Hot dog or burger? Choose healthier option
Illustrative photo (freepik.com)
Hot dogs are a fast food meal that many love. It's no secret that it consists of a juicy sausage and a bun. Find out whether it is healthy, according to Very Well Health.
Hot dogs: a source of protein or pleasure?
Turkey and beef hot dogs provide about 6-7 grams of protein, depending on the size of the hot dog, said nutritionist Joan Salge Blake.
"The benefit of the turkey hot dog is that it will provide only 2 grams of heart-unhealthy saturated fat compared to more than double that for the beef hot dog," the expert said.
Monica Bearden, a sports and wellness nutritionist, agrees, adding that many hot dogs are now made without as many by-products, such as turkey, chicken, beef, and pork trimmings.
"If you get to choose your dog, choose one of the new hot dogs that are 100% beef made from premium cuts. The package should say that there are no artificial colors, fillers, or byproducts. But they are still all beef, so they taste great," she said.
Pick a beef burger (photo: freepik.com)
The downside is that most hot dogs still contain nitrites. Under high heat on the grill, nitrates chemically transform into nitrosamine, a known carcinogen.
The toppings you choose can help make your meal a little healthier. Season it with mustard, which has no fat.
Don't be afraid to add vegetable toppings, such as sauerkraut, which can add probiotics that are good for the gut.
Hot dog or burger - which is healthier?
In the battle for healthiness, the best option for protein lovers is a hamburger.
"A hamburger made with 80% lean beef is, well, beefy, coming in at about 30 grams of protein with 7 grams of heart-unhealthy saturated fat," says the nutritionist.
By the way, hamburgers also have the advantage of portion control: you are unlikely to eat more than one.
"Typically, when we eat a burger, you’re going to eat more meat and get more protein from that meal. A hot dog is a little bit under 2 ounces, while typically a hamburger patty is anywhere from 3 ounces to 4 ounces of meat. So you’re going to get more protein and more nutrition from that burger," the expert said.
If you want to get as much protein as possible without fat, choose 93% lean ground beef.
