If you know me at all, you know that I love a good burger. I feel like eating burgers all year long, but in the summertime the opportunities abound with backyard barbecues happening weekly.

Even loving meat as we do, sometimes Dave and I have chosen to go meatless during the summer. The produce is so abundant and we can explore some alternatives to the all-meat-all-the-time rut that sometimes traps us. Even substituting meat for an alternative protein a couple times a week can be a good idea to reduce fat intake, cut calories, and boost nutrition.
In what sometimes feels like a former life–but was actually only about three years ago–I worked in Diabetes Education. I gave specialized nutrition counseling to my patients, evaluating their diets and suggesting small, sustainable changes. My work allowed my love affair with food to flourish, but also taught me a lot about the ins and outs of a healthy, whole diet. For example, complete proteins are made up of specific amino acids that necessary by the body, but can’t be created on its own and must be consumed. Meats typically contain some of these amino acids, and some veggies and grains do in varying amounts, too. Choosing occasional meatless alternatives for burgers can take a little guesswork to get a nutritious meal. And if you’re looking for burger alternatives, you’re probably hoping for some good nutrition, right?A couple years ago during one of our vegetarian summers, I shared these recipes for three really delicious alternatives to burgers. I’d like to add a more simple option to the list today with these new Boca Essentials. They were created to take some of the guesswork (and preparation) out of getting complete proteins in a meat replacement by  including all nine essential amino acids in each serving.

The recipe is really simple. Take the BocaEssential out of the box, finish cooking it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove top, then make it into your favorite burger and eat! Doesn’t get much easier than that.  (Unless you’re one of my children, then all you need is a Boca cut up on a plate, and a little dipping ketchup for the boys, and you’ll be happy.)There are three different varieties of BocaEssentials available in the freezer section of most major grocers, including a breakfast scramble that I’m tempted to just cut up and toss into a tortilla for the world’s simplest breakfast taco. Oh wait, I already did and it was awesome.

I’m totally a burger girl, but I’m also a burger alternative fan. If you’d like to switch up your burger routine this summer or anytime, I’ve got you covered with now four fantastic options. Let me know if you try any of them and what you think!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.