Chili dogs are a favorite meal for many kids and adults alike. However, a regular chili dog is high in fat, calories, and has limited nutritional value. If you'd like to learn how to make healthy chili dogs for your next Super Bowl party, try using some of the strategies detailed on this page.

For some people, there's nothing they would rather eat than a hot dog covered in chili and topped with melted cheddar cheese. As delectable as they may be, a single chili dog can have up to one-half of the calories and nearly all the fat recommended for a healthy daily intake. However, with a few simple substitutions, you can transform this normally unhealthy meal into one that still tastes great, but is much better for you.

(Creative Commons photo by Barely Fitz)

A regular beef hot dog, depending on the brand, can have upwards of 200 calories and 15 grams of fat. You can significantly lower both by using one of the following instead:

1. Turkey or chicken dogs
2. Low-fat hot dogs
3. Veggie or tofu hot dogs

Any of these versions should trim a great deal of calories and fat from your chili dogs meal.

• Although the easiest option when making chili dogs is to buy and use canned chili, most brands are high in fat, calories and preservatives. If you simply don't have the time to make your own chili, look for pre-made chili of the vegetarian or low-fat variety.

• Making your own chili to serve with your chili dogs allows you to control exactly what goes into it. If you have the time to make your own chili, consider implementing some of the following strategies to make it more nutritious and lower in fat.

1. Make white chili by using chicken or turkey rather than beef
2. If you do use beef, opt for a lean or extra lean variety
3. Add bell peppers, corn and other vegetables to make the chili more healthy
4. Make vegetarian chili
5. Use lots of beans to add nutrition and bulk to your chili

• With so many lower fat and lower calorie options out there, it's easy to make healthier choices, even when it comes to chili dogs. By simply making slight alterations to your basic chili dog recipe, you can create a meal that is still delicious and sure to please, but doesn't pack the same caloric punch as regular chili dogs.

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