What is healthier than hot dogs?
THE WINNER. From a calorie standpoint, the hot dog is the winner, but from an overall perspective, the hamburger is a better option. The 4-ounce hamburger has about six times the amount of protein as a hot dog, but about a quarter of the sodium. Nutritionally, that's a better bargain.
Can hot dogs be a part of a healthy diet? Regardless of moderation, hot dogs are not exactly healthy. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) reported ham, hot dogs and other processed meats may contribute to colorectal cancer. Hot dogs also are high in saturated fat and sodium.
From an overall perspective, the hamburger is a better option. A 4-ounce hamburger has about six times the amount of protein as a hot dog, with about a quarter of the sodium. Nutritionally, that's a better balance.
2) They aren't good for your heart health.
Hot dogs are high in saturated fat and sodium. Just one hot dog can contain over a quarter of your day's sodium allowance and over 14 grams of fat.
Because pizza is such a versatile meal, it can be much healthier than hot dogs. If you are in the mood for satisfying comfort food that is also relatively healthy, opt for pizza made with cauliflower crust, light tomato sauce, low-fat cheese, and veggie toppings.
Up to 80 percent of the calories in regular hot dogs come from fat, and much of it is the unhealthy saturated type. Regularly eating processed meats like hot dogs has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
And it isn't healthy. Depending on the type of crust, the amount of cheese and the toppings used, pizza can rank anywhere from nutritionally decent to a diet disaster. Even healthy pizzas deliver a good amount of sodium from tomato sauce and cheese, so if you are watching your salt intake, you should eat with caution.
All beef: Unhealthiest: Ball Park Beef Franks
There are also scary-sounding ingredients like potassium lactate, sodium phosphate and sodium diacetate — but don't worry, they're just flavor enhancers and preservatives and safe to eat.
Bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meat are examples of ultra-processed food, and they're also linked to an increased risk of early death, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
Your typical beef hot dog contains around 150 calories, 13 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 450 milligrams of sodium and 6 grams of protein. So, while you might not want to down a dozen, just one won't break your no-junk-food diet.
Is hot dog good for weight loss?
Hot dogs are high in fat and low in carbs, which makes them the ideal food for this diet. While it's not wise to have processed food every day of the week, hot dogs can be a great keto meal choice if you are looking for something quick, flexible, and tasty.
Hot dogs are often made of combinations of different meats, including poultry. However, some of the most popular types of hot dogs in the United States are 100 percent beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Also popular are corn dogs, hot dogs with cheese, and vegetarian hot dogs.
“I think if you're eating hot dogs in a Joey-type of way, this could be a turning point in your life to maybe cut back a little bit,” registered dietician Christy Brissette told ABC Chicago. “If you enjoy a hot dog once in awhile, completely fine.
The protein in hot dogs is a complete protein, meaning it offers all the essential amino acids our bodies need. Hot dogs are also a great source of Vitamin B12 with just one hot dog providing 30 percent of the DV.
Fast-Food Pizza
Pizza sold in fast-food restaurants and convenience stores is among the unhealthiest of choices. It tends to be the highest in calories, unhealthy fats, carbs and sodium. One large slice (167 grams) of Pizza Hut Pepperoni Lovers Pizza provides (2):
Pita Bread with Hummus
One of the best and healthiest alternatives to pizza is whole grain pita bread with hummus. Unlike pizza, which traditionally is loaded with cheese and meat and therefore contains high amounts of saturated fats, pitas and hummus are surprisingly healthy.
While pizza can be healthy if you make it the right way, most of the pizza you buy counts as junk food because of the high amount of refined carbohydrates, fat and sodium it contains.
Take the example of a person eating one jumbo hot dog a day, every day. The fact that his risk for colorectal cancer is 36% higher than someone who doesn't eat processed meat is a real cause for concern. But note that a 36% increase, while substantial, is not anywhere near the risk associated with cigarette smoking.
While hot dogs are a summertime staple, doctors say it is important that you don't eat them often. If you enjoy this summertime staple, moderation is key. However delicious hot dogs might be, it's important to remember they're processed meats, which aren't healthy if eaten regularly.
But since pizza is still a source of saturated fat (about five grams) and chock-full of sodium, limit it to once a week and load up on those veggies.
Can I lose weight if I eat pizza?
Pizza can be a healthy choice for many people. And yes, you can lose weight by eating pizza as long as you're eating it right! As surprising as it may sound, it's, in fact, true. You can have portion control, use selectively healthy vegetable toppings and make your pizza healthy.
- Super-Sweet Cereals. Breakfast cereals are commonly loaded with sugar. ...
- Sugary Coffee Drinks. Many people are accustomed to starting their day with high-calorie coffee drinks. ...
- Canned Soup. ...
- Margarine Bars. ...
- High-Calorie Soda. ...
- Processed Meats. ...
- Ice Cream. ...
- Frozen French Fries.
One of the foods the researchers analyzed was a standard beef hot dog on a bun. According to the study, its 61 grams of processed meat resulted in the loss of 27 minutes of healthy life. But when you add ingredients like sodium and trans fatty acids, the estimated total loss was 36 minutes.
- Editor's Pick: Nathan's Famous Skinless Beef Franks. ...
- The Umami Dog: Hebrew National Beef Franks. ...
- The Over-the-Top Flavor Dog: Oscar Mayer Uncured Original Wieners. ...
- The Snappiest Dog: 365 Everyday Value Organic Uncured Grass-Fed Beef Hot Dog. ...
- The Hot Dog We'd Skip: Ball Park Classic Franks.
Year | Contestant | Hot dogs eaten |
---|---|---|
2021 | Joey Chestnut | 76 |
2020 | Joey Chestnut | 75 |
2018 | Joey Chestnut | 74 |
2016 | Joey Chestnut | 73.5* |