Did you know that The Biggest Loser Diet is one of the top-rated diets for people living with diabetes?

According to U.S. News and World Reports, The
Biggest Loser Diet ranked #2 in the Best Diabetes Diets category (out of 38 diets evaluated for preventing and managing diabetes). It was tied with the DASH Diet, which the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute helped develop.

For the past decade, Jennie-O has partnered with The Biggest Loser in helping contestants make the switch to healthier diets and lifestyles.

If you’re a fan of The Biggest Loser show, then you may have recently watched host Bob Harper teach contestants how to make Turkey Bacon Burgers using Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey and Turkey Bacon.

Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast is 99% fat-free, gluten-free, and all natural. Each serving contains 120 calories, 1.5g fat, 26g protein, and zero carbs. You can find Jennie-O in stores nationwide (find stores here).

The contestants loved their Turkey Bacon Burgers and now we’re sharing the recipe below for you to try — along with a few other unique, “Biggest Loser Approved” turkey burger recipes.

With as few as 6 grams of carbs, 60 mg sodium and 2.5 grams of fat per serving, any of these burgers can be a part of a healthy diet.

Turkey Bacon Burgers

Turkey Bacon Burger recipe photo from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine diabetic recipes archive.

This recipe was crafted in collaboration with Bob Harper, the new host of The Biggest Loser.

Makes 10 servings
Prep Time Under 15 minutes
View: Turkey Bacon Burgers

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 lettuce leaves
  • 10 tomato slices
  • 20 sweet onion slices
  • avocado slices, if desired
  • pickled jalapeno slices, if desired
  • mustard, if desired

Directions

  1. In large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey,onion, garlic and pepper*. Form into 10 patties. Ideally, make this mixture at least 8 hours before cooking so that the turkey can marinate with the other ingredients. Freeze any extra formed patties to thaw later.
  2. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Grill turkey burgers approximately 14 to 16 minutes. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
  3. Layer lettuce, tomato, turkey burger and onion. Top with avocado, pickled jalapeno and mustard, if desired.
  4. Jennie-O also recommends adding 15 slices of chopped, uncooked Jennie-O Turkey Bacon to the meat mixture. For ease of chopping, place bacon slices in freezer for 15 minutes. Chop finely while still firm.Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 140

Fat: 4g

Protein: 20g

Carbohydrates: 6g

Sodium: 65mg

Fiber: 1g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Sugars: 4g

Moroccan Spiced Turkey Burger

 

Moroccan Spiced Turkey Burger recipe photo from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine diabetic recipes archive.

Makes 4 servings
Prep Time Under 30 minutes
Total Time Less than 1 hour
View:
Moroccan Spiced Turkey Burger

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups red and yellow cherry tomatoes
  • oil for drizzling
  • 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into 4 even circular slices
  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 (6-inch) whole wheat pita bread rounds, halved and split
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup baby arugula
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Heat oven to 450.
  2. Place cherry tomatoes on parchment paper baking sheet and lightly drizzle with oil. Roast 6 minutes or until tomatoes blister. Grill onion 5 to 6 minutes or until slightly charred and tender turning once. Remove from grill and reserve.
  3. In large bowl, combine turkey, cumin, paprika, cinnamon and garlic; mix well. Portion turkey into 4 patties. Cook burgers as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer. Let burgers rest 5 minutes before cutting into quarters.
  4. In small bowl, combine yogurt, cilantro, parsley and lemon juice; mix well. To serve, place burger inside pita bread half. Add onions, tomatoes and baby arugula. Drizzle yogurt sauce in each pita.Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240

Fat: 2.5g

Protein: 32g

Cholesterol: 60mg

Carbohydrates: 24g

Sodium: 250mg

Fiber: 2g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Sugars: 5g

Ginger & Lemongrass Turkey Sliders

 

Ginger & Lemongrass Turkey Sliders recipe photo from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine diabetic recipes archive.

Makes 4 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time Under 30 minutes
View:
Ginger & Lemongrass Turkey Sliders

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated super fresh lemongrass
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
  • 6 drops toasted sesame oil, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 8 whole leaves iceberg lettuce
  • whole cilantro leaves, if desired
  • toasted sesame seeds, if desired

Directions

  1. Heat grill on medium-high heat. In large bowl, combine turkey, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 3 drops toasted sesame oil; mix well. Form turkey mixture into tight balls approximately 21/2 ounces each; there should be 8 balls. Flatten them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Brush grill lightly with oil. Place turkey patties on grates. Grill 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
  2. In medium bowl combine cabbage and carrot. Add orange juice, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 3 drops toasted sesame oil; mix well.
  3. Place turkey patty into each lettuce leaf and mound cabbage and carrot mixture on top. Garnish with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180

Fat: 4g

Protein: 28g

Cholesterol: 55mg

Carbohydrates: 8g

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Sodium: 360mg

Fiber: 1g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Sugars: 4g

Fajita Turkey Burger

 

Fajita Turkey Burger recipe photo from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine diabetic recipes archive.

Makes 5 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time Less than 1 hour
View:
Fajita Turkey Burger

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired
  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
  • 1/4 cup salsa, drained
  • 3/4 cup cilantro, divided
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • Wholly Guacamole classic or spicy dip, if desired
  • Wholly Guacamole salsa, if desired
  • 5 reduced-calorie hamburger buns, split
  • 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

  1. In small bowl, combine cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, red pepper flakes, paprika and salt and pepper, if desired.
  2. Mix ground turkey, half of spice mixture, drained salsa, and 1/2 cup cilantro; form into 5 (1/2-inch thick) patties. Lightly spray patties with cooking spray. Place patties in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 17 to 19 minutes, turning occasionally. Always cook to well done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
  3. Meanwhile, coat large skillet with cooking spray. Cook onions, bell peppers and remaining spice mixture over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup cilantro.
  4. To assemble burgers, spread guacamole and salsa, if desired, on buns. Place burgers, cheese and vegetable mixture on buns.Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260

Fat: 7g

Protein: 29g

Cholesterol: 60mg

Carbohydrates: 23g

Sodium: 410mg

Fiber: 4g

Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Sugars: 5g

Avocado Turkey Burger

Avocado Turkey Burger recipe photo from the Diabetic Gourmet Magazine diabetic recipes archive.

Makes 5 servings
Prep Time Under 15 minutes
Total Time Under 30 minutes
View:
Avocado Turkey Burger

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
  • 2 teaspoons no-salt seasoning
  • 5 small whole wheat buns
  • 5 slices light Cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado, peeled and diced

Directions

  1. Drain applesauce in a strainer to eliminate excess liquid. Mix ground turkey, applesauce and no-salt seasoning.
  2. Form mixture into 5 patties. Cook patties according to package directions. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
  3. Place burgers on bun bottoms. Top with cheese and avocado. Cover with bun top.Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240

Fat: 6g

Protein: 30g

Cholesterol: 50mg

Carbohydrates: 15g

Sodium: 410mg

Fiber: 2g

Saturated Fat: 2.5g

Sugars: 3g

Interested in trying The Biggest Loser Diet? Visit Amazon’s section for them here: Biggest Loser Diet – Books and Cookbooks. Here are a few good choices to check out.


The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start: Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Start Living the Biggest Loser Lifestyle Today!

The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC’s Hit Show

The Biggest Loser Food Journal

Sources: Jennie-O; The Biggest Loser; U.S. News and World Reports