Hot dogs are very popular as a lunch or dinner item. They are obviously also very popular as a snack food at parks and ball games. But are they health food, or just junk food?

The answer depends greatly on what the hot dogs are made of, how they are cooked, and the toppings heaped upon them.

The worst-case scenario is a cheap, preservative-filled hot dog fried in grease, served on a white bread bun, topped with gobs of artery-clogging full-fat cheese or fatty chili sauce.

And now for the good news. Here is a way to enjoy this favorite food with little or no diet damage.

Chef Deb’s Hot Diggity Dogs

2 organic hot dogs (no fillers, no nitrites, no hormones)
Pan spray (butter flavored)
2 whole wheat hot dog buns (sugar-free, if possible)
1 cup sauerkraut, warmed
1/2 cup relish (sugar-free)
Mustard
Ketchup
Hot sauce

Heat hot dogs, either in a sprayed frying pan, or in simmering water.
Spray buns lightly with butter spray.
Put hot dogs into buns.
Top with toppings as desired.
Serve.

Variation: Veggie Dogs
Use vegetarian hot dogs or vegan hot dogs.

Variation: Chili Dogs
Top hot dogs with hot chili. Use beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili.