How To Prepare Burgers That Are Good For You
The best burgers are usually the ones loaded with cheese, mayo, chili, and all that good stuff. No wonder it’s one the world’s go-to comfort food. A good-sized burger with scrumptious patty and hefty side dishes are enough to make someone’s day better. No questions about that.
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However, it is packed with calories. Everything good in your burger might contribute to being overweight or even obese. Also, too many fries alongside the burger are a recipe for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular-related diseases. Well, don’t let this be Betty Buzzkill. You can still enjoy burgers. It is possible to have burgers sans the guilt.
Firstly, is ground beef even good for you?
Yes! The notorious ground beef used for burgers is good for you. According to Health Line, red meat (where ground beef belongs) usually has a calorie count of 176. It is also packed with 20 grams of protein. This is vital especially for those who are building bigger and better muscle mass.
As the list continues, red meat has creatine and carnosine. These nutrients are essential contributors to better brain and muscle functions. Having good amounts of red meat significantly increases mental awareness and better memory absorption.
Well, red meat is good for the heart. It has Omega and fatty acid CLA. Believe it or not, the fatty acid CLA is even used in weight loss supplements. Now, that’s even better news!
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So what makes burgers bad for your health?
Burgers get their bad reputation because of these factors:
Choice of meat
Anything that went through food processing, where chemicals and other preservatives/additives are added make the meat bad for you. These added preservatives are meant to keep the meat’s shelf life longer. However, ingesting them may be unhealthy. Some people even feel its effects immediately. They feel nauseous or lightheaded.
Cooking method
Frying the burger patty is bad. This is common knowledge. Beef, when subjected to heat releases its fat. Adding more fat makes it a recipe for some serious cardiovascular issues. This is especially true when consumed in large amounts.
Preparation
Added ingredients like mayonnaise, cheese, ketchup, mustard add up to the calorie count. For some, dairy products may trigger allergic reactions or upset stomachs. Not only does it become highly fattening, but it’s also not good for those who are lactose intolerant.
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It’s NOT the end of the world! You can still have burgers!
No one can make people stop having burgers. This is quite impossible. Burgers can be healthy. You just need to make a few adjustments.
Use organic/unprocessed meat
The good ground beef usually comes from grass-fed animals. You may also use freshly ground beef. This is usually the beef ground before your very eyes when you visit your favorite meat shop. The butcher should know the healthier ground beef choice. Make sure to cook it that same day to also avoid spoilage. The fresher the meat, the better. Also, a healthy burger uses lean meat.
Try other alternatives
Definitely, nothing replaces ground beef. However, there are also healthier alternatives. Ground turkey or chicken has less fat content. Even better, why not use the beefy and healthy Portobello mushroom as a patty substitute. You might not even notice.
Grill and then some
Grilling is still unhealthy if the unwanted extra fat still clings on to the meat. The important thing is to get rid of the excess grease. Case in point, make sure the excess fat stays away from the meat. If the excess fat drips on to the flame or the sides of your grill pan, that is a good sign. To take it a notch higher, pat the cooked patty with a paper towel until the grease is gone.
Yes, bring on all that good stuff BUT…
In moderation! It’s true what they say, “too much of a good thing is bad for you.” Practice moderation. Instead of slathering it with thick layers of mayo, just have a thin layer. That thin layer of mayo still gives flavor without the added calorie. The same goes for the ketchup, mustard, and others. Also, load your burger up with veggies. Add lots of fresh lettuce and tomatoes!
Time to enjoy the best healthy burger!
With a few adjustments, you are now able to have a healthier and guilt-free burger. It’s a fact that burgers are here to stay. Burgers will remain one of the best comfort foods. Now, the best burgers in Melbourne and practically all over the world can be healthy too.
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