Healthier Burger Recipes for July 4th Cookouts

Brandi Koskie - DietsInReview.com

This week we want you to celebrate your independence from fat, calories and all that other junk our bodies just do not need! Celebrate your freedom to choose delicious, satisfying foods that don't wreck your diet or health, but rather support it. And, embrace your right as an American to fire up a grill on the 4th and enjoy the tempting burgers that rise from its flames.

It's tradition in nearly every American backyard to cookout for July 4th. It's also tradition to serve a mess of calorie- and fat-laden recipes that leave you feeling no where near as hot as all those fireworks.

We hope you'll enjoy these mouth-watering recipes for a variety of burgers that you can savor during the holiday cookouts - and not worry about jeopardizing all your hard work!

Southwest Hamburger

Spice things up with these well-seasoned lean burgers. Serve on a whole wheat bun or wrap in lettuce for a unique and healthy twist.

Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
2 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste
romaine lettuce or fresh spinach leaves
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat sour cream
2 Tbsp. salsa

Instructions

1. Combine spices and vinegar with the ground beef
2. Form two patties and grill until cooked to preferred stage
3. Serve with lettuce, sour cream and salsa (serve on a whole grain bun if desired)

Actually Delicious Turkey Burgers

If you've never had a turkey burger before, or have yet to be satisfied, this is the one that will turn things around for you. With a familiar texture and delicious seasoning, it earned its name for a reason.

Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients

3 lbs. ground turkey
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, onion, egg whites, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into 12 patties
3. Cook the patties on the grill, or in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F.
4. Serve on a whole wheat bun with desired vegetables.

Barack Obama Pizza Burger
If you can't celebrate Independence Day with the president, eat a burger in his name. While this burger is piled high with all the flavors of a Chicago pizzeria, DietsInReview.com shows you several ways to trim the fat.

Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger
This burger is bursting with surprising flavors like granny smith apples, lemon and chipotle spice. Plus, it's a favorite of Oprah's from Donald Trump's resort of the same name.

Beef Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
Chef Rocco showed the Biggest Losers how to have a classic burger and fries meal with more nutritious alternatives. You'll appreciate the extra time and effort when you taste these explosive burgers.

Grilled Salmon Burger
Go for a serious change and trade your beef for fish. This Asian-influenced salmon burger comes from the health gurus at Biggest Loser.

Italian Turkey Burgers
If you're following Weight Watchers, then this burger is just for you. Celebrate the melting pot of cultures and flavor that is America with this delightfully lean and fresh recipe.


See more healthy burger recipes to complement your diet at DietsInReview.com.

If you go overboard this holiday, do not stress and think you've thrown it all away. Simply employ our 5 tips to recover your diet.


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