Here’s how to lower the energy content of a burger and make it more digestible, for a lighter meal without frustration.
With its brioche bread, cheese, sauce and fries, the burger is a meal high in calories, carbohydrates and fats. This does not mean that it should be demonized and banned from your diet (even if you want to lose weight) because remember: it’s all about balance. A burger and fries a few times a month, combined with a balanced diet, will not make you gain weight, so no deprivation!
If you are used to making homemade burgers, know that there are also tips to reduce its calorie intake, make it more digestible and less rich in fat. Discover how to easily transform your favorite burger into a healthy and balanced meal, without any frustration.
Opt for a lighter accompaniment
Composed of bread, meat, vegetables and cheese, the burger is not an unbalanced dish in itself. From a nutritional point of view, it contains the main nutrients to compose a balanced plate: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. On the other hand, it is often its accompaniment that increases the energy intake: fries, sauces, cheddar cheese or even potatoes… To make your burger healthier, favor lighter accompaniments, such as a green salad, pan-fried vegetables or even raw vegetables. This will add an extra dose of fiber to your meal and make it easier to digest the meal. Result: you will be less bloated after eating your burger.
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Replace the bread with a vegetable
The bread that makes up the burger is the main source of carbohydrates and bad fats, especially if it is brioche bread or industrial bread. To lower the energy value of your burger, replace the bun with lettuce leaves or tomato slices. It does not fundamentally change the taste of the burger (which is really based on the quality of the meat, the sauce and the vegetables) and even brings a touch of freshness to your meal.
Skip the ultra-sweet dessert
A high intake of fats and sugars in the same meal causes the spike in blood sugar and therefore the storage of fat to skyrocket. After eating a burger, avoid heading for an ultra-sweet dessert and favor lighter options: yogurts, fruit salad, compote… Another option: finish the meal with a herbal tea with honey or cinnamon to improve the digestion and finish the meal on a sweet note.