Fast Food Attack!!

Burger and Fry Cravings... 

 

   It happens to the strongest willed of us, and the new dieter/healthier lifers alike. The constant, powerful urge to eat something totally delicious, satisfying, and downright naughty and dive into a fast-food burger and extra large fry may be one of the most powerful forces we fight against. 

   I will be the first to admit that these temptations are hard to resist and its hard to replace those tastes with something healthy. I have, however, found that if you have some of the same flavors on a fairly regular basis, you can "trick" your taste buds out of the temptation of that favorite drive-thru fare. 

   After several attempts, I have completed what I feel is a completely spectacular burger, and with an awesome side of nutrient rich sweet potato fries, this is a really complete, healthy and satisfying way to stop some of those harsh cravings. Enjoy all of this, completely guilt free!!

Restaurant-Style Gourmet Turkey Burger

1/2 lb. ground turkey breast

1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce

1 tablespoon steak sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon course black pepper

1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning blend

1 grated garlic clove

1 tablespoon finely grated onion

1 carrot finely grated

1 teaspoon brown spicy mustard

4 slices sandwich bread *look for low calorie 35-40 cal per slice

Your favorite low calorie burger toppings such as red onion, tomato, lettuce, ketchup, mustard     

Mix ground turkey will all spices, sauces, and mustard in a large bowl very gently until completely combined, being careful not to over-handle. Divide into two large patties, flattening slightly more in the center to keep from "puffing" up. Spray a nonstick skillet lightly with cooking spray. Cook patties in skillet on medium heat until completely cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Check temperature of cooked meat to ensure food safety if unsure it is cooked completely. Serve on lightly toasted bread, topped with toppings.

Sweet Potato Oven Fries 

1 large sweet potato

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel the sweet potato. *Hint: look for a potato with less curves for easier peeling and slicing for this recipe. Slice potato into 1/2 inch thick slices and cut each slice into 1/2 inch strips. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the sweet potatoes evenly in a single layer on the cookie sheet and coat them with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cumin and salt. Bake 35-40 minutes flipping over halfway through cooking until completely cooked through and brown. Makes 2 servings.