Healthy burgers

Whatever type of burger you make, before you fire up the grill, keep these tricks in mind to amp up the flavor and the benefits of your meal.

• Swap plain, protein-rich Greek yogurt or smashed avocado in place of mayo for a healthier spread.
• Use whole-wheat breadcrumbs instead of white, or try ground nuts (such as hazelnut or almond) for a healthier filler that’s also gluten-free.
• Add fresh herbs to your burger for a healthy, low-calorie flavor-booster.
• Sneak more veggie servings into your day by tossing chopped spinach or other leafy greens into the burger mixture, or add as a topping.
• Choose healthy spreads and condiments for your burger. Some of our favorites: mustard, homemade ketchup, or even homemade ranch.
• Go easy on the cheese. Skip the fat-free stuff, because “no fat” means it won’t melt easily. Instead, choose a small portion of your favorite kind, fat and all.