Summertime is synonymous with backyard barbeque. We at SWW® strongly believe in making wellness a part of your lifestyle, and that includes summer socializing. We never want you to skip out on the fun, but we DO want you to make more healthy, conscious choices when it comes to your nutrition. We’ve broken down the perfect recipe to construct the perfect backyard burger so you can get in on the BBQ fun without overly indulging.
- Focus on quality ingredients: Good eating habits start at the grocery store. Taking a closer look at the labels while you shop can make all the difference. Choose organic, high-quality meats and vegetables. Opting for whole foods over processed, pre-packaged items will let you be in the driver’s seat of what you are putting into your body.
- Amp up the veggies: We know the typical burger is served with tomato and lettuce, but this is a great opportunity to get creative with toppings. A fresh vegetable slaw can add texture and vital nutrients to your meal. The more non-starchy vegetables you can add to your plate, the better.
- Don’t overcook your burgers: When it comes to preparing your patties, cooking style does matter. We know everyone has their preferences, which we respect, but ensure you don’t overcook and char your burger. A good rule of thumb is if the burger is charcoal black, skip it.
- Juicy over smashed: While smashburgers might be having their moment in the culinary spotlight, we prefer a juicy burger. When you smash your patty, all the juices run out and you are missing out on a lot of nutrients, and you’ll feel less full.
- Start with a salad: There are usually many opportunities to dip into the chip bowl at the start of a BBQ party, but we suggest pairing your burger with a salad to make your meal as nutrient-dense as possible.
- Don’t just grill meat: Since the coals are already hot, don’t be afraid to throw on some marinated, non-starchy vegetables on the grill! Not only will they taste great but they are a great alternative to the traditional starchy sides of a barbeque.
- Beware of your bun choice: Instead of your standard white flour burger bun, we recommend a lettuce wrap or a high-quality sourdough bread to sandwich your burger.
- Condiments matter: We know the sauce is what makes a burger truly sing. A lot of condiments are full of a lot of things we don’t want in your body so make sure to really read those bottle labels. We are big fans of Primal Kitchen for their focus on using clean ingredients.
