How to Make (Healthy!) Burgers Without a Grill

I love summer barbecues, but because I live in New York City, grilling isn’t usually an option. Enter oven-cooked burgers. Like many living in a big city, I don’t have access to a grill, and a George Foreman takes up too much countertop or cabinet space (and is so far from the real thing anyway!). But the truth is, there are many reasons why it’s not just okay, but even better to skip the grill and use your oven to make delicious burgers. (You know, the crave-worthy juicy, grass-fed kind from your annual family barbecue.) RELATED: The Essential Healthy Cookout Menu Why Oven-Cooked Burgers Work First of all, when you grill meat, you have to worry about creating carcinogenic compounds. Yes, those burnt ends and charred lines on a lean steak are tasty, but unfortunately those parts of the cooked meat are not good for your health in the long run. RELATED: Does Grilling Make Food Carcinogenic? The oven (and stove top) is also more convenient. Working in the kitchen means you have everything at your fingertips—your pots, pans, utensils, spices, and every ingredient in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. There’s no shuffling back and forth, and there’s less of a chance you forget to check on the food outside and end up with burgers that resemble hockey pucks. (We’ve all been there!) The oven is also there for you in every season, rain or shine, and doesn’t come with extra expenses like propane. It generally involves less mess, and easier clean up, too. Win-Win! Ready to enjoy some of your favorite grill recipes without leaving the kitchen? Make my delicious Organic Chicken Mushroom Burgers, now!

In the Kitchen with Keri: Grilled Veggie Breakfast Scramble

We share heaps of healthy information on Nutritious Life’s blog every day, but “In the Kitchen with Keri” is your chance to spend some quality time with the wonder woman behind it all, Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN. It’s where she invites you into her space to share the ingredients she’s currently obsessed with, recipes she can’t get enough of, and other tips and tricks learned over many years of life as an always-ahead-of-the-curve nutritionist and wellness expert. You already know I am breakfast’s biggest fan. There are so many reasons to prioritize eating a healthy morning meal. By having a well-balanced mix of protein, healthy fat, and fiber, you’re setting yourself up for a better day by laying a good foundation of nutrients. Plus, this will help you be less likely to overeat and more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.  In the summer months we grill a lot and almost always have leftovers. So, the next morning, I like to take the remaining grilled veggies and whip up a fun scramble. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, that’s why egg-dishes are my go-to. Try this recipe after your next backyard bbq and I promise you won’t be disappointed.