The warmer weather is here and summer is soon approaching. It is the start of barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties with friends and family. Food often is at the center of these celebrations. Planning ahead can help you to make healthy food choices. Below are some great healthy recipes to keep feeling good this summer.
Healthy Makeover: Turkey Burgers
Recipe: From Good Housekeeping
4 servings
Ingredients
•1/2 cup(s) plain fat-free yogurt
•2 tablespoon(s) plain fat-free yogurt
•2 green onions, green and white parts separated and thinly sliced
•1/2 cup(s) packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
•1 pound(s) lean ground turkey
•1 1/2 ounce(s) feta cheese, finely crumbled
•1 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground coriander
•2 whole wheat pitas, cut in half
•2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
Directions
1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling on medium.
2. In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup yogurt, white parts of green onions, and half of the chopped mint.
3. In large bowl, with hands, combine turkey, feta, coriander, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, green parts of green onions, remaining mint, and remaining yogurt. Mix well, then form into 3 1/2-inch-round patties (each 3/4 inch thick).
4.Place turkey patties on hot grill grate; cover and cook 12 to 13 minutes or just until meat loses its pink color throughout, turning once. (Burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.) During last 2 minutes of cooking, add pitas to grill. Cook 2 minutes or until warmed, turning once.
5. Open pitas. Divide burgers, tomato slices, and yogurt sauce among pitas.
Healthy Coleslaw
Recipe from: Diabetes Meals in 30 minutes or less. American Diabetes Association.
6 servings
Salad Ingredients
3 cups of shredded green cabbage (1/2 of a medium head)
2 cups of red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup golden raisins
Dressing Ingredients
1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
¼ cup plain reduced fat yogurt
2 Tbsp apple juice concentrate
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Directions
Combine the cabbage, carrots, and raisins in a large bowl. Toss well.
Combine all the dressing ingredients. Add the dressing to the cabbage mixture and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Watermelon Slushies
Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Magazine
Serves:4-6 servings.
Ingredients
Watermelon
Directions
The night before your picnic, puree 6 cups chopped seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth, pour into a shallow airtight container and freeze. Bring the frozen watermelon on your picnic (it'll double as an extra ice pack) and let thaw slightly, then mash with a fork and spoon into cups. You can add some lemon juice or sugar to provide additional flavor.
