Sometimes us healthy eaters can feel a little left out...
While all our friends, or husband, sit with their big plate of carbo-licious creamy cheese pasta or a huge juicy burger, fries, and a milkshake...We can't help but want to 'accidently' spill their drinks on them so they have to run to the bathroom giving us the opportunity to scarf down their food like we've been traveling through the desert for days and we just want to dip one of their fries into that chocolate milkshake for goodness freakin' sakes!....
(Ahem...This usually only happens once a month during a certain time...)
Like I said, eating healthy sometimes makes people feel like they are missing out on delicious food and that is why I believe it's extremely hard to really stick with eating what's good for us. It seems as if eating healthy is hard to branch out of the traditional, "I'll have a salad, hold the crutons, cheese, and anything else on the salad that taste delicious. Please."
Or how about a plate with vegetables, rice, and grilled chicken? BOOORRIINNGG!
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If I had to eat that everyday, I would probably give up all hope and hit the nearest In N' Out driveway!
Let's not be afraid to add flavor, try new things, and flirt with fun fresh ingredients! There is nothing wrong with chicken, rice, and vegetables. BUT...they would taste even better if that chicken had a mango salsa with herbs, the vegetables were roasted with coconut oil and spices, and the rice was a coconut curry flavor?? Am I right people??
Trust me, I know how tempting fries and a shake are coming out of the drive through window...
So stop what you are doing and go get them...
Hahaha...I kid I kid...
What I mean is, get in your kitchen, get creative, add flavor, and learn to love eating healthy. No more boring. Ever.
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Brussel Sprout Burger w/ Strawberry Jalepeno Salsa and Balsamic Reduction
Prep time:
30 mins
Cook time:
15 mins
Total time:
45 mins
Serves:
5-10 burgers
Ingredients
(For the Burger)
2 c. steamed brussel sprouts
1 can navy beans drained and rinsed
1/2 c. oats
1 egg beaten
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 TB. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
salt & pepper
(For the Salsa)
2 heaping cups strawberries, leaves removed
2 jalepenos, stems & seeds removed
1 large bunch cilantro
zest and juice of two lemons
2 TB. coconut or maple sugar
salt & pepper
(For the Balsamic Reduction)
Balsamic Vinegar-about 1-2 cups (Note: If you have a really good balsamic vinegar that's thick, then just use about 1-2 TB per burger)
Instructions
(For the Burger)
Place all burger ingredients into a food processor and pulse until fully combined. It doesn't have to be completely pureed. (This can also be done by mashing the beans with a fork, finely slicing and chopping the brussel sprouts, then mixing it with the other ingredients.)
Form into patties and cook on a skillet on medium-low heat coated with coconut oil for 5 minutes on each side.
(For the Salsa)
Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until salsa consistency.
(For the Balsamic Reduction)
Add Balsamic vinegar to a pan over the stove heated at medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3-5 minutes. The balsamic will begin to thicken and reduce. Don't overcook.
(To Assemble)
Add burger to buns, top with spinach, goat cheese, a lot of salsa, and drizzle with balsamic. Eat and Enjoy!
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The salsa is Ahhhhmazing! I've been dipping salty chips in it all day :)!
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As for the balsamic reduction, I will be adding this to a lot of meals that I make! It's one of my favorite flavors! :)
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Oh, and don't think that I am hating on dipping fries in milkshakes. By all means do try this, and enjoy life! :)
Now get your creative buns in the kitchen and add some flavor to that dinner!
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I would like to add that my heart goes out to the families, victims, and the community due to the tragedy in Boston yesterday. I will be keeping my eyes and ears open to things that I can do to ease the burdens of those going through this hard and trying time.