The Daily Balance

Being that it’s the first ‘Make It’ Monday post, I figured I’d provide some background as to why I find this to be an important component and helpful tool on the blog.

We all love good food right? What we don’t love is expanding waistlines and feeling bloated and lethargic. Like I said — this blog is all about balance! Why settle for a fast-food quick fix when you are feeling rushed and stressed, when you can take just a BIT more time and have a meal full of wholesome, fresh and nourishing ingredients? And if you are REALLY in a hurry, there are surely other alternatives than the drive-thru window.

Some of my favorites:
Panera
Liquid Planet
Cosi
Chipotle Mexican Grill — do this first to ensure yours is a healthy option!
Au Bon Pain

On-the-go food options that I always have on hand:
Rachel’s cottage cheese
CLIF, LUNA and LARA bars
Muir Glen Soup
Starkist Tuna (lemon pepper)
Amy’s Freezer dinners

To make things even easier for you, I’ll do the work and try out a recipe every Monday. Walking you through the process, providing constructive comments and photography I’ll give you the low-down on which recipes are worth pursuing. I’ll also provide some of my own recipes I’ve perfected overtime with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Like many of you, I’m a busy gal and will only review recipes that have 30 minutes of prep-time or less.

So without further ado, the first recipe on my list: Italian Turkey Burgers

I developed this recipe for The Mister. There is this fantastic somewhat-healthy vegetarian–inspired restaurant that me and The Mister frequently dine at. His favorite item on the menu is the Sharpy Burger.

The sharpy burger is a turkey burger, grilled and served on a hoagie roll with hot marinara sauce, bubbling provolone cheese and Italian seasonings. Sounds healthy for the most part, right? Well, depending on how much oil is used, the size of the roll, fat in cheese, etc., turkey burgers can really rack up the calories! For example: I’m sure you’ve all heard about Ruby Tuesday’s Bella Turkey Burger which weighs in at 1145 calories, 71 g fat, 56 g carbs. YIKES! While some restaurants certainly keep their healthy, low-calorie promise, you can never be 100% sure unless you are cooking it yourself.

Looking at the Shapy Burger for inspiration, I’ve created a low-calorie, low fat option that tastes JUST as great!

My take on the Sharpy Burger (for one patty):

Burger:
1 serving of extra lean ground turkey (oz.)
1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. Parmesan cheese
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 dash of garlic pepper

1 slice of reduced-fat provolone cheese

Sauce:
¼ cup of marinara sauce (choose one low in sugar and fat)

Bread:
1 Arnold Sandwich Thin

With your hands, form the ground turkey into a ball. Add the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese and massage into the meat. Once the seasoning and cheese is evenly distributed, add the minced clove of garlic.

Use PAM to coat you frying pan. Place burger on the pan and sprinkle with garlic pepper. Let cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes.

While the burger is cooking, I like to toast the Arnold Sandwich Thin, but if you prefer a softer texture to your bread, keep it as-is.

While the burger is cooking, heat up the ¼ cup of sauce in the microwave.

Once the burger is complete, place on top of one of the sandwich thins. Cover with a slice of cheese and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Add sauce and top with other sandwich thin.

I like to save about half of my sauce for dipping, as well.

I normally serve this with a fresh salad.

One of my go-to salads:

2 cups mixed greens
¼ cup blueberries
2 T. chopped pistachios
1 slice chopped reduced-fat provolone cheese
Kens light Italian Parmesan dressing

What is your favorite healthy burger recipe?

One Response to “‘Make It’ Monday – Italian Turkey Burgers”

1. Emily L. said:

   yum. that looks delicious!

   Posted on June 3, 2009 at 8:19 pm | Reply