Before you put another hot dog on the grill this summer, our food expert has some advice. Chandy Lockman Hoke answers your questions in July's Food for Thought Mailbag.

Hot dogs are a summer staple but how do we choose the healthiest variety?

Chandy, a registered dietitian, says, "Two things to keep in mind: the fat content and the preservatives. You want to look for a lower fat option like turkey hot dogs or turkey franks and then look for one labeled all natural because that chemical interaction with fat is what causes us problems later on in life."

Another note in the mailbag comes from someone who buys lunchmeat at the deli but never knows which cheese is the best bet.

Chandy says, "A better health option for cheese at the deli counter is to think white, provolone or mozzarella will be lower in fat."

Diet soda versus diet tea -- which is better to quench our thirst?

"I would recommend going with diet tea or just iced tea. Whatever the kind, more studies are coming out showing that tea has health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and they have more antioxidants."

And just how do you break out of a food rut?

Chandy says, "One of the best ways to break out of a food rut is to go to the grocery store when they have food samples. Not only will they be taste testing new products but produce that's in season. Maybe it's a fruit or vegetable that you wouldn't normally buy but after you sample it you're convinced it's something good to add to your diet."