The Veggie Burger Dilemma!

Consistently, statistics say that going even semi- vegetarian saves fat and calories and helps you lose weight. If you are trying to cut back or if you just like eating meat-free, veggie burgers are a great option. Commercially available nowadays, there are the good, bad and the ugly. The best ones are usually those you cook yourself but there are good options if you're eating out. Here are some things to consider from a vegetarian with years of experience!

• You can buy great types of veggie burgers in your grocer's freezer. Three of the most common brands are Boca, Morningstar Farms, Gardenburger and Amy's. Availability varies by area, but since there in the South, surely this is a widespread trend that won't soon leave. These patties are made of just a few types of ingredients: vegetables of course, soy and vegetable protein, black beans and/or binders such as egg or gluten. Boca has a good "Griller" variety, Amy's has a "Texas Burger" which has a hint of barbecue, and Morningstar Farms Bruschetta patties make an awesome pizza burger. You should always read the labels, naturally, for any ingredient allergies you or your family may have. The secret, I believe to making them at home is two parts: how you cook it and how you serve it. If you microwave according to the package directions, you can then sear it in a frying pan with olive oil and seasonings for a lot of extra flavor. Next, when you serve your veggie burgers, think details: kosher dill pickles, onions, avocado, mayo, mustard, mushrooms, cheese- whatever you like, have it on hand to throw on your burger. If you like bleu cheese burgers, make your own at home with veggie patties!
• Eating veggie burgers out can be tricky, frankly. The two most common spots you can get veggie burgers is Burger King (the BK veggie sandwich is actually a Gardenburger pattie) and Chili's (vegetarian black bean burger). Often I peruse the regular burger list, find what I like and substitute the black bean pattie. Honestly, it's not a good idea to eat too many BK veggie sandwiches. With mayo, they're 420 calories each; without, they're 360 calories. The black bean burger isn't something you want to eat all the time either (I alternate these and fish dishes when I eat there) because it is 650 calories, rivaling a regular burger. It is big enough to split if you have a friend to share. The best veggie burger I ever had was at Cheeseburger at the Oasis in the Desert Passage shopping center inside Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. It had everything I wanted on it and was served with the best fries, cooked in trans-fat free oil. Apparently they're tearing the Desert Passage down to build something new but if you ever encounter this magical place (most likely on the west coast), don't hesitate to order vegetarian! You'll know you're in the right place because they wait staff wears buttons that say "Shut up and eat your burger"; I got one as a souvenir!

Just like with everything else in life, veggie burgers are best when made with love, by you or someone you love to cook with as well as enjoying the finished product. Watch for our post on making your own black bean burgers!

"One can measure the greatness and moral progress of a nation by looking at how it treats it's animals." -Mahatama Gandi