Your family may have made the best hamburgers ever when you were 5, but they probably all looked and tasted the same: fatty ground beef cooked too long and plopped on a white hamburger bun covered with mustard and ketchup.
Nothing against your parents, but you’ve grown up, and so should your burger. It can be tempting to order a greasy diner or drive-thru burger occasionally. But it’s time to up your game and try some better-for-you alternatives. According to SWNS Digital, the average American eats 5 burgers a month — about 60 a year — so you have plenty of chances to branch out.
Here are some tips to create a better burger:
- Look for ground beef that’s at least 90% lean. It’s lower in both total and saturated fat.
- Try a different meat, such as turkey or chicken, and look for breast meat.
- If you like to make your burgers with breadcrumbs, try an alternative like flaxseed or oats, which add fiber.
- Use a whole-wheat bun, which contains more fiber, instead of your run-of-the-mill hamburger bun.
- Top your burger with fruits and vegetables. Lettuce and tomato are typical toppings, but have you tried avocado slices or sauteed mushrooms and onions? What about pineapple or bell pepper slices? Be creative and see what happens.
Need inspiration? Check out our Better Choice burger recipes.