Hot dogs and other healthy summer kid food

Summer is the perfect time for hot dogs at the family BBQ, big pretzels at the county fair, and cold treats straight from the ice cream truck. Although these foods can be less-than-perfect options for our kids who love them so -- think lots of salt, sugar, and fat -- WedMD says they can be not so bad, really. Check them out.

• Nachos & Quesadillas
• Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
• Ice Cream
• Frozen Yogurt
• Waffles and pancakes
• Marshmallows
• Popcorn
• Watermelon
  
  

Hot dogs? Healthy? I never thought so. Try light and reduced-fat dogs and you'll be OK, says Sarah Krieger, an American Dietetic Association (ADA) spokeswoman.

What about ice cream? Many well-known brands -- Dreyers/Edy's, Breyers, and Haagen-Dazs -- make super-creamy "light" and "slow-churned" options that cut lots of fat and calories. Plain flavors like chocolate and vanilla have about 100 calories per half-cup -- not too bad. Opt for a Fudgsicle or Popsicle and you'll dodge lots of fat and sugar, especially if you find the fat-free and sugar-free varieties.

OK, marshmallows? Aren't they full of sugar? Yep. But most kids with allergies can eat this treat which makes it appealing for the collective sweet tooth. Skewer with strawberries and other fruit, and you've got a semi-healthy snack.

For more lowdown on these seemingly not-so-healthy menu items, take a tour of this article and find out exactly why WebMD stands by nachos and quesadillas when I tend to steer away from them.