day weekend, many families will be firing up the grill to cook . . . you guessed it: hot dogs. 95% of American households eat hotdogs (we consume over 20 billion a year).  Hot dogs are notoriously high in fat/saturated fat and sodium  and most only have about an ounce of protein. So, I bet you’re wondering how you can enjoy your Labor Day cook-out and be health conscious? Here are some tips to a better ‘dog.

Choose a hot dog that is lower in fat (less than 10 g of total fat and 5 g of saturated fat) and sodium (less then 500mg).  Look for light or reduced fat versions; fat-free versions usually add more sodium for flavor. Here are some brands that fit the bill.

• Hebrew National Reduced Fat
• Jenni-O Turkey Dogs
• Applegate Farms Beef and Turkey Franks (also nitrate free: a preservative that has been linked to cancer)
• Shadybrook Farm Turkey Dog
• Ballpark Light Franks, Light Beef and Smoked White Turkey

Read more »

Burgers or dogs, which is the healthier picnic pick?

In this new series, we’re pitting some of your favorite foods against each other. We’re starting out with the hottest fight of the barbecue season: burger verses hot dog. Who’s the winner of this battle?

Read more »

In this week’s nutrition news: A grocery store unveils colored-coded product labels, the USDA launches a farm-to-table initiative and Dannon settles a lawsuit for its products’ immunity-boosting claims.

Read more »

This time around knowing what to feed my toddler is much easier. I know what foods to wait on, the ones to avoid and appropriate portion sizes. But figuring it all out took time, experience and a whole lot of patience (I’ve had practice with two kids already). If you’re confused on what to feed your little one, keep these basics in mind.

Read more »

From this week’s headlines: Ranking America’s heaviest states, one group warns against eating hot dogs, General Mills has a new line of gluten-free goods and word is that drinking milk may help you eat less.

Read more »

Ballpark food isn’t just about hot dogs and Cracker Jacks any more. Whether it’s the little league field or one of those new pro stadiums, food options have exploded (and so have the calorie counts). Don’t strike out — try these tips.

Read more »