A Whole New Ballgame

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Veggie dogs, sushi and deep-fried asparagus find fans in regional ballparks. Nutrition...now that's another story.

By Russell Nichols

Let’s Be Frank

Nobody devours ballpark hot dogs for their health. In fact, most people would rather skip hearing about the ingredients of a hot dog because that would defeat the purpose: Eating a ballpark frank is a time-honored experience of complete, unadulterated indulgence.

But at what price? ?One hot dog may contain more than 200 calories with more than 30 percent of those calories from fat. Nachos are about the same. Health experts recommend that consumers do not exceed 30 percent of calories from fat in a day, says Christine Bruhn, director for the center of consumer research at UC Davis.

This month, which is National Hot Dog month, hundreds of millions of franks will be downed, especially over Fourth of July weekend, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. With ballpark fare, the United States Department of Agriculture inspects meat manufacturers daily so they’re safe to eat.

But if you eat a ballpark hot dog or nachos, Bruhn has a suggestion: “Usually those kinds of fine and wonderful foods are higher in fat. So you need to have something to balance it out so you don’t overload. You got to have that salad, you got to have that apple.”

To Boldly Go Where No Veggie Dog Has Gone Before

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