Well, if not… that’s fine. I know I’m THE WORST at keeping (my own) secrets. Everyone else’s secrets are safe for me, but once I have something I have to wait to share, I’m absolutely bursting at the seams. Last Christmas, I told Adam what he was getting 20 minutes after I purchased it… in September. I just can’t help myself. I want to share my news. Even for L&L, I was planning to wait until I had at least five posts before I shared this with anyone. But, here we are and I’m hoping I’m not still the only one reading, because I SWEAR that homeless man outside bootcamp seemed really interested in what I was throwing down. Or maybe it was just my nips after a sweaty workout combined with cool Southern California nights?
Anyyywaaayyyy, I’ve got a little secret to my success when it comes to getting in 4-5 workouts a week that I thought I’d share. For me, it’s starting on Monday. I know… that sounds like the biggest DUH ever, but it’s one small trick to getting me to my goals. If I start out Monday with a good sweaty bootcamp session, I’m so much more likely to not make excuses for the rest of the week. And then, best of all, if I get in five days between Mon-Fri. I have NO PROBLEM being a lazy bum or whatever I want all weekend. Has anyone else tested this theory? Let’s start next week! Try to make me (and more importantly YOURSELF) the promise that you will work-out on Monday. Then, let’s see where that takes you. Look at us, setting goals together. We’re so cute.
Tonight for dinner alllll I wanted was a burger, I loooooove burgers, but my genetics do not and if I had a traditional burger every time I wanted one, I’d be writing this blog from back of a flatbed truck on my way to Montel to discuss how I felt when then crane ripped my roof off to take me out of my house. So, I have to find a workaround and that’s when I decided on this delicious little summer treat, a Low Carb (BIG FLAVOR) Turkey Bruschetta Burger.
adapted from SkinnyTaste
(I promise I’m REALLY doing some serious research on good cameras and programs to up my photo game. But, in the meantime, I’d like to take a second to pat myself of the back for figuring out that little overlay on tonight’s dinner photo!)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 2 medium vine ripe tomatoes
- 3 small cloves garlic, minced (OR more… I lurrrve garlic)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 oz part skim mozzarella, diced
For the turkey burgers:
- 3/4 lbs. 93% lean ground turkey
- 2 tbsp.. seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp red onion, grated
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- pinch of thyme
- salt and fresh pepper
- oil spray or 1 tbsp. olive oil
For Serving:
- 2 cups loose spring mix lettuce
Directions:
Combine the red onion, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside a few minutes while you chop the tomatoes, then place in the bowl. Add the garlic, basil and additional salt and pepper, to taste and mix well and set aside. Toss in the cheese when ready to serve.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, worcestershire, thyme, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 2-3 equal sized patties (depending on how big you want them), forming them as flat as possible.
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, lightly spray with oil or add olive oil. Add the burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes, then flip and cook another 6 minutes, careful not to burn. **Depending on how big your burgers patties are, you may need to cook them a little longer**
To prepare, divide spring mix between plates, then top with the burger and finish with the bruschetta (don’t forget to add the cheese), serve right away. And don’t forget a glass of wine for the cook. You deserve it.
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I have been doing boot camp three mornings a week. It’s not 5 days (not even offered on Tu Th where I do it) but it does take the pressure off on the weekends. I will definitely make the Monday pact with you!
The turkey burgers look great. I am realizing I don’t like breadcrumbs in my burgers – do you think I could take them out here with no consequences?
Yes, you can definitely omit the breadcrumbs. these burgers are pretty delicate (which is why I use breadcrumbs in the first place) but since you’re cooking on a stove top, you’ll be fine without. Yay to our workout challenge pact!
While I will test the Monday theory, this proves MY theory that burgers are, in fact, your favorite meal.
love your blog so far Courtney! it features three of my faves – fitness, food and humor! might try this here recipe tonight. does your boyfriend eat low carb and clean too? my man doesn’t so I’m always trying to figure out recipes I can make for me – and then alter slightly for him OR maybe make one and he won’t notice it’s healthy.
Thanks so much Amy! Long time no talk!!
I try to trick him into eating clean/healthy – but sometimes, I’ll add a bun for him or a side of roasted fingerling potatoes. I’ll start giving some options sometimes for the “unclean” men in our lives… just in case.
You and I are so on the same page! Due to my “old-man-stomach” issues (official medical terminology) and the fact that I’d like to be a size -4 by my special day in 6 months, I’m really into clean eating and exercise. I’m trying to have that interest be more in practice than just in theory…maybe you will be an inspiration and an encouragement. Your friendship has to be good for something in my life, right?
Courtney this blog is great! How did you find yourself a good bootcamp? I am thinking of trying that. I am not so good at using my current gym membership… Also love your recipes. I will be trying this burger this weekend for sure. I love that I am laughing so hard while reading this, its like i can hear your voice.
Yay, thanks soooooooo much James!
It’s like we’re sitting right across the bar from one another like the old days, just telling stories. I actually found the bootcamp I go to through a Groupon – Fit Body Bootcamp. I’ve done gym bootcamps and Barry’s Bootcamp, but this one is really encouraging and inspiring so I like it the best so far. It’s pricey, but I look at it like an investment. I’d recommend scooping up some Groupons for bootcamps around you and then you can try them out to see. The most important thing is that they provide HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) which will get lead to after burn (continuing you burn calories for hours after the workout) You should come down here one day and be my guest at Fit Body!
I know its like everyday after work seeing you sitting at the bar and chit chatting! I LOVE it. Awesome I will scope groupon a bit and see what I can find. I would love to come down and do yours with you!!! Meanwhile I will read the blog everyday!
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