Labor Day usually marks the end of summer grilling. It seems like the last “hurrah” of summer before fall comes. I posted some grilling tips and meal ideas at the beginning of summer that you might find helpful in the following post: Summer Grilling
In particular, some of you may be interested in a juicy hot dog this evening. Now I need to preface this by saying that no hot dogs, no matter the type or brand, are healthy. They are overly processed, high in sodium and (usually) high in nitrates.
They are most definitely a once in a while treat. But if you do choose to make tonight a hot dog night, you may want to take a look at this article: Hot Dogs: Good Choices, Bad Choices
I whole heartedly agree with their choice of Applegate Farms; either the beef or turkey dogs. They are made of real meat, rather than a lot of fillers and additives. They are also nitrate free and lower in sodium. And for you vegetarians, there are good and bad choices for veggie dogs included as well. But my favorite brand for meatless products is Field Roast, which unfortunately was not listed. No processing, nitrates or fillers there!
As I said before, hot dogs, or any processed meat (turkey bacon, chicken sausage, lunch meats, bacon, etc…) are not a healthy choice. There may be healthIER choices, but none are HEALTHY. Processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, regardless of additives, fillers, sodium or nitrates. Limiting your processed meat consumption should be a high priority. Every once in a while though, like at a BBQ, you will be fine. For more information on this subject, see this article: Study by Cancer Researchers Addresses Concerns about Deli Meats, Hot Dogs, Sausage and Bacon
What do you think of processed meats? How often do you eat them?
What are YOU grilling, or eating, tonight?
Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD