by Angela La Fon

Created on: June 30, 2007   Last Updated: September 02, 2009

Being on a low fat diet doesn't mean that a burger is forbidden. Whether you are trying to lose weight or lower your cholesterol and you're following a low fat diet plan, you can enjoy a burger if you avoid the fat trap pitfalls that often accompany burgers. The burger you choose, how you cook your burger, the bun, condiments and side dishes are all important in keeping a tasty burger as part of a low fat diet. Follow these tips and avoid these fattening mistakes to keep your burger on the low fat menu.

Choosing the Lean Ground Beef:

Choose burger from lean ground beef that has less than 10% fat content.

Cooking a Low Fat Burger:

After choosing a lean ground beef, the best way to further reduce fat is to grill burgers or use a George Foreman type grill that will remove grease. After cooking, place burgers on a plate lined with paper towels to eliminate even more grease.

Low Fat Burger Condiments:

Mayonnaise adds a whopping 12 grams of fat to your low fat burger. Instead opt for low fat mayo, mustards or ketchups, along with lettuce, tomato, onions or pickles.

Healthy Burger Side Kicks:

Skip the chips and say your good-byes to greasy fries.

Wanting to have something to munch and crunch along with our burgers is a habit but cut up carrot sticks, pepper strips, celery sticks or apple or pear slices instead. These munchers add fiber, water and nutrients. Chips and fries just add salt and fat.

At a cook out, potluck or buffet, enjoy your burger and skip the fattening sides like macaroni salad, macaroni and cheese or potato salad. Go for green or veggie salads or fruit salads instead.

Low Fat Burger Recipe: Grilled Burger with Red Onions

2 lbs. of lean ground beef

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons of sage

Salt and pepper

Red onion, sliced

Olive oil

Fold together ground beef and all ingredients (except onions and olive oil) and divide into 6-8 patties. Grill burgers 6 minutes on each side for medium or 7 minutes on each side for well done.

Slice red onion and brush with olive oil. Grill about 4 minutes on each side until browned. Serve burgers and red onion slices on a whole-wheat or Kaiser bun.

If you're on a low fat diet, you can have your burger and eat it to if you follow these simple tips.

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