Are You a Fan of Hot Dogs or Cold Cuts? Here's What You Need to Know

Fast food has grown in popularity over the years, but an increasing awareness of healthy living has made many of us cut back. For some of us, the first thing we thought of after school or while shopping at the mall was grabbing a good hot dog. Many of us had sandwiches with cold cuts or pastrami packed for school, at least until someone insisted on airing out the classroom afterward.

Cold cuts, hot dogs, and pastrami, says Shiri Alfi-Zager, a senior clinical dietitian at Clalit in the Dan-Petah Tikva district, are ultra-processed foods. They offer short-lived satiety and usually come packaged and ready to eat. Hot dogs typically require a brief boil before serving.

"According to the Ministry of Health," she writes, "excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to increased obesity, chronic diseases, and a heightened risk of various cancers." She asserts that heavy consumption of these foods alters the gut's bacterial composition, raises inflammation markers, accelerates aging, and promotes disease.

"Hot dogs don’t contain prime meat cuts, but rather a mixture of less attractive parts, like skin, and lack the nutritious components of meat," she explains. "Processed meat contains carcinogenic substances; thus, the growing recommendation is to reduce the intake of such meats, including hot dogs and cold cuts."

In conclusion, she clarifies that the best hot dogs are those labeled as made from natural ingredients. "While many consider a hot dog a meat substitute in a meal, it’s important to note they typically have low protein levels. Instead, sodium and fat content is very high, in addition to added sugars and food coloring. If you choose pastrami, opt for one with less salt, no monosodium glutamate, and up to 2% fat."

"In summary, hot dogs, sausages, or pastrami are foods you definitely shouldn't consume frequently. If you eat them occasionally and also stick to a Mediterranean diet, you're good," she concludes.