Here are practical, healthy burger choices at fast-casual chains — plus simple swaps to make almost any burger healthier.

Top pick menu items (lower-calorie / better nutrition choices)

• Shake Shack — Veggie Shack or ’Shroom burger (each ~510–630 kcal depending on version). These are lower in saturated fat than many double-beef sandwiches and give more fiber from mushrooms/veggies. (CalorieKing.com)
• Elevation Burger — single grass‑fed or turkey/paleo options (single patties, lettuce‑wrap option) — around ~500 kcal for the paleo/leaner single options; they also offer organic/grass‑fed beef and bun‑free choices. (EatThisMuch.com)
• Plant‑based single patties at chains (when prepared simply) — e.g., many BurgerFi locations sell the Beyond burger, but note the Beyond sandwich there is high in calories and sodium (~730 kcal), so treat plant‑based as potentially lower‑calorie only if you pick a single patty and skip heavy sauces/cheese. (BurgerFi.com)
• Bareburger (or similar “better‑ingredient” fast‑casuals) — choose turkey, bison, or black‑bean burgers on a sprout/whole‑grain bun and ask for light cheese/sauce; these restaurants emphasize organic/lean proteins that can be healthier than standard fast‑food beef. (Brand menus vary by location.) (GardenGlamour-DuchessDesigns.blogspot.com)

Why these choices?

• Single patties, turkey, chicken, bison, or mushroom/bean patties usually have fewer calories and less saturated fat than double beef patties. Lettuce wraps or skipping the bun cuts refined carbs and calories. (BurgerFi.com)
• Plant‑based patties can reduce saturated fat from beef but some prepared plant burgers still have high calories and sodium — check the chain’s nutrition info. (fastfoodnutrition.org)

Quick swaps to make any fast‑casual burger healthier

• Order a single (not double) patty.
• Skip or cut cheese; ask for sauce on the side or use mustard/avocado instead.
• Use a lettuce wrap or whole‑grain/sprout bun if available.
• Pick grilled chicken, turkey, bison, portobello, or black‑bean patties over fatty beef.
• Swap fries for a side salad, steamed veg, or fresh fruit.
• Watch sodium: many “healthier” items (and plant‑based patties) can still be high in sodium — check nutrition guides when possible. (BurgerFi.com)

If you want, I can:

• Look up nutrition for specific chains near you (menus and exact calories) and recommend the single healthiest option at each.