ButterBugers and More at Culver's, Minus the Guilt!

Self Magazine

by Sarah-Jane Bedwell

courtesy of Culver's
courtesy of Culver's

Culver's -- one of SELF's staffers guilty pleasures -- is known for their signature "ButterBurger," which is a 100 percent Midwest beef patty on a lightly buttered, toasted bun, and just as much so for their rich and creamy fresh frozen custard. Delicious? Yes. Healthy? Not so much. But, if you order smart -- and come equipped with my tips -- you can keep Culver's yummy food in your regular restaurant rotation. Check out some of these ideas so you can have your custard -- and eat it too!


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* ButterBurger "The Original" Single: If a visit to Culver's just isn't the same for you without one of their classic burgers, stick to the single-patty Original with pickles (And yes, even the butter!) on a Kaiser bun to stay under the 400-calorie mark. At 361 calories with 20 grams of protein, this filling burger is much lower in saturated fat than any of the other Culver burger choices. Need a side? Enjoy a side salad with raspberry vinaigrette for a dose of filling fiber and a mere 106 calories.

* Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken: This salad boasts 12 varieties of mixed greens, plus hand-sliced cucumbers, grape tomatoes, shredded Wisconsin cheddar and zesty croutons. Topped off with tender grilled chicken, not only is this salad delicious and filling, but it also carries Culver's "Mindful Choice" menu icon. A salad without dressing has just 321 calories (you can add raspberry vinaigrette for just 45 additional calories) and packs nearly 40 grams of protein while staying under 12 grams of fat. You'll still be able to enjoy a "Mindful Choice" side, too, like the Tomato Florentine Soup, which clocks in at just 110 calories.

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* Beef Pot Roast Sandwich: Also one of Culver's "Mindful Choice" menu items, this sammie is full of flavor from the premium chuck roast, which is slow-braised in a classic blend of herbs and spices. It's hand-shredded in the restaurant so it's always perfectly tender and moist and hard to believe that it comes in at just under 400 calories. Add a regular side order of mashed potatoes (sans gravy) for a comforting meal that clocks in at about 500 calories total.

* Vanilla or Chocolate Custard Cup: Want to end your meal on a sweet note? Culver's fresh frozen custard is sooooo good on its own -- there is no reason to add calorie-loaded toppings. Instead stick to one scoop of either vanilla or chocolate custard in a cup to satisfy your sweet tooth for less than 300 calories.

What do you like to order at Culver's? Tweet us @SELFmagazine and @sarahjaneRD with your menu!

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