With Memorial Day upon us and summer in full swing, you may be receiving an increased number of invitations to parties, barbecues, and cookouts. Nothing says “summer” like hanging out by the grill, soaking up the sun, and enjoying some great-tasting food. However, experts warn that some of your favorite American barbecue staples aren’t as great for your health as they are for your taste buds.
To learn more about the foods you should avoid while cooking out this summer, we spoke to Registered Dietitian Trista Best of Balance One Supplements. Best pointed out three common menu items that can be detrimental to your overall health: hot dogs, potato chips, and white buns.
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Hot dogs
If you've ever been to a summer barbecue or cookout, it's almost guaranteed that you've eaten a hot dog fresh off the grill. They're inexpensive, easy to cook, and, frankly, delicious. But while this processed meat is one of the most popular menu items at celebratory events during the warmer months, Best warns that they're terrible for your overall health. "Unfortunately, [hot dog meat] is high in saturated fat, sodium, and nitrates," she says. "This combination of compounds is known to lead to chronic disease like cancer, obesity, and heart disease." Yikes! Maybe it's not worth it, then.
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy some tasty grilled food, though. There are plenty of healthy options to consider—including one you may have never thought of. "Some healthier alternatives to processed meats like hot dogs included grilled chicken or grilled carrots," Best suggests. "That's right, carrots can be grilled and reach a similar texture has hot dogs but without the calories, fat, and nitrates." Who knew?!
Potato Chips
Where there are hot dogs, there's usually also a large bag of potato chips to be shared. While this greasy, crunchy snack is another barbecue staple, it also comes with its fair share of negative health effects, including inflammation and weight gain. "Chips are made with inflammatory omega-6 fats like vegetable oil that increase the body's inflammation and triglycerides simultaneously," Best explains, warning that "this inflammation can exacerbate or cause chronic conditions from weight gain to heart disease." Uh-oh!
Although a bag of Lays may not be the best thing to eat if you care about your health, there are other delicious sides to consider. "Vegetables with dip provide a fresh and nutrient dense alternative to chips," Best recommends. "They provide the crunch people enjoy from chips without having to forgo the dips." And let's be honest—sometimes the dips are the most important part!
White Bread (Buns)
At barbecues where hot dogs or burgers are being served, you'll likely find a bag of white buns nearby. This bread product may seem essential to the meal, but it can certainly take a toll on your body when consumed frequently or in high quantities. Best points out that white bread is "highly processed and contains refined carbohydrates," which can lead to a plethora of health concerns. "Their refined nature makes them inflammatory and can cause a rapid glucose response. This spike and ultimate decline leads to loss of insulin sensitivity and weight gain," she notes.
If you want to avoid these health setbacks, Best offers three options: "Going bun-less or opting for a whole grain breads is the best way to replace refined carbs and white bread," she says. "You can also enjoy a lettuce bun with iceberg lettuce, which will up your nutrient intake simultaneously." What's better than adding an extra veggie to the mix?
While attending and hosting barbecues is a beloved summer activity, it's important to keep your health in mind. But that doesn't mean you have to skip out on all the fun—or the food! If you follow Best's advice, you can enjoy a cookout meal that's both delicious and good for you. It's a win-win!
