If you’re trying to go up a weight class, there’s no better day to do it than National Hamburger Day.

The origin of the hamburger is a mystery, with many places claiming to be the place of its birth. Some say it came from Hamburg, Germany; others claim it to be an American masterpiece: either a Texan put a hamburg steak between two slices of bread and called it the “hamburger sandwich” or the founder of White Castle was the mastermind behind the food’s name and branding. There aren’t any records of who did what first.

Regardless of its origins, hamburgers are a popular sandwich that’s gained popularity around the globe, though it seems no place loves it more than the United States of America.

Of course, there are better burgers than others, as elitefts columnist Skip Hill addressed in his article, “Skip’s Guide to the Best Burgers in Columbus, Ohio.”

What are you waiting for? Bulk up with some delicious beef patties fresh off the grill and nestled in-between toasted buns (with or without sesame seeds). Add cheese, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions, and tomatoes — or if you’re feeling adventurous, a combination of pineapple rings and BBQ sauce.

Header image credit: Marco Verch © Flickr