Dear Clients and Friends-

Happy Independence Day!  It's a perfect time to relax and enjoy summer with family and friends and maybe a BBQ or two.

We love a good burger as much as anyone!  A grass-fed beef burger is a totally acceptable indulgence from time to time, but there are plenty of options beyond your basic burger, that are just as satisfying, if not more so. Alternative proteins like ground chicken, turkey and even salmon can make for delicious options with more nutrition and fantastic taste.

If you do choose to have a beef burger, a good option is to make it bunless, and choose a lettuce wrap, or grilled portobello caps as a "bun".  Always use grass-fed and grass-finished organic beef whenever possible. We like Butcher Box for clean and reasonably priced meat options.

Why Grass-Fed Beef?

• Lower total fat content
• Higher in Omega-3 fatty acids
• Higher in linolenic acid
• More antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E

Read on for some of our favorite burger ideas-

Cilantro Turkey Burgers from The Whole Cook- These are a perpetual favorite. We love to hide chopped spinach in these as well for a little extra nutrition that you can't even taste! On plan in all phases.

Make-Ahead Jalapeño Chicken Burgers- These are perfect to prep a day in advance! A little heat makes these interesting and flavorful. On plan in all phases.

Apple-Dijon Beef Burger- Works with ground chicken or Turkey just as well! On plan with turkey or chicken in all phases or with beef in ADAPT and LIVE.

Ultimate Bunless Burger with Crave-Worthy Sauce- This sauce is a great indulgence for the Fourth of July! Just limit to 1 tbsp and only as a treat. For paleo mayo we like Primal Kitchen brand. Sauce is on plan in LIVE or as a treat for the holiday.

Salmon Patties- Don't eat meat? Down by the shore with fresh seafood? This is a great salmon burger option. Reduce olive oil to 3 tbsp and use 1 tbsp paleo mayo in the mixture. Make sure you get wild-caught salmon, not farmed (farmed has about twice the calories, 3 times the fat content, and a 1/3 of the calcium and iron).  Skip the mayo sauce- it doesn't need it! On plan on all phases if the mayo sauce is omitted.

 Paleo Veggie Mushroom Burger- This sweet potato and mushroom-packed veggie burger is a good option for our vegetarian clients!  Most commercial veggie burgers are loaded with soy, rice flour, or additives.  This is a much cleaner (and more delicious!) option. On plan for ADAPT and LIVE or for Vegetarian clients.

Chipotle Ranch Chicken Burgers on a Sweet Potato "bun" from Paleo Running Momma.   Limit the sauce to special occasions or in LIVE. Sweet potato approved as a treat or on plan in ADAPT

Paleo Greek Turkey Burger with Mint Avocado Sauce- Talk about creative!  Skip the white sauce and make the burger and Mint avocado sauce. On plan in all phases, limit avocado sauce to 2 tbsp.

Some of our Favorite Burger Toppings-

• Guacamole or Fresh Avocado
• Lettuce, Tomato, Dill Pickles, 
• Primal Kitchen Paleo Ketchup or Mayonnaise
• Dijon, brown or spicy mustard
• Turkey bacon (in ADAPT and LIVE)
• Paleo "Special Sauce" as a treat or in LIVE