Burger Makeover

How many times have you heard that burgers “aren’t healthy”?

Probably a handful of times. Well, we’re here to tell you that ground beef and burgers play a role in a healthy diet and lifestyle! It isn’t the beef patty that’s the problem-it’s how you build your burger and what you choose to eat/drink on the side. Beef needs better friends!

After all, eating healthy is all about choosing foods with less saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. Lean ground beef is high in essential micronutrients like Iron, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B12 and low in calories, total fat and cholesterol. To learn more on how beef fits in a healthy diet, click here.

Do a happy dance and keep enjoying your favorite burgers with these easy makeover tips!

Trade white buns for whole wheat.

Oh, white buns. They’re the classic staple most people think of when burgers are involved. White buns are normally made with white flour, which is a refined grain. According to the USDA, at least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.

It’s as simple as choosing whole wheat buns in the store or asking for them at restaurants!

Toss the fries.

We know, this is a tough one. But replacing fries with fruit, a salad or even veggie kabobs cuts down on extra calories and saturated fat.

Drink more water.

Your mother has probably been lecturing you on this since day one. Less soda and more water or unsweetened tea will always be a healthier option. Better hydration, less added sugars and artificial ingredients, etc.

Summer is upon us, and choosing water over other drinks throughout the day can help prevent chronic dehydration!

Pile it high with nutrient-rich vegetables & toppings.

Beef is a great vehicle for eating more vegetables. Top your burger with romaine, red leaf lettuce, spinach, or any other nutrient-dense salad greens. Add fresh tomatoes, onions, avocado-think the rainbow! Different colors provide different nutrients.

Adding cheese is almost always a must, so try choosing fat-free or low-fat when possible.

Lean Matters

When shopping for ground beef, try choosing at least 93% lean. Lean beef has less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less in saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3.5 oz! To learn more about lean beef, click here.

Give these tips a try with our Lone Star Beef & Veggie Burger recipe below!