Chef Meg's 200-Calorie Chili Cheese Dog Makeover

By , SparkPeople Blogger
According to the National Hot Dog Council Americans consume an average of 60 hot dogs per year. That's a lot of dogs--and a lot of fat and sodium!
If you are going to eat a hot dog, make some smart swaps. Switch out the white bun for a whole wheat variety, put aside the sugary ketchup for real diced tomatoes, select a leaner meat hot dog and add fiber-rich beans and corn to bulk it up.
Take a look at a traditional fast-food chili dog:
 
And here's my version:

Now, I did swap out chili for a bean and corn salsa, but you still get the spiciness you crave. I chose a strongly flavored sharp Cheddar so I could use less cheese but still keep some cheese on my dog.

Hot dogs are still a "sometimes" food--they're laden with sodium and preservatives. If you want to cut more sodium, skip the bun or use a homemade one.

A flavor-boosting chef's tips:
  • Roast the hot dogs in a hot oven to add flavor.
  • Toast the buns on a non-stick skillet coated in non-stick pan coating for a crisp bun that will hold all the salsa without turning soggy.

    My husband and sons loved this meal--and boy does it fill you up! I paired it with apple slices. Get the full recipe here!
What is your favorite healthy hot dog topper?
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