Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Natural Healthy Summer Foods

Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

This all-American duo has always been trouble full of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. The good news is, you can improve nutrition by making a few wise choices.

If you grill burgers at home, mix it up. Use one half lean beef and one half ground turkey. Add a little applesauce or egg white for extra juiciness, Krieger suggests. Fun toppings lemon or orange zest, black pepper, salsa, BBQ sauce, pineapple. A slice of a summer tomato and some fresh from the garden lettuce tops off the taste.

Frozen veggie burgers on whole-wheat buns are another good option. Try grilling them, and toast the bun, too. Lots of fixings boost the enjoyment factor.

Try light and reduced-fat hot dogs, including chicken and turkey dogs. They taste best hot off the grill, Krieger says.

Switch gears: Grill skinless chicken breasts and lots of veggies onions, bell peppers, carrots, squash, eggplant. "These taste great with a little olive oil brushed on," says Zied. "Serve them cut up into small pieces or with some melted cheese on toasted French bread."