Good Dogs

The summer heat always affects my desire to cook properly. When it’s hot, I’m not quite as hungry, and I definitely don’t want to turn on the oven or even do much stove-top cooking because it heats up the house to an insane degree. (See what I did there?) My kids have also turned pickier than usual. It feels like my 2-year-old only eats hot dogs and chips — or steals my Indian takeout or Thai. Where is her happy medium?

Hot dogs aren’t the healthiest item, but they’ve got so many good qualities: Kids love them. They’re easy to handle and not messy. You can make them outside on the grill. Win, win, win. There once was a day when I’d feel guilty about the hot dog, but not any more. I’ve turned over a Less Mom Guilt Leaf, particularly now that there are healthier versions of the hot dog to be found. Head on over to Fit Bottomed Eats to check out a few options for the dog that will make everyone happy.

Do you dig the dog? I’ve gotta admit, I go through phases where a chili dog is heaven on earth. —Erin