Turkey Burger Bonus!

• So here, I am.  This is me.  Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasing back into blogging...I have to be honest, I've missed writing in a big way.  Oh, I have about 7 or 8 partially-written posts in various stages of completion, but they're not ready for prime time just yet.  Or maybe I'm not ready for them to be ready.  Or maybe this blog is hardly prime time...whatever, point is...I'm tapping a toe back in the water and throwing this post up.
   

  I suppose it could be because all thoughts seem to be revolving around food these days.  And good food.  Healthy food, food to fuel me and help me nourish the new, sweet life that I brought into the world last week.
  
  Thankfully, my husband is a great cook (and a totally willing one too!) who takes on more than his fair share of that duty.  Truly; it's so sweet to be able to focus on Alyssa and/or Abby and be summoned to the table, all set and waiting for us to enjoy a family dinner.  He's a keeper!
  
  And so is this recipe.  Often, I find turkey burgers to taste--and look--a bit anemic.  They're kind of gray, usually a little too dry...but these?  Nope...not the case.  I love these burgers AND the idea that they pack a healthy punch of zucchini as well.  

   

  My father-in-law grows a serious garden and never comes to visit this time of year without a massive pile of the delicious green veggie.  We almost can't eat them quickly enough.  Side note...the chillier than normal temperatures we've had this week has me TOTALLY craving my Great Aunt's Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread (which is really a cake, but if I call it bread, I feel a LITTLE less guilty eating a small slice with cream cheese smeared on it as breakfast!).  

   

  

  Anyway, here's the way dinner went down this evening.  

   

  •  1   package (about 1-1/4 pounds) ground turkey
  • 1   medium-size zucchini, trimmed and grated (about 1 cup)
  • 1   cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2  teaspoon salt
  • 1/2  onion powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4  teaspoon black pepper

   

  In a large bowl, combine turkey, zucchini, cheese, salt, onion powder, basil and pepper. Mix well and form into four flat patties, each about 5 inches.
  Place burgers on the hot grille; grilling about 6 minutes per side.  Toast rolls, if desired. Stack rolls with burgers, lettuce leaves and sliced tomato. Serve warm.
• 

   

  Nutrition information

  Per Serving: cal. (kcal) 417, Fat, total (g) 19, chol. (mg) 112, sat. fat (g) 9, carb. (g) 25, fiber (g) 6, pro. (g) 40, sodium (mg) 803, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

   

Whatcha Eating?

A common misconception, I've found, is that folks think that, as a Beachbody Coach, I eat twigs and berries.  They also think I will swat food OUT OF YOUR HAND if it doesn't fit into a particular category---ie. CLEAN eating.  Neither is true.  Nope.  They're not.

What IS true is that I do try my very best to eat as cleanly as possible.  Which, NO, does not mean that I can eat Oreos that fall on the floor if I've scrubbed said floor within the past 30 minutes.  Nice try. 

Before I became a Coach, I really didn't know much about eating clean.  I mean, at least not in the sense that I was aware of exactly what I was doing/striving to do.  But I've learned, over time, what clean eating really means---and, more importantly, why it matters.

These visuals helped me a good bit as I was getting started.  I'd MUCH prefer to see lists of things I can/should eat vs. lists of forbidden items.  Sure, it's helpful now and then to see that other list and make sure I'm avoiding items as much as possible, but I would really rather focus on what I can eat.  Feels less like I'm missing out this way.  Sure, it's mental---but isn't a lot of stuff "all in our heads" anyway?

Working FT for the American Heart Association, I find that I'm working in this type of information on a daily basis.  That's a huge reason why Coaching is so appealing to me; the two fit together quite nicely.  Often, as I work with corporations to establish wellness programs, I discuss the importance of healthy eating habits.  Notice I didn't say DIET>>>deliberately.  Even though the word diet doesn't have to mean starvation etc., again, I prefer to focus on (okay, split hairs!) establishing good, sustainable, healthy eating habits.  Maybe it's even in how we talk and think about things that will drive the changes we so need to make as a society.  But this isn't about getting on a soapbox.  It's about helping to explain and encourage clean eating.


In addition to the 80/20 rule shown on the graphic to the left, there's also evidence that suggests that healthy eating accounts for about 80% of maintaining/achieving a healthy weight.  Exercise making up the other 20%.  Recently, I read a blurb about distance runners often having higher cholesterol than non-runners; the odd finding, researchers suggest, indicates that runners might have the "I can eat whatever/however I want because I run" mentality.  An interesting school of thought...and one we've probably all fallen into from time to time.  "I went to the gym 2 times this week and I'm hitting a spin class tomorrow morning.  Heck yeah I'm going to eat half a pizza!"



I cannot and will not lie; I am probably a little further away from the 80/20 rule than I should be.  And how do I know this?  It's not just about surveying and inventorying my cabinets.  It's about paying very close attention to how I feel when I eat.  Being 37 weeks pregnant, my workouts have been less intense and more sporadic--something that, in and of itself, takes some getting used to--which allows me to invest more energy being aware of the sluggish feeling that kicks in when I overdo it on pretzels.  Or the energy I get when I whip up a fresh fruit smoothie with tons of ice and water.  Too often, we eat when we should be fueling our bodies; I do not believe the two are the same thing.

Another graphic I like is this one.  Again, putting the emphasis on what TO buy rather than what NOT to buy.  Happily, many of these things are/were mainstays on our list anyway. So that's nice reinforcement.  What this list doesn't say, that the next graphic does, is how to properly read labels.  KEY KEY KEY in eating clean.  In a perfect world. most of what you'll buy doesn't have a label (produce, nuts etc.) but when you're choosing, choose wisely.

I hope these two graphics provide some insight as to the proper way to read a label, what to look for, what to avoid, and how to understand what exactly is printed on that product. 

Bottom line, clean eating is a way of life--not a crazy fad that'll leave as quickly as it arrived.  Clean eating is something I strive for and encourage others to as well.  It pays dividends and is immensely helpful in living your healthiest life.  I won't get into too many specifics about how that relates to heart health, but I can assure you, they're more inextricably linked than you might imagine.

Sinful Yet Guiltless

How's THAT for a title!? 

You probably know by now that I'm almost 33 weeks pregnant.  Remember, I love thinking that you are a super loyal reader who's read every post and "knows" me well.  Humor me, 'kay?

These two treats probably sound like a matter of cravings winning out over rational thought.  I can assure you, however, that they are not.  Although I can also assure you that the Nutty Buddy I ate the other day was, in fact, a craving that overwhelmed, consumed and gnawed at me until I gave in.  Ehh.  What can you do?

Twice this week, I served up my breakfast "dessert-style."  And didn't feel a shred of guilt either time.  I cannot say the same about the Nutty Buddy...so at least there's that.

First, I tried my hand at a Jamocha CocoAlmond Fudge shake.  One can only see the Dunkin' Donuts commercials so many times before the urge becomes palpable.  Those ice cream flavored iced coffees?  I bet they're way too sweet to be good, and way too bad to be good, too, but they at least look kinda good.  Enter "The I-Can-Make-That-Myself-Mad Scientist."

First up, a new Almond/Coconut milk I found.  Had used one before until I realized it had caraganeen in in...a no-no for healthy eating.  I poured in about 3/4 of a cup, added 1/4 cup of chilled decaf coffee.  I threw in a handful of ice, a splash (and I mean barely any!) of caramel extract and a healthy scoop of my chocolate Shakeology.  Blended that bad boy until it was good and mixed, poured it into my shaker cup and headed out the door.  


About 10 minutes later, kiddo safely dropped of with Nunny, I took my first sip of this new concoction.  Did you hear choirs of angels sing?  Because I did.  It is fantastic.  Make-again-so-good-can-I-please-have-more-and-this-isn't-even-gone-fantastic.

Feeling cocky from this latest creation, I decided to go at it again the following morning.  Pregnancy gives me super powers---I can grow a kid AND I can suddenly create the best recipes on the planet.  Not really, but it's fun to think like that while I'm throwing things around in the kitchen at 7:whatever AM.

The next day's shake wasn't nearly as inventive, but it was pretty fabulous.  I stole a scoop of my hubby's strawberry Shakeology, used regular skim milk and--instead of ice, I got crazy!--a handful of frozen strawberries (what!?).  I could have left well enough alone right there, but I told you---I have super powers.  I headed over to the pantry where I grabbed a box of Sugar Free/Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding mix.  Yeah, that's right.  Dumped in about a tablespoon of that and blended away.  Well.  If there were choirs of angels singing the day before, this time there was at least a resounding "Hallelujah!" from the skies.  No fork, no guilt...alllllllllllllll yummy healthiness!  I'll take it!

I was a non-breakfast eater for a while.  Too long.  And I know it's good for me---really.  I know all the benefits to eating a healthy breakfast (improved concentration, tendency to make healthier choices during the rest of the day, better blood sugar/cholesterol levels etc), but I never made the time to actually do it.  And then I discovered Shakeology---yeesh, talk about sounding like a commercial!  But it's true.

I learned about its nutrients...did you know Shakeology has over 70 superfoods in its blend?  For example, quinoa which contains between 10-18 grams of COMPLETE protein!  It's also got goji berries which boast more vitamin C than oranges!

I should tell you that it was the nutrient value of Shakeology that sold me.  Should.  But it was really the taste.  It was initially described to me as a healthy tasting Wendy's Frosty.  I was skeptical, but yet hopeful.  And then I tried it.  And I was no longer skeptical, no longer hopeful....I was hooked!


Shakeology has been part of my daily routine for nearly two years, and I've been able to share what I love about it with others.  My family drinks it--in fact, if I'm not fast enough, my daughter will steal mine right off the counter!--and I've helped others enjoy its benefits as well.  There are the obvious health benefits---it's helped me lose/maintain weight (the past few months notwithstanding) and cut down on cravings, but there are also the "other" benefits.  My hair and nails---never stronger!  My skin---not nearly as dry and flaky, even through the crazy winter we endured. 

Bottom line, I love the stuff and love sharing it.  And I really love trying new recipes.  If you've got one to share with me, bring it on.  I'll gladly give it a whirl...bad pun intended!
 

Learn More About Shakeology Here

 

 

Twelve Gifts

Even though I do not deny my age, I still find it somewhat impossible that this past Thursday marked 15 years since I graduated from college.  Fifteen years....I've been out nearly four times longer than I was in.  Can that be for real?  I mean...can it?

Emotions run high for me normally; so add in Abby's PreK graduation on Wednesday and pregnancy hormones, and you can just imagine the hot mess I was for the latter part of the week.  But you know what, the tears that flowed were certainly tears of joy.  And hope, and wishes, and faith and pride and gratitude.  Not a single sad tear in the bunch.  Sure, PreK is ending, but that really only means that something new is beginning.  A whole new chapter of life for Abby--and us!--to conquer.

Throughout Thursday, I spent a lot of time thinking about the four years I spent at Elon and the incredible graduation weekend we enjoyed as the Class of 1999.  There was the class picnic following the Baccalaureate ceremony; a classy yet casual affair that offered delicious southern food and hospitality.  There was the small group of us who walked over to the stage set up for the Commencement ceremonies and danced, talked, laughed, cried and reflected.  Yes, we even sang "Party Like it's 1999" a little too loudly.  Although, on Graduation Eve, what, exactly is "too loudly?"

I also reached for one of my most cherished gifts from Graduation.  A book called The Twelve Gifts of Birth.  It might seem strange to receive a book about birth upon my college graduation, but not only did it connect back to our Baccalaureate speaker, but it was given to me by my dear friend Richard--and it was perfect.  Richard served as the Chaplain of Elon College during my time there and I was his Teaching Assistant for 3 years.  We developed a very special bond; one that I treasure to this day.  In fact, when it came time to marry Mark, it was Richard we asked to perform the ceremony.  This gift, a wonderful compliment from Richard, including a heartfelt inscription for me, has now become a very, very fond wish I wish for Abby...and for Sprout!

I find new meaning each and every time I read its simple, yet powerful, words, and as I read it to my daughter on Thursday evening as I tucked her into bed, I was touched by the knowledge that Sprout was also hearing these words.  The book takes a mere moment to read, but its lesson lasts far longer. 

The twelve gifts are:  Strength, Beauty, Courage, Compassion, Hope, Joy, Talent, Imagination, Reverence, Wisdom, Love and Faith.  In a word driven by materialism, I cannot think of better gifts to bestow upon someone.  I'd like to think that I was able to develop and apply these gifts not only during my time at Elon, but in every day that's followed since I left.  And now, with great expectations, I share them with my daughter so that she, too, can realize her potential and celebrate her Twelve Gifts of Birth.

The words, a gentle reminder of some of the very best things in the world.  I especially like the passage that accompanies the gift of Reverence.  We're reminded to, "...appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation."

Strawberry Sorbet/Yogurt

5-Minute Healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

I may or may not be craving ice cream these days.  Maybe Sprout is craving it or maybe I only think I want it because it's an indulgence that I'm trying to justify by calling it a craving.  Either way, I'm practicing a whole lotta restraint and going miles out of my way to NOT pass any ice cream shops on my drive home each day. 

Then I saw this gem of a recipe and it could not be easier.  Honestly, my 4.5 year old daughter did just about all of the work...even some of the clean up! 

What I love about it is that it satisfies both my need for the icy cold ice cream thing but the sweet candy-like flavor of, well, candy.  Duh!

We decided to get a little crazy in the kitchen (we're like that, ya know?!) and we used 2 cups of frozen strawberries and a cup each of frozen peaches and frozen raspberries.  I did manage to forget to add the lemon juice, but still found the flavor to be quite delicious.

I will neither confirm nor deny that it tastes extra yummy when delivered by one's husband and eaten in bed while reading.  Shhhh....no judging, right?!

Cheers to YOUR version of this healthy and yummy treat!


 
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 min

What You'll Need:

4 cups frozen strawberries

3 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or full fat)
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

What You'll Do:

Add the frozen strawberries, agave nectar (or honey), yogurt and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor. (I used my blender b/c I don't have a large food processor) Process until creamy, about 5 minutes.

Serve the frozen yogurt immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. (Yeah...like it'll last that long.  Puh-lease!)

MOMents

I've been sitting at my computer for the better part of an hour trying to write this post.  And sure, it sounds super cliche, and maybe it is super cliche, but I really don't know how to capture what it is to be a Mom.  It's Mother's Day, and I'm feeling the need to be all profound and deep...but also ridiculously simple and basic.  

When I was younger, I loved to watch awards shows.  Grammys, Oscars, you name it.  The end of year countdown lists were also a favorite; top videos of the year, top news stories.  Then I got to a point where it was too overwhelming because there were so many, and it seemed that every station had a different list.  I went from "gotta watch 'em all" to "can't even look at one."  That's how I feel right now trying to write about my Mom and my own experiences in Motherhood.  It's almost too much.

One of my very first blog posts ever was on this topic.  I reread it just the other day, hoping for some extra inspiration.  Not that I need extra, really.  I mean...my Mom is pretty fantastic, and being a Mom is also pretty fantastic.  There's plenty of inspiration there.

I love to read blog posts by other Moms about issues they face with their families.  My friend Sarah shared one called "Whack A Mole" that had me nearly crying with laughter.  Funny thing is, I find myself shying away from addressing similar issues because I fear I'll come across as whiny, or worse...like I don't love my daughter.  Glennon didn't sound like that.  Her post is hilarious---read for yourself--and I found myself nodding in agreement several times as I read it.  Bet you did, too.  I don't even have three kids, but I could totally relate to several points she illustrated with brilliant humor. 


The thing is, Motherhood is a whole book of adjectives and emotions.  And usually in the span of 30 minutes, too.  We can go from loving our kids so intensely it makes us want to cry to being ready to send them to the moon all during a single episode of Doc McStuffins.  You know what I'm talking about, right?  On a short, 4 minute drive to the grocery store, you can have a very tender exchange with the little munchkin sitting behind you in the car seat as well as a moment where you think (just for a second, and not really) about trading her in for the week's groceries.

As Moms, we all have our moments.  The shining example moments in which we handle everything perfectly, and the less than stellar moments where we scrape by by the skin of our teeth (and I bet we have more of the latter than we do the former, even if we like to think it's the other way around).  Like most of life, it's about balance....not getting too high on the highs or low on the lows.  Easier said than done, I know.  Believe me, I know.

I am the Mom who got so frustrated with her daughter during a morning drop off, that I left without our kiss and trademark goodbye phrase.  I simply buckled her into the car seat in my Mom's car, closed the door and drove away in my own car.  I cried the entire way to work, feeling like the biggest jerk.  I called her when I got to the office and she answered the phone with a small voice.  "Mama, why'd you walk away?" she asked.  I picked up the shattered pieces of my heart, and told her how sorry I was that I didn't handle my frustrations properly.  "It's okay, " she said to me.  "I'm having breakfast now and I'm making you some artwork for your office when I'm done."  Clearly, the wound was deeper on my end; she was already moving on and seemingly unaffected.  Which, somehow, breaks my heart even more.




I'm also the Mom whose favorite moments with my daughter are those in which we're apologizing to one another.  It may sound absurd, but it's so beautiful to me to have those real, honest, intimate conversations about what we did that wasn't right/nice/kind/fair/appropriate and how we can handle it next time.  There's a bonding that takes place that I would not trade for anything.  It's also a huge relief to find the beautiful out of the less than.  Slam the door and walk away.....sit down and discuss it and pledge to be/do better.  Yell at her for something minor...hold her in my lap and tell her that no one is perfect and we all make mistakes, but we learn from them.  She doesn't want a perfect Mom.  She wants me.  Warts and all.  And that is the very core of unconditional love, isn't it?


There are those fundamental, basic Mom moments--getting yourself and a kiddo ready to leave the house in the morning.  The simple every day moments of baths, meals, tying shoes, helping with reading.  There are hundreds of those moments before 8am most days.  We can go through the motions without even realizing what we're doing; car seat buckled, backpack packed, school project tucked inside carefully, book order signed, check enclosed, hair brushed, show & tell treasure selected....

And then there are the kind of Mom moments that blanket you in a feeling of maternal instinct so strong it's palpable.  Moments like registering her for school.  Did we really just do that?  Did we really investigate multiple options, make a sound choice and share the care of our child with others?  Yes, we did.  Of course we did.  Moments like gathering my entire family during my Grandfather's funeral and sharing how we explained things to almost three year old Abby and asking them to be on the same page.  Did I really, in the midst of our own grief, make sure that Abby was protected?  Did I make others see me as a Mom, not "just Amy" in that moment?  Yes, I did.  Of course I did.  Moments like explaining death yet again just this past month when Abby's teacher suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.  Did I make every effort to strike the balance between showing her my emotions and being strong enough to absorb hers?  Did I trust my gut and take her to the viewing, believing that we would be able to help her through any questions, reactions and observations?  Yes, I did. Of course I did.  I'm a Mom....it comes with the territory.  It can't be--and I wouldn't want it to be--all popsicles, princesses and tutus.  
 
When I was pregnant with Abby, someone told me (and God bless do I remember who, because I would love to give credit where it's due) that everything is a phase; it'll all end.  The good and the bad, it's all fleeting.  At the time, like most pieces of advice, it didn't register.  But now?  I find myself sharing it with anyone who will listen.

It's about staying present---because the moments can change on a dime.  There was a night when Abby was just a few weeks old.  She was crying and crying and crying and crying. We had 4 or 5 books out on the bed, all shouting solutions at us from the pages.  We had her swing in our room, her bouncy seat, her bassinet...nothing was working to calm this child down.  Nothing.  We were tired, frustrated and feeling totally lost.  And then, she stopped...I don't know when, or how, or what the trick was, but the point is, she stopped.  In that moment, I honestly believed she would never stop.  Now, I cannot even tell you exactly how old she was when she did that. 

I don't remember exactly when she slept through the night or the last time she sucked 2 fingers instead of her thumb.  I don't know the specific last day she wore a diaper and I can't remember when we took away bottles for sippy cups and then sippy cups for tidal wave cups (you know--the ones that hold 2 ounces of milk, until they spill, and then somehow it's a tidal wave of 200 ounces!?).  These things simply happen---at least, as I think about them now.  But in the moment, they seemed as impossible as catching the moon in a jar.



As I type, she's still upstairs, fast asleep, laying horizontally across her big girl bed.  And Sprout is kicking like crazy, probably asking for breakfast.  This is a moment to be present.  This is the last Mother's Day I will celebrate with only one child.  I want to pause, to soak this in.  To think about what it means to be creating this life inside of me, and marvel at the life that is my sleeping child upstairs.  To know this child before I meet him or her, and to know, without a doubt, that he or she is loved beyond words.  And yes, I'm quite certain there will also be moments where I'll want to send Sprout to live with gypsies.  That's all part of being a Mom, right?!

I could keep writing---now that I've started!!---but I was just paged from upstairs.  "Moooommmmmyyyyy, come on up.  We have presents for you."  And, after a long pause, "Can we go to McDonald's for breakfast?  That's where I'd go it if was my Mother's Day."  So if you'll excuse me, I have presents to open and shoes to tie and hair to brush and wipes to pack for the inevitable syrup-covered face that I will kiss so many times today I'll lose count.  Today, it's about recommitting myself to enjoying all of the MOMents....the good, the bad, and the ugly...and yes, the sticky!

Mango Guac...for real!

May 3 is Hug Your Cat Day.  Okay.  I don't have a cat, so someone's going to have to pinch hit for me on this one.

May 4 is Star Wars Day.  Ummm, R2D2, C3PO...that's about all I've got there.

And May 5 is, well, it's Cinco de Mayo.  Or as some folks I know call it, "Cinco de Drinko."  Hey, whatever works.  

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food.  We've talked about this before.  But, if there's a legitimate reason to give a nod to flavors Mexicana, especially this flavor, I'm in.  And by "give a nod to" I, of course, mean "eat this like there's no Seis de Mayo!  Let's not get confused, though--I don't need a reason for this particular treat, but having one makes me feel a whole lot less guilty about inhaling this as soon as I make it.  The recipe says "Serves 4-6."  Yeah.  Sure.  If you say so...

Mango Guacamole

What You Need:
3 ripe avocados
1 mango, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 handful cilantro, snipped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 lime, juiced
Willpower!

 




What You'll Do: 
In a large bowl, mash avocados with a fork until only some chunks remain. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

I mean, really. Easy and super yummy!  You could up the ante a smidge by making your own chips---a healthier, less greasy/salty version if you so desire.  Just sayin'.

However  you enjoy it, THAT is the point...ENJOY it!  Cheers to you and your yummy, healthy celebratory snack.  Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some taste-testing to do!