Eliminating Hot Dogs: Cold Turkey

Hot dogs. A summer staple, one that my kids adore, and, to be honest, one that I adore to make. (Show me something easier than popping a hotdog into the microwave and hitting "start"?) But about a month ago I read, not just skimmed over but really read, an article in Real Simple that explained just how unhealthy the nitrates in hot dogs are. I paused to review my 6-year-old's meals that week, which happened to include 5 hot dogs. I was disgusted.

According to Real Simple, "nitrites and nitrates can form nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer in test animals." Pretty much, that was all I needed to read to recognize a need for a change. But I couldn't just eliminate a symbol of summertime. 

In further reading, I learned that probiotics offset the nitrates. No problem, right? With every hot dog, we'll eat a yogurt. Except that my 6-year-old hates yogurt. Has since he was an infant. HATES it.

So, after a week of carnivals and playdates, I casually mentioned to the family that we were going to cut back on hot dogs. In fact, I explained, we would eat no hot dogs for two weeks. When my younger son asked why I simply replied that they're not good for you. My husband glanced at me curiously. I described what I'd read. And here's the shocker: while I expected to hear "we ate hot dogs all of our lives and we're fine," instead he agreed.

The following 2 weeks went without complaint or even a hot dog request. On the 15th day, I served up hot dogs to celebrate. One per person, no seconds. And there were no questions. No requests. No complaints.

With hot dogs being so easy, I'm perplexed: why can't we wean the thumbsucking?

Julie Pron usually requests a cheeseburger at summer picnics and carnivals. She also blogs at Just Precious, Mommies with Style and Popshopology.

This is an original Philly Moms Blog post.