It is that time of year where it doesn't matter where you turn, you can smell the sweet aroma of someone barbecuing. Many of us can't wait to get home from a long day's work and fire up the grill. But did you know that 4 oz. of regular ground beef can have as much as 30% fat in it? Lean or extra lean beef is the way to go. To prevent your beach body from disappearing, try these tips to make leaner and yet still delicious burgers. 

1. Add moistening ingredients.   Many complain that lean meats can be dry but if you add moisteners, you will be sure to have a tasty and juicy burger. Try adding tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded carrots. This will add moisture the beef without adding fat. 
2. Add seasonings or herbs. Try adding cumin, or minced garlic or jalapeño (if you like it spicy) to your meat. This adds flavour without adding fat. 
3. Don't over mix. Dry burgers often result because the meat was over mixed. Turn over the beef a few times to mix the seasonings and moisteners and that's it. 
4. Don't press them.  By pressing burgers, you squeeze out any of the juices that contain flavour which not only make a dry burger but also a flavourless one. Just pat them with your hands and throw them on the grill. 
5. Use healthy toppings. Instead of using high fat cheeses or processed sauces, try using salsa, crisp veggies or low fat sour cream or mayo. Honey mustard or grilled pineapple are also delicious. 

I love Pitas! They are healthy, affordable, and extremely versatile. They are a great staple in a frugal yet healthy diet, especially if you buy whole wheat. Not sure why I love them? Well here are 5 different ways you can make pitas into "good eats."


Pita Chips: Slice each pita into wedges, like you would a pizza. Lay the wedges on a baking sheet and make sure they don't touch each other. Brush the top of each wedge with a little olive oil. Then add whatever seasonings you want. Salt and pepper are popular but you can also use chili powder, oregano, or even curry powder. The great thing is because they are homemade you can make them over and over again, each time trying a different spice. Then bake the chips in an oven at 450F for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown. 


Pita Pockets: These are a great alternative to sandwiches for your lunch. Cut a pita in half down the centre. Then pull apart both sides of each half. Then stuff it with whatever you want: meat, veggies, hummus, etc. You  can eat it cold or warm in the microwave or oven for a more toasted treat. Once again, you can mix up the stuffing every time you make one. This is also a very quick meal when you are in a hurry.


Pita Pizzas: This is great for using up some left over sandwich meat and spaghetti sauce. A pita can be used like a pizza shell without all of the bulk. Take a pita and spread on tomato sauce or any other sauce you like. Alfredo is quite yummy I must say. Then add whatever other toppings you would like including cheese. Bake the pita in an oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes, until the toppings are cooked. Viola, you have a delicious pizza ready to eat. 


Pitas as a Spoon: Pitas are great for dipping. You can enjoy your favourite dips with pieces of fresh pita bread: tzatziki, hummus, yogurt, etc.


Pitas as a Bun: Pitas can also replace the place of a bun in many summer fun meals: hot dogs, hamburgers, sloppy joes, and even gyros. 


As you can see, your imagination can run wild when you have pita bread in your kitchen. You too can become a fan of the pita!


What kind of other ways do you think a pita can be used? Any recipes to share?


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