There’s nothing quite like biting into a big, juicy burger. For some, burgers bring back memories of mom’s cooking on big holidays. For others, burgers are comfort food you grab when you’re feeling sad or lonely. For still others, burgers offer a simple way to throw back a lot of protein, without the hassle of figuring out complementary vegetables or grains.

Burgers can also be problematic for diabetes patients, between sugar-and-carbohydrate-laden buns and a plethora of condiments. While you can certainly enjoy your favorite burger every now and then, there are a few alternatives you can add to your repertoire to keep burgers on the menu, and keep your body strong and healthy.

4 Burger Alternatives

#1. Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers may be superior to the traditional beef patty, in that turkey is a much leaner meat. Because fatty meats have been linked to higher risk of heart disease and high cholesterol, people with diabetes should avoid fatty meats whenever possible. Ground chicken can also work well to avoid excess fat.

Both ground turkey and ground chicken are easy to find, season, and prepare, making them a great alternative to your traditional sandwich.

#2. Burgers Wrapped in Greens

If your burger meat is already lean, but you’re still hesitant to consume a high-carb meal, swap out your bun for some greens. Cabbage is the most common replacement due to its sturdy leaves, but collard and chard are also great options that have a thick, sturdy leaf that can wrap around and hold a burger and its ingredients.

#3. Vegetable Burger Patty

If carbohydrates aren’t your concern, and meat is more a source of worry, take out the patty altogether and use a vegetable patty. Vegetable patties come in all shapes and sizes. Using a single, large mushroom can be a great swap for ground beef, or a patty made with compressed beans or lentils.

If you are not familiar or comfortable enough to make your own veggie patty, many health food sections of stores contain ready-made patties. These can get you in trouble with hidden ingredients, so opt for brands that use fresh, whole ingredients and few added fats or preservatives.

#4. Simple Sliders

For the easiest alternative to a standard burger, simply cut down on size. Instead of a palm-sized, meaty monstrosity, create small patties and small buns, and stick to a single slider and more healthy sides. That way, you get your burger fix without the addition of a ton of carbs and fats.