EatingWell: Which Is Healthier: Hot Dogs or Hamburgers?

By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Associate Nutrition Editor for EatingWell Magazine

It's grilling season and chances are you'll be making that ever-important cookout decision: hot dog or hamburger? Some people, no doubt, are cheering "Both!" But if you're trying to make a healthier choice, then the registered dietitian in me knows that "both" is not the answer. So which one is the healthier pick? See how a hamburger compares nutritionally to a hot dog before you tell the grill master your order.

Recipes to Try: Healthy Hot Dog & Hamburger Recipes

Hamburger
What You Get In A Typical Burger
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to burgers: How big is it? What kind of beef is it? What are you putting on it? A typical burger is in the 1/3 to 1/2; pound range (about 6 to 8 ounces) and made from 85 percent lean ground beef.

Served with a bun, it can pack as much as 620 calories and 9 grams of saturated fat (that's nearly half your daily limit) - before toppings. A slice of cheese adds another 110 calories and 6 grams of saturated fat. On the positive side, burgers deliver iron and zinc.

Must-Read: 6 Tips for Cooking a Better Burger

How To Have A Healthier Burger...