Are you trying to eat healthier but still craving the taste of a burger? Most people don't think of burgers as health food, but by making a few simple substitutions and using a little creativity you can turn an ordinary burger into healthy and satisfying meal. Here are some ways to make a healthier burger that you can enjoy without even a twinge of guilt.
Make a healthier burger: Rethink the bun

Most people eat their burger on a bun made of processed white flour. A quick way to add more heart healthy fiber to your diet is to substitute the regular bun with a healthier whole grain bun. With all of the condiments you'll be adding, you won't even notice the taste difference. Be sure to select a bun that lists “whole grain” as one of the first ingredients and make sure that it has a high fiber content. This is a quick and easy way to add more fiber to your diet.

Make a healthier burger: Ditch the mayonnaise

A single tablespoon of mayonnaise has 57 calories and most people use more than a tablespoon on their burger. Those spoonfuls can really add up in terms of fat and calories. Why not substitute Dijon mustard or hummus instead? By doing this, you'll significantly reduce the calorie content and you can still enjoy a tasty burger. Another option is to spread your hamburger bun with fat free French onion dip that you buy already prepared from the grocery store or buy some fat free cream cheese or yogurt and add your own spices.

Make a healthier burger: Load up on veggies

Instead of settling for a single slice of lettuce on your burger, load the bun full of veggies. Some veggie options include sprouts of all types, sliced tomatoes, fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, onion, and coleslaw. Try roasting or grilling fresh squash, zucchini, red peppers, or eggplant to add to your burger. Looking for something different? Grill fresh mango, papaya, or pineapple for a tasty and healthy variation. Experiment with a variety of fruits until you come up with the perfect taste combination. Don't forget about spooning on some fresh salsa. Imagine all of the extra fiber and antioxidants you'll be getting.

Make a healthier burger: Rethink the burger

Who says a burger has to be made of red meat? Explore the world of vegetarian burgers for a change. You can buy them pre-made in the frozen food section or make your own by using beans or lentils. Grill them on a hot grill and you'll get that meaty taste without the calories or fat.

Make a healthier burger: Add healthy spices

Another way to get more antioxidants to your diet is to sprinkle your burger with fresh herbs and spices. Try adding a little fresh cilantro, basil, or oregano to the bun or throw on some hot chili peppers to give extra flavor. Sprinkle on dried paprika, dill, or cumin for even more nutritional punch. Experiment and create your own unique spice combinations.

As you can see it's no difficult to create a healthier burger with a little experimentation and an open mind. Why not create your own burger masterpiece?