The One Ingredient Everyone's Adding to Their Burgers
Think you can't have a healthy burger? Think again! In fact, there are a variety of healthy burgers you can enjoy that still taste like the real deal if prepared correctly at home. And while adding slices of cheese to sizzling burgers on the grill is usually a go-to for your backyard barbecue, there's actually another type of creamy topping you should consider that makes your burger even healthier with every bite. What's that ingredient? Guacamole!
Here's why you should consider spreading a tablespoon (or two!) of guacamole onto your burger the next time you're grilling up patties for dinner. And for even more healthy meal ideas, be sure to check out our list of the 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make.
Guacamole adds healthy fat.
First, let's look at the incredible health benefits of topping your burger patty with guacamole. Avocados—the main ingredient in guacamole—is full of healthy fat known as monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat is a good, healthy fat for your body that helps lower the "bad" LDL cholesterol in your body, increases the "good" HDL cholesterol, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. While avocados do have some saturated fat in it, it's still significantly less compared to the usual cheddar cheese slice you add to your burger. By topping your patty with guacamole, you still get that fatty effect without all of the extra saturated fat content.
Plus, along with those monounsaturated fats, avocados are stuffed with five essential nutrients and nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals. Here's why avocados are considered The One Food To Eat To Feel Full, According to a Dietitian.
Guacamole is high in fiber.
One of the main essential nutrients avocados can provide includes a boost in fiber, which is something your burger is likely lacking already (unless you're eating a black bean burger, of course). Fiber is an important nutrient to have in your diet because it not only keeps you feeling full, but it also helps with weight loss and your overall digestive health.
However, while fiber is such an important nutrient for one's diet, the typical American diet doesn't get enough of it. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day, but on average most Americans only get around 10 or 15.
A slice of cheese on top of your burger won't give you any extra fiber, but that guacamole can. Depending on the type of guacamole you buy (or make), you'll likely get around a gram of fiber with each tablespoon of guacamole you consume. Plus, if you enjoy your burger on a whole grain bun, you're getting around 4 to 6 grams of fiber from your burger already. That's a lot better than zero!
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Guacamole gives your burger effortless flavor.
Between the creamy avocado, the lime juice, the cilantro, the onion, the garlic, and maybe even a spicy pepper, there's a lot of added flavor going into your burger with a scoop or two of some guacamole. Not only does guacamole make for a nutritious topping, but it also boosts the flavor of your burger when you're getting a little sick of a simple patty with cheese.
Here are the 20 Best-Ever Guacamole Recipes.
Make your burger "California" style.
Although guacamole is a popular topping for Mexican-style meals, most food bloggers are creating "California" burgers with this popular burger topping. And by the looks of it, these burgers are incredibly healthy!
To make your own, grab a whole grain bun or even a whole-wheat English muffin to start. Layer the bottom of your bun with a slice of lettuce, then place your burger patty on top of it. You can do a regular ol' ground beef patty, but a vegetarian-style black bean burger or even a turkey burger will also suffice. Top your burger with two tablespoons of guacamole, sprinkle on some red onion and some alfalfa sprouts, and voila! A healthy, delicious California-style burger to enjoy on the back porch.
Don't like guacamole? Try sliced avocado.
If guacamole isn't your thing, you can easily enjoy the health benefits of it without all of the flavorful add-ins by simply slicing up an avocado. Technically a third of an avocado is considered the proper portion size in one sitting, which equates to 80 calories. However, slicing up a third of an avocado isn't exactly easy to do, so if you decide to simply enjoy half of that avocado, we clearly won't judge. Here are 8 Amazing Side Effects Of Eating Avocados Every Day.
