When summer rolls around, BBQ foods blossom like a garden. At the grocery store, at work, and especially during summer cookouts, the tasty seasonal foods aren't always the healthiest. Check out this handy guide for healthy swaps for the backyard and beach BBQs this summer.
Trade hot dogs for turkey dogs
Frankly, hot dogs are pretty bad for you.The typical pork hot dog with a bun, ketchup and mustard has 919mg of salt - almost half of what you should have in an entire day. Doctors are also concerned about the nitrates found in hot dogs, which are linked to cancer.
Studies have found that eating hot dogs increases our risks for developing health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which are connected to your oral health.
But we understand the lure of a grilled dog in the summer, so give turkey dogs a try. They have around half the amount of sodium as regular hot dogs, about the quarter the fat content, and no risk of consuming nitrates.
Opt for water over soda
Soda is harmful to our teeth for a variety of reasons. It contains lots of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends men don’t exceed 150 calories from sugar a day and 100 calories from sugar for women. One 12-ounce can of a popular soda brand has 120.
By choosing water over soda, you’re not only saving your overall health, you’re saving your oral health. The cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths love to eat sugar. The more we give them, the more acid those bacteria excrete onto our teeth. That acid causes cavities and tooth decay. Try to limit consumption to one soda a day and rinse with water after. Do it for your teeth!
Why take corn off the cob
If you’ve had any dental work done, corn on the cob is not your friend. And if you have braces, you definitely shouldn’t eat corn off the cob. You could risk ripping your braces away from your teeth. Biting down on the corn cob can crack fillings and sealants, damage orthodontia, and compromise dentures. Even if your teeth aren’t at risk, one or more of your guests may be. Slice the corn off the cob and save everyone a trip to the dentist or orthodontist.
A healthier potato salad
Traditional potato salad recipes can have as many as 360 calories and over 20 grams of fat in one cup. Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt and a dash of olive oil for a creamy texture everyone will love. Plus, no one will miss those calories you cut out.
Hidden sugar in baked beans
We don’t usually think of baked beans as an unhealthy summer staple. But, they can be packed with added sugar and sodium. Half a cup of traditional baked beans can have around 15 grams of sugar including high-fructose corn syrup, plus pure fat for flavor. Make homemade baked beans a healthier way. Use no-salt-added tomato sauce and leave out that half-pound of bacon or salt pork. Use pinto or cannellini beans, Dijon mustard, maple syrup for sweetness, and your favorite seasonings. This can cut down the sodium by 40 percent.
