Photo by Yuichi Sakuraba

Sure, burgers can be belt-bustingly bad but the truth is, they don’t have to be. For those of us in the US, Labor Day weekend is just hours away and many of us are finalizing our backyard barbecue plans. While celebrating the unofficial end-of-summer this weekend, try my top three burger hacks to keep yours healthier too!

1. Bring back the quarter-pounder. Instead of making monster 8-ounce burgers, cook up more modest 4-ounce patties and top with sliced avocado. By doing this you’ll replace saturated fat with healthier mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. Trust me, the burger flavor will still be there and you’ll feel just as satisfied.
2. When choosing buns, grab whole grain. Packing more fiber and vitamins than white bread, whole grain buns are the way to go. First look for packages that say 100% whole wheat or 100% whole grain. Then compare a couple of brands and choose the buns with the fewest calories and are the highest in fiber. To slash calories in half, put your burger between a 100% whole wheat english muffin instead.
3. Reconsider your condiments. We all know we can go wild with the veggie toppings but when it comes to those calorie-rich condiments, consider making a trade off. If you go for a slice of cheese, skip the mayonnaise. Give your burger a squirt of ketchup instead of slathering bbq sauce all over your bun. Mustard-lovers, feel free to treat yourself to a slice of bacon or dollop of Ranch, too.