It’s National Hamburger Month, so fire up the grill. It’s time to get meating.

But, I’m not talking about chomping down, Paris Hilton-style, on a Six Dollar Burger. That thing has a whopping 1,000 calories and 62 grams of fat! I’m talking about enjoying a more nutritious burger.

So, what’s the trick to making yummy, more healthful, burgers? My sources say you will be just fine if you avoid overeating and make sure you:

– purchase lean ground beef;
– keep ‘em out of the lard (think extra-virgin olive oil, if you must fry);
– stick to smaller portions (As Hungry Girl says, “No sandwich needs 7 oz. of beef, people.”);
– and grill them when you can.

Still perplexed? Here’s how Weight Watchers does its burgers, and here’s a good meatless burger that just might fool your meat-licking tongue.

And, if all else fails, head over to my neck of the woods and order up a Factory Burger at the Cheesecake Factory. They’re one of my favorite indulgences with 737 calories and 16 grams of fat — which is actually a more healthful option than Paris Hilton’s burger, but not as hot health-wise as a meatless Boca Burger.

I assume it is OK to have one from time to time as long as I eat celery for breakfast (Gwyneth-style).

Take that, Paris!