Weekends always seem to bring about more relaxed eating, but relaxing doesn’t mean letting the whole healthy eating plan fall to pieces. Hamburgers are my first go-to for casual fare, but since our household tries to follow the Weight Watchers plan, one of those fast food wonders can pack  up to FORTY points. Come on, people. I only get 30 points a day.

But wait…there’s a way. It’s called the Turkey Burger. The best restaurant turkey burger I ever had was at the Yard House in Phoenix. Fabulous. Sort of like turkey meatloaf on a bun. I still drool thinking about it. Yummy, but probably not the healthiest burger. Why, because not all ground turkey is created equal. Never fear! You can make your own yummy burger.

Plan ahead for those weekend burger fests. Buy ground turkey that is labeled 93% lean. Check the nutritional labeling. No more than 7% fat. Look at the ingredients list. Make sure this is turkey, not a package of fillers and chemicals. Real turkey! Ready? Here we go!

Each Burger patty, with cheese, 6 PointsPlus

The Ultimate Turkey Burger
16 ounces ground turkey, 93% lean, uncooked
10 saltines (2 ounces), crushed
1 egg
1 Tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 Tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
4 slices (1 ounce each) light Swiss cheese 4 points

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except cheese, until well mixed (I put on surgical gloves so I don’t get stuff under my nails).

Divide mixture into 4 equal patties. Grill on a grill pan until each patty reaches 165°. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and heat until cheese melts.

Hint: Since patties will not shrink like beef patties, after browning patties on both sides, cover with foil to force heat into the patties. They will be thick.

Remove from pan. Serve on a light hamburger bun (like Village Hearth or Sara Lee) with lettuce, tomato, and pickle.

Only one of you at home? Freeze three burgers for future cravings!