7 Alternatives to

HAMBURGER BUNS


This month, I’ve been on a burger kick, and experimenting with a variety of different protein options, from turkey to black beans… from lentils to tuna. Today’s salmon burgers might just be my new favorite! They’re seasoned with green onions, ginger, and capers, and topped with fresh lime and cilantro.

Flavorful and delicious! These salmon burgers come together in less than 30 minutes, so it’s a perfect weeknight meal to add to your lineup.

I use frozen wild salmon filets, but if you want to save time, you can opt for canned wild salmon. Just make sure there’s no salt added!

SALMON BURGERS

Yield: 4 burgers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound wild-caught salmon
  • 1/4 cup finely minced shallot or green onion
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained, rinsed and coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Olive oil for the griddle or pan
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Top with your choice of salsa

Directions:

  1. Remove dark meat and connective tissue from the salmon.
  2. Mince the fish using a sharp knife. Do not use a food processor.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients (except the olive oil and lime wedges) and mix together with a spatula or spoon.
  4. Shape into 1/2-inch thick patties and refrigerate, if possible, for 1 hour.
  5. Heat a heavy nonstick skillet or a griddle over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, depending on how cooked you want the interior to be. Serve on buns, if desired, with the condiments of your choice.

Tip:

Advance preparation: You can make the salmon mixture and form the patties several hours before you wish to cook them. Just keep covered in the refrigerator.

No matter what type of burger you’re making, whether it’s salmon, lentil, black bean, chicken, or tuna, the bun is what makes the difference! Don’t miss the 7 no-bread bun options below. 

🍄 Portabella mushrooms – researchers have found these help reduce the risk of cancer. 
🥦 Cauliflower– these days people are using cauliflower in pizza crusts and as a rice substitute, so why not a burger bun! 
🍍 Grilled pineapple- not only do these aid with digestion, lower inflammation, and contain antioxidants, like phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin to help fight off free radicals in the body, but they will add a citrus and sweet flavor to that burger. 
🍠 Sweet potatoes– these are an excellent source of beta-carotene to build up your immune system!
🍆 Eggplant– and they stay nice and firm without losing shape after grilling! 
🥬 Lettuce – Find one that’s firm enough… the greener, the better!
🥒 Zucchini– these might make smaller burger buns due to their size, but these mighty veggies support skin, eyesight, and even slow aging! 

Whether you’re following a clean-keto or gluten-free diet, or simply keeping a close eye on your processed carb intake, there are plenty of ways to swap out the bun for a more colorful and creative alternative.

Try today’s 7 options to brighten up your burger and hold together all the ingredients. You won’t even miss the bread!

Winner winner, burger dinner!


Switch Between High and Low Carb Days

The feature article I created with Women’s World magazine has caused a bit of a buzz! The focus of the piece was carb cycling, and was labeled “the easiest ever weight loss.

I’ve seen the technique work wonders for countless women at midlife and beyond. It’s so simple. You just boost your carb intake for a few days, cut back for a few days, then continue alternating. Results happen quickly. And it feels so great, you won’t even need willpower.

Devotees of the approach say they’ve cycled their way to soaring energy, dramatically better health and a youthful glow—all while dropping 10, 11, even 12 pounds a week!

Carb Cycling Made Easy

Eat for Vitality incorporates carb cycling with a 6-day jumpstart that alternates between a lower-carb days built around protein, healthy fat and veggies and a higher-carb days with protein, healthy fat and veggies plus a few fiber-rich carbs (quinoa, sweet potatoes, beans or fruit).

The e-book also includes 100+ healthy, wholesome recipes to kickstart weight loss. 

Aim to be more physically active on higher-carb days, and less active on lower-carb days.

Eat for Vitality includes… 

  • Jumpstart Program: 6 jumpstart days that incorporate carb cycling to kickstart your journey to metabolic flexibility. 
  • Simple 6 Fit for Life Eating Plan: Shows you what to eat and when to eat 
  • 100+ Healthy, Wholesome Recipes: Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and shakes that will inspire you to eat healthy, whole foods. 
  • Transition to Optimal Eating: Techniques to move out of the diet mentality and stop getting caught in a vicious cycle of dieting and then blowing the diet.
  • Facebook Support Group: Accountability, encouragement, and support!
  • BONUS! Stay Calm Solutions: This special technique helps you stop stress-eating, late-night snacking, and binging.