100-Calorie Hot Dog (Smart Dog, bun, condiments included)
 

I recently discovered Smart Dogs (veggie dogs that are 50 calories each - but taste pretty darn similar to a regular dog, especially with condiments) and decided to see how well I could create a full hot dog substitute with limited calories.

The big dilemma was the bun - the lowest bun I could find in store was 110 calories. However, I found some small, soft pitas (Publix) that are only 50 calories each! (Joseph's Super Soft Pita - and they really are super soft and squishy which made them perfect for this). Also that's for the whole pita, not a half - so when I cut it in half I had two pita pockets that each fit a smart dog nicely (curving up at the ends and just reaching the top of the pocket), and were only 25 calories per hot dog!

The pita pocket shape also creates a nice size area for lots of condiments! I decided to go with a Chicago-style dog since most of the condiments are low calorie. I added sauerkraut (10 cal), pickle relish (5 cal) (dill instead of sweet, fewer calories), spicy mustard (5 cal), and a few light shakes of celery salt. (I would have thrown on some diced onions too if I'd had any).

Downside - this may be a little harsh on the sodium! (I didn't add up the numbers, but pickled things often are, and the celery salt definitely is).

All told, I estimate each hotdog was 95 calories, and they were quite tasty and easy to make. The only change I would make is being sure to drain the sauerkraut a little better (maybe press the juice out in a paper towel), since the pita pocket did get a little soggy - but it actually held up surprisingly well with no tears, just got a little floppy.

Anyway, just thought I'd share, since I was pretty excited! I feel quite full at the moment after two loaded-up hotdogs, and all for 190 cals. :)

Sounds delish.

One of the big hot dog makers makes a 98% Fat Free Hot Dog that is only 45 calories and it's a beef dog, too just in case the veggie dog just doesn't do it and you want some "meat" in that pita!! ;)

I've had the Oscar Mayer fat free 50 calorie dogs, and I thought they were pretty good with mustard only.

Although I still try to think of hot dogs as an occasional treat, no matter how many calories I cut. I don't think I should eat something that processed and full of chemicals on a regular basis.

Thank you for posting this!!!! I am having a bbq at my house for labor day and dont want to feel like im being left out!! This is perfect!! Now only if i could find something similar for burgers....

What about turkey burgers? I grate in a small apple and onion so they don't dry out.

There's lots of favors of frozen veggie burgers, too.

This sounds so tasty and easy! I really like Smart Dogs and love your idea of piling on kraut and condiments! I'm always looking for healthy hot dogs and always shocked by how bad even the "healthy seeming" ones are for you! Smart Dogs are def a great alternative and if I remember correctly high in protein.