To Eat or Not to Eat- That is the Question!

Summer time bbq's and eating ice cream cones on the boardwalk go hand-in-hand with the season. This may surprise you, but you can eat hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream with out the guilt! 

You can make a killer burger from 90-95% lean ground beef, buffalo, turkey, or even fish (try salmon or tuna burgers). The leaner choices provide a ton of protein and energy boosting vitamins.

Be careful not to add tons of cheese and other toppings (such as mayo, fried onions) that can add unnecessary calories. Also, be aware of the size of the burger (you should have a 3-4 oz patty). It's best to pile your burger with lettuce, tomatoes, mustard and other fresh veggies. Also, a whole wheat bun is better than the store bought white.

 

What about the ultimate hot dog? Go for it! But, choose nitrate-free or reduced fat. Stay away from the brands that are highly processed and hold back on the sauces and sauerkraut (very high in sodium).

Does ice cream seem like the ultimate indulgence? Are you more likely to eat frozen yogurt and feel "healthy"? Eating yogurt instead of ice cream typically means a reduction in fat and calories. A half-cup serving of frozen yogurt typically average 100-140 calories and zero to 3 grams of fat. Some premium ice cream brands contain 3 times more calories and 5 times more fat than frozen yogurt. However, remember that frozen yogurt still stacks up equally to ice cream when you look at the sugar content. And, if you add candy and cookie toppings to your yogurt, you may as well forget the goodness (choose fresh fruit). And, some yogurts and even sugar-free ice cream have so many additives that they are more processed than good 'ol fashioned ice cream. Whatever your taste buds prefer, portion control is key! Choose "small" or "child" sizes when eating out and no more than one cup when eating at home.