Festivals and fairs are full of foods like hot dogs and other types of deep-fried wonders and mystery meats. They’re such a delicious treat when we’ve been playing midway games and riding roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Foods that would never be an option on any other day of the year become a delicacy in that context.
Are Hot Dogs and Their Cousins Really That Bad?
Still, of all the fair foods, hot dogs seem pretty innocent. Are they really that bad for us? Whether it’s ballparks, corn dogs, Oktoberfest sausages or other options, are we doing that much harm by taking a big bite of those delectable smoky delights? If you have one per year, the odds are that you won’t experience any harm at all. However, they are nowhere near nutritious or healthy and should otherwise be avoided in favor of foods that are much better for you.
The issue with hot dogs in all their forms is that they are bursting with sodium, fat, and other substances that are terrible for your health. Kept to special occasions – such as that rare trip to the ballgame or the annual fair that comes to your area – and they won’t hurt anything. Consuming them on a more regular basis could indeed be problematic.
Why Are They Sold at the Fair?
There’s no mystery why hot dogs are a favorite at state, county and local fairs. Whether they’re traditional steamed, jumbo grilled or deep fried corn dogs, they are convenient to cook, affordable and they taste great. Since they are contained in a bun or, in the case of corn dogs a stick, they’re also simple to eat with no dishes necessary.
When it comes to fair foods, the idea is rarely to provide customers with a nutrient dense, high fiber, calorie conscious meal. It’s all about foods that smell enticing and taste delicious. They’re about overdoing it, being playful and having fun.
What’s the Calorie Damage?
As if the fact that hot dogs are full of sodium, fats and carcinogens – that’s right, cancer-causing substances – weren’t enough, they also hit pretty hard in terms of calories, too. A basic wiener contains a surprising number on its own, but when taking larger options, breading or a bun, and toppings into consideration, this meal can hit a calorie budget hard.
Again, limiting your consumption to the day you head to the fair won’t do much damage. If you’re making smart food choices most of the time, one day of fun won’t lead to major setbacks.
That said, in case you’re wondering what the damage will be, consider the following. The average corn dog without any sauces will give you about 375 calories. A large Polish sausage will be closer to 600 calories. Toppings only add extra.
If all you add is sauerkraut and mustard, you’ll be adding next to nothing to your calorie content. However, if you cheese, cheese sauce, sautéed onions, deep fried jalapenos, relish, corn relish and other toppings full of fats and sugars, you’ll send your treat’s calorie total skyward. If calorie total is a concern for you, you’ll definitely want to watch your toppings and condiments.
You’ll also need to consider the type of hot dogs you’re ordering. After all, it’s rare for the fair to offer only standard corn dogs and sausages these days. Vendors have started getting creative with their fillings. Many corn dogs and sausages now contain choose, breakfast sausage meat and other options that send calories and fats far higher than what they would be in a standard frank.
Hot Dogs for Weight Loss
No hot dogs are considered to be weight loss foods. Can any fair foods really make that claim? That said, if you want to have a frank and you’re really trying to stay on track with your weight loss efforts, a standard-sized, regular option is likely your best choice. A standard beef dog will usually be around 290 calories. Add a bun and you’ll make your total just over 100 calories higher. Choosing a Polish, Oktoberfest, or bratwurst sausage will double your total.
Festivals and fairs are full of foods like hot dogs and other types of deep-fried wonders and mystery meats. They’re such a delicious treat when we’ve been playing midway games and riding roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Foods that would never be an option on any other day of the year become a delicacy in that context.
Are Hot Dogs and Their Cousins Really That Bad?
Still, of all the fair foods, hot dogs seem pretty innocent. Are they really that bad for us? Whether it’s ballparks, corn dogs, Oktoberfest sausages or other options, are we doing that much harm by taking a big bite of those delectable smoky delights? If you have one per year, the odds are that you won’t experience any harm at all. However, they are nowhere near nutritious or healthy and should otherwise be avoided in favor of foods that are much better for you.
The issue with hot dogs in all their forms is that they are bursting with sodium, fat, and other substances that are terrible for your health. Kept to special occasions – such as that rare trip to the ballgame or the annual fair that comes to your area – and they won’t hurt anything. Consuming them on a more regular basis could indeed be problematic.
Why Are They Sold at the Fair?
There’s no mystery why hot dogs are a favorite at state, county and local fairs. Whether they’re traditional steamed, jumbo grilled or deep fried corn dogs, they are convenient to cook, affordable and they taste great. Since they are contained in a bun or, in the case of corn dogs a stick, they’re also simple to eat with no dishes necessary.
When it comes to fair foods, the idea is rarely to provide customers with a nutrient dense, high fiber, calorie conscious meal. It’s all about foods that smell enticing and taste delicious. They’re about overdoing it, being playful and having fun.
What’s the Calorie Damage?
As if the fact that hot dogs are full of sodium, fats and carcinogens – that’s right, cancer-causing substances – weren’t enough, they also hit pretty hard in terms of calories, too. A basic wiener contains a surprising number on its own, but when taking larger options, breading or a bun, and toppings into consideration, this meal can hit a calorie budget hard.
Again, limiting your consumption to the day you head to the fair won’t do much damage. If you’re making smart food choices most of the time, one day of fun won’t lead to major setbacks.
That said, in case you’re wondering what the damage will be, consider the following. The average corn dog without any sauces will give you about 375 calories. A large Polish sausage will be closer to 600 calories. Toppings only add extra.
If all you add is sauerkraut and mustard, you’ll be adding next to nothing to your calorie content. However, if you cheese, cheese sauce, sautéed onions, deep fried jalapenos, relish, corn relish and other toppings full of fats and sugars, you’ll send your treat’s calorie total skyward. If calorie total is a concern for you, you’ll definitely want to watch your toppings and condiments.
You’ll also need to consider the type of hot dogs you’re ordering. After all, it’s rare for the fair to offer only standard corn dogs and sausages these days. Vendors have started getting creative with their fillings. Many corn dogs and sausages now contain choose, breakfast sausage meat and other options that send calories and fats far higher than what they would be in a standard frank.
Hot Dogs for Weight Loss
No hot dogs are considered to be weight loss foods. Can any fair foods really make that claim? That said, if you want to have a frank and you’re really trying to stay on track with your weight loss efforts, a standard-sized, regular option is likely your best choice. A standard beef dog will usually be around 290 calories. Add a bun and you’ll make your total just over 100 calories higher. Choosing a Polish, Oktoberfest, or bratwurst sausage will double your total.
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