How to make healthier burgers for Slimming World or weight loss
Burgers are a tasty comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. However, they are often loaded with unhealthy fats, excessive salt, and carbohydrates. Many people following a diet plan usually avoid eating them because they are unhealthy.
However, that needn’t be the case as you can make a healthy and tasty burger by preparing it at home. You may think that homemade burgers are plain and boring but that isn’t the case at all.
Choose Lean Protein
Opt for lean protein sources like minced turkey, chicken, or extra-lean beef (5% or less fat). These options provide essential nutrients and lower unhealthy saturated fats. A few options to try are:
- Turkey burgers
- Slimming World beef burgers
- Pork and herb burgers
For a tasty and healthy twist, you can also experiment with plant-based options like black beans, lentils, or quinoa.
A few alternative burgers we like are:
Use Wholegrain Buns
You might like a white bread bun, but by swapping them for wholegrain alternatives, you will add more fibre, vitamins, and minerals to your meal, aiding digestion and promoting better overall health.
Another alternative is to use large flat mushrooms instead of bread at all!
Add Some Vegetables
Enhance the nutritional value of your meal by adding a variety of fresh vegetables. Lettuce, tomatoes, sliced avocado, and onions will add extra fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants to your meal.
These colourful toppings will also improve the taste and boost your burger’s nutritional profile.
Change Up Your Condiments
Condiments such as mayonnaise and ketchup can contain unhealthy fats and added sugars. To add a twist to your dish why not opt for healthier alternatives like Greek yoghurt and hummus?
If these aren’t for you, you could make your own sauces using natural ingredients. This will control the amount of added sugar and unhealthy fats within the condiments.
Bake or Grill Instead of Frying
Avoid the excess oil and calories from frying by oven cooking or grilling your burgers. These cooking methods lock in the flavours while reducing unnecessary fats, making your burgers healthier and lighter.
Reduce Salt with Seasonings
Season your homemade burgers with herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. These will all enhance the taste of your meal but without relying on excess salt.
Change Your Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, opt for lower-fat options. Feta, goat cheese, or light cheddar will give you the same taste and texture as your regular cheese but with fewer calories and saturated fats.
For a cheese sauce, why not try Primula? It melts to make a lovely cheese sauce type topper for burgers!
Add Some Healthy Sides
Pair your burgers with a small portion of loaded fries or loaded wedges, baked sweet potato fries, a colourful mixed salad, or a bowl of fresh fruit. These options will add nutrients and vitamins to your meal.
Easy homemade burger recipe
Whilst this recipe is not entirely syn-free on Slimming World you can make it a syn-free burger if you use your healthy extra b choice as bread to make the breadcrumbs!
You’ll need 450g of minced beef (5% or less fat), 1/2 cup of mixed veggies (such as grated carrots, chopped onions, and minced garlic), 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, one egg, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything in a bowl until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the patties will be tough.
Next, shape the mixture into four equal patties. Press them down in the centre to create an indentation. This will prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking. You can use your hands or a burger press to achieve a uniform shape. Put the patties on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold together.
Brush the burgers with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side on a high heat under the grill, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
If you’re pan-frying, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the burgers and cook for the same amount of time, flipping once.
Making homemade burgers healthier is easier than you might think. You can create a delicious and nutritious option by being mindful of your ingredient choices and cooking methods.
By experimenting with various ingredients and making a few simple changes, you will be sure to enjoy a healthier version of your favourite comfort food.
Which are your favourites? Have you got any other ideas to make yours healthy? Let me know in the comments below.