Rae Udy

RECIPES: Veggie Dogs on the Grill

By Rae Udy

Picnics and cookouts are a fun and relaxing part of the July 4th celebration, but you can still watch your diet while you are partying.
Worthington Veja-Links is a delicious vegetarian hot dog that is fun and healthy to serve at the fourth get-together. One link contains only 50 calories and .5 gram of saturated fat. These tasty links are cholesterol-free and provide five grams of protein per serving.
http://www.amazon.com/Worthington-Veja-Links-19-Ounce-Cans-Pack/
dp/B000BF3AL0/ref=pd_sbs_gro_5/104-6078806-6200754
My personal favorite veggie dog is called Linketts and is made by Loma-Linda. Each dog is only 70 calories and contains no trans fat or cholesterol. They are a great source of B vitamins and dietary fiber. These delicious dogs contain just 170 mg of sodium each or about seven percent of daily value allowed. Made with soy protein, soy flour, and natural smoke flavor these healthful hot dogs contain 60 percent less fat than beef hot dogs.
http://www.amazon.com/Loma-Linda-Linketts-20-Ounce-Cans/
dp/B000BF3AGU
Beef and pork hot dogs typically have between 110 to 220 calories per dog. They are high in saturated fat with four grams each, about 20 percent of daily value. Sodium content is also high with values from 390 to 510 mg in each hot dog. http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts-C00001-01c20NB.html (for pork hot dogs)
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/57743.html (for beef hot dogs)
There are many brands of vegetarian hot dogs available and they each have their own taste and texture. Purchase vegetarian hot dogs in most major supermarkets or at health food stores. The frozen varieties are located near the waffles in the freezer section and the canned veggie dogs are usually found in the health food section of large stores. The Yves brand of veggie dogs are located in the produce section of grocery stores.
The following chart compiled by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, for Vegetarian Journal compares calories, protein, fat and sodium content of a number of veggie dogs.

Vegetarian Hot Dogs Calories Protein Fat Sodium
(gm) (gm) (mg)
SoyBoy Leaner Wiener (1.5 oz) v 55 12 0 140
NewMenu VegiDog (1.5 oz) v 45 9 0 170
Lightlife Smart Dog (1.5 oz) v 45 9 0 230
Yves Veggie Wiener (1.6 oz) v 55 11 0 340
Yves Veggie Chili Dog (1.6 oz) v 50 10 0 360
Yves Jumbo Veggie Dog (2.7 oz) v 90 17 0 570
Lightlife Jumbo (2.7 oz) v 80 16 0 590
Yves Tofu Wiener (1.4 oz) v 45 9 0.5 240
Morningstar Farms Veggie Dog (2 oz) 80 11 0.5 580
LightLife Wonder Dog (1.5 oz) v 60 9 2 230
LightLife Tofu Pup (1.5 oz) org, v 60 9 2.5 140
Zoglo’s Meatless Frank (1.4 oz) 57 6.5 2.6 114
SoyBoy Not Dog (1.5 oz) org, v 95 7 3 200
http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2000may/2000mayburgers.htm

VEGGIE DOGS
8 vegetarian hot dogs (thaw frozen varieties)
8 whole wheat hot dog buns
Favorite toppings, such as: mustard, catsup, pickle relish, finely chopped onion, shredded low-fat cheese, chopped tomatoes and hot peppers

Heat outdoor grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs over coals until heated through. Use grill tongs and turn often to prevent sticking. Serve on warm buns with all of your favorite toppings.