Summer is ripe with our children’s favourite foods. Yet, so many summer foods — from barbecue turkey legs to ice cream and hot dogs — are dietary disasters.

Can children eat healthy, yet still enjoy their favourite summer foods? Yes, they can have hamburgers, hot dogs, ice creamy treats and desserts — if you handle it right.

Here are healthy tips for children’s favourite summer foods:

1. Top summer food: nachos and quesadillas

Mexican food is always a treat — and has lots of healthy elements. Start with whole-wheat chips and tortillas for extra fibre, then add your favourite toppings. Done right, you can sneak lots of veggies, protein, calcium and fibre into these snacks.

• Create your own nacho platter. Top tortillas with beans, salsa, guacamole and melt low-fat cheese over it all. Children love those kinds of healthy carbs. Toss a bit of fat-free sour cream on top if you want.

• Puree different veggies then slip them into a chip dip, or use it as a nacho topping. Your kids won’t know the difference!

• Quesadillas are another kid favourite. Top whole-wheat tortillas with beans, low-fat cheese, veggies (like red bell and green peppers, corn, green onions, spinach and mushrooms) and chicken. On the side, you’ve got the classic quartet — low-fat sour cream, lettuce, salsa, guacamole — also healthy.

2. Top summer food: hamburgers and hot dogs

This all-American duo has always been trouble — full of fat, sodium and cholesterol. The good news is you can improve nutrition by making a few wise choices.

• If you grill burgers at home, mix it up. Use fun toppings — lemon or orange zest, black pepper, salsa, BBQ sauce and pineapple. A slice of a summer tomato and some fresh-from-the-garden lettuce tops off the taste.

• Frozen veggie burgers on whole-wheat buns are another good option. Try grilling them, and toast the bun, too. Lots of fixings boost the enjoyment factor.

• Try light and reduced-fat hot dogs, including chicken and turkey dogs. They taste best hot off the grill.

• Switch gears: Grill skinless chicken breasts and lots of veggies — onions, bell peppers, carrots, squash and eggplant. These taste great with a little olive oil or peanut and coconut oil. Serve them as a kebab or with some melted cheese on toasted French bread.