The hamburger has gained so much popularity that it has actually earned its own annual holiday – May is “National Hamburger Month.” With an estimated 14 billion hamburgers eaten annually in the U.S. alone (roughly 45 burgers a person each year), the burger has become one of the most celebrated American foods to date.
Hamburgers are not only an American favorite, but beef is also a nutrient-dense food. With just 10 percent of the daily recommended calories, a 3-ounce serving of beef provides 42 percent of the daily recommendation for protein, 40 percent of B-12, 35 percent of zinc, 25 percent of selenium and 13 percent of iron.
While it may be hard to believe, hamburgers by themselves can be a good addition to a diet (just don’t overdo it like our friend in the picture). Much of the trouble with hamburgers comes from the toppings, buns and condiments that come with the traditional burger. Typical calorie counts range from just 140 calories for a tiny White Castle slider, to more than 1,500 in a Carl’s Double Six Dollar Burger. That’s an entire day’s worth of calories, just in one meal! Instead of piling on the cheese, bacon, and sauces, or driving through your local fast food establishment, celebrate National Hamburger Month with these tasty recipes: