Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Healthy Can Be Tasty - Greek Style Turkey Burgers


My philosophy to healthy eating all revolves around BALANCE!  It is so important that you have a good balance of protein, fat & carbohydrates so your body can be satisfied and get all the crucial nutrients that make up such a balanced diet, especially after a killer workout at Blast 900 or whatever your favorite workout routine might be.  Many people have the misconception that healthy eating may be boring and hard to maintain.  But guess what, I can prove to you that eating healthy can still be TASTY and with a few simple tips it can also be easy.  I am a big "foodie' at heart, but even I have realized how delicious healthy food with fresh ingredients can be. 

My goal is to research & share well balanced meals that meet my clients' parameters of calories, protein, carbs & fat.  I work very hard to come up with a variety of meals that fit these needs while keeping your menus new & exciting. 

In addition to providing these insights, I also have clients where I offer weekly meal delivery services tailored to your desires, cooking classes for you and your friends, and catering for private parties.  Are you next? 

What better way to accelerate your results and hard work of working out then coupling those behaviors with a sensible, well-balanced, delicious diet.  Not a diet where you deprive yourself of key nutrients (carbs and fat for example) or where you deprive your taste buds of delicious food.  But a diet developed with your goals and taste buds at the forefront. 

Can't wait to work together towards a healthy, happy You! 

Chef Lesley Palmer




Greek Style Turkey Burgers 
Serves – 4(1 burger & 1/3 cup salsa each)


Ingredients
1/3 cup fine dry whole wheat bread crumbs
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 TBS of plain low-fat yogurt
1 tsp of fresh rosemary, chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
1 TBS crumbled feta cheese
1 pound of ground turkey or chicken breast
Assorted Greens (optional)
2 whole wheat pita bread rounds, halved & light toasted
1 recipe of Olive-Tomato Salsa
¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese

Olive - Tomato Salsa

Ingredients
1cup Tomato ( chopped, seeded )
¼ cup Cucumber (chopped, seeded )
¼ cup Kalamata Olives (chopped, pitted – or another type of ripe olive )
½ tsp Rosemary – fresh chopped
¼ tsp Oregano – dried



Directions

1.    In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, egg white, rosemary, oregano, the 1 TBS of feta cheese & 1/8 tsp black pepper. Add turkey; mix well. Shape turkey mixture into four 3/4 –inch-thick patties.



2.   Grill patties on the greased rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat 12 to 14 minutes or no longer pink(165degrees) *** turning once halfway through grilling.

3.   In small bowl stir together all ingredients & set to the side


4.  Divide assorted greens, if using, and pita halves among the four plates; top with burgers. Top burgers with Olive-Tomato Salsa and the 1/4cup feta cheese.

Per Serving – 275 calories, 6g total fat, 23g carbs, 26g protein