Hamburgers are so delicious! The problem is, they are not exactly the healthiest food for you to eat.

 

While red meat is high in protein, it is also high in saturated fat. These fats can raise cholesterol and make heart disease worse.

 

Fortunately, there are plenty of red meat substitutes that can be used to make burgers. These alternates can be just as delicious and even more delicious than red meat.

 

One red meat substitute that is often used in making burgers is turkey. Turkey is much leaner than red meat. It is also rich in B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and other nutrients and supports muscle growth and maintenance.

 

If you are trying to make your diet healthier by eating turkey burgers instead of hamburgers, here’s a great turkey burger recipe you will want to try out in your kitchen.

 

Turkey Burger Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 1 lb. ground turkey

·                 1 large egg beaten

·                 2 cloves garlic, minced

·                 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

·                 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

·                 Kosher salt

·                 Freshly ground black pepper

·                 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

·                 Hamburger buns (up the health factor by using whole wheat)

·                 Lettuce

·                 Sliced tomatoes

·                 Low fat mayonnaise

 

Directions:

 

1. Combine turkey, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Use hands to form into four patties.

 

2. Place olive oil into a medium skillet and heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes a side. Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato mayo and any other toppings you desire.

This recipe may be the best because it showcases the taste of the burger without using a lot of sauces and spices to cover it up. That being stated, you can substitute any ingredients to suit your tastes.

 

For instance, soy sauce or liquid smoke can be used instead of Worcestershire sauce. You can add shallots to the garlic or swap out the parsley for other herbs in your pantry. Paprika, chili powder, and ground mustard are all seasonings that can be added or substituted.

 

Additionally, instead of cooking the burger in a skillet, consider grilling it. A nice char will give it an added something and there’s nothing like a good barbecue in the hot summer weather.

 

Other Tips for Cooking Turkey Burgers

 

Here are some other tips that will ensure you’re making the best turkey burgers ever.

 

Add Liquids to Retain Moisture: Turkey burgers are low in fat and can dry out easily. Adding liquids like soy sauce, sriracha and Worcestershire sauce will keep them moist.

 

Cook Burgers Completely: Unlike hamburgers that can be served medium rare, turkey burgers must be cooked through completely.

 

Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer will take the guesswork out of deciding if your burger is done or not. Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Turkey burgers make for a healthy alternative to hamburgers and they are delicious meals in and of themselves. What do you like to add to your turkey burgers to take them to the next level?

 

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Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

 

With so much going on in the world causing stress and anxiety, we need to celebrate the small moments. And that calls for bottles of champagne!

 

Champagne is such a fun beverage. It’s light, it’s bubbly and it’s great for mixing with other drinks to add interest to an enjoyable experience.

 

If you have a celebratory event coming up that calls for champagne, here are some cocktail recipes that will take your beverages to the next level.

 

Champagne Cocktail

 

The addition of bitters and a sugar cube make all the difference here.

 

Ingredients:

·                 1 sugar cube

·                 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

·                 Brut champagne 

 

Directions:

Chill champagne flute. Add sugar cube. Lash it with 2-3 dashes of bitters. Fill the glass with brut champagne. Add lemon twist on top if desired.

 

Atomic Cocktail

 

This one is recommended if you love a good glass of champagne but are in the mood for something stronger.

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 1 ½ oz. vodka

·                 1 ½ oz. brandy

·                 1 tsp. cherry

·                 1 ½ oz. brut champagne

 

Directions:

 

Stir vodka, brandy, sherry and well cracked ice. Strain into a chilled champagne glass. Add brut champagne.

 

French 75

 

This one combines champagne with stronger beverages for a great kick. The lemon juice gives it a delightful glow.

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 2 oz. London dry gin

·                 1 tsp. superfine sugar

·                 ½ oz. lemon juice

·                 5 oz. brut champagne

 

Directions:

 

Combine gin, lemon juice, sugar, and cracked ice in a chilled cocktail shaker. Give it a few shakes. Then strain into a glass half filled with ice. Top off with champagne.

 

Air Mail

 

The rum in this cocktail gives it an extra kick while the lime and honey balance bitter with sweet.

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 2 oz. golden rum

·                 ½ oz. lime juice

·                 1 tsp. honey

·                 5 oz. brut champagne

 

Directions:

 

Combine rum, lime juice, honey, and cracked ice in a chilled cocktail shaker. Then pour unstrained into a Collins glass. Add champagne over the top.

 

Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon

 

Once you drink this champagne absinthe concoction, you’ll know exactly why it earned its name.

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 1 ½ oz. absinthe

·                 4 oz. brut champagne

 

Directions:

 

Pour absinthe into champagne flute. Add iced but champagne. Should produce a cloudy appearance.

 

B2C2

 

This one is to be served at room temperature and it totally works.

 

Ingredients:

 

·                 1 ½ oz. brandy

·                 1 ½ oz. Benedictine

·                 1 ½ oz. Cointreau

·                 4-6 oz. brut champagne

 

Directions:

 

Combine brandy, Benedictine, and Cointreau in an old fashioned brandy glass. Top off with room temperature champagne.

 

Champagne Punch

 

Here’s a drink that’s sure to get the party going.

 

·                 Brut champagne

·                 1 ½ oz. brandy

·                 1 ½ oz. Cointreau

·                 1 bottle club soda

·                 1 orange rind

·                 Pineapple slices

·                 Orange slices

·                 Mint

·                 Strawberries

 

Directions:

 

Place strawberries in a punch bowl and crush into small pieces. Add ice to the bowl and pour in champagne, brandy, Cointreau, and club soda. Stir. Garnish with orange rinds, sliced orange, sliced pineapple, and fresh mint.

 

Any time is a great time to celebrate with a champagne beverage. Which of these will you be serving at your next affair?

 

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Photo by Tristan Gassert on Unsplash 

 

We all need water in our diets. Most of us love it icy cold while others prefer it at room temperature. But which is better for health?

 

Experts have weighed in and the verdict is, one can be more beneficial than another depending on the circumstances. This article will review a variety of situations letting you know which is best to drink when.

 

When You’re Thirsty

 

If you are trying to quench thirst, room temperature water is more readily available for hydration. Therefore, it will make you feel less thirsty. However, this isn’t always a good thing.

 

If you’re dehydrated and drink room temperature water, you may end up drinking less water than you should, making for a potentially dangerous situation.

 

After a Workout

 

After a workout, your body needs to cool down. Nothing will do it quite like a bottle of ice cold water. In fact, it’s a good idea to keep cold water with you while you exercise to keep your body cool.

 

With a Meal

 

Room temperature water is the best thing to drink with a meal because it aids digestion. Cold water congeals fats in food making the digestive system slow down. If you are looking to boost digestion, warm water is the way to go.

 

When You’re Prone to Headaches

 

Everyone knows how cold water can give you brain freeze. Brain freeze is usually temporary but if you’re sensitive to headaches, that same sensation can last longer and even develop into a migraine. If headaches are a pain, stick to warm water.

 

If You’re Constipated

 

Because cold water slows down the digestive system, it’s not the best thing to drink when you are constipated. Warm water, on the other hand, relaxes muscles and improves circulation preventing constipation, cramping, and bloating. That’s why so many of us drink hot tea when we have discomfort in the abdominal area.

 

When You’re Congested

 

Warm water is the way to go if you have cold and flu symptoms. Cold water makes mucus thicker so it tends to stay in your system. Warm water thins out mucus making it easier to pass.

 

If You’re Trying to Lose Weight

 

Warm water increases body temperature and speeds up metabolism. That’s why it just may be your best friend if you’re trying to lose weight.

 

When You’re in Pain

 

If you’re in pain, a glass of warm water can help. It stimulates blood flow to the body’s tissues which decreases inflammation. It can reduce pain associated with headaches, injuries and cramps.

 

When Detoxing

 

If you are trying to get those toxins out of your body, warm water can speed up the process. It takes the least amount of energy for your body to digest allowing it to focus on cleansing and achieving homeostasis. 

 

Is Room Temperature Water Better For You?

 

Now that we reviewed the facts, it seems like room temperature water is better for you in most situations. However, there are plenty of instances where you will want to reach for a cold one instead. But the bottom line is, just drink water!

 

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Photo by @copal on Unsplash

 

If you feel like your ears are clogged or maybe even infected, you may try using ear drops. Ear drops unclog ears to relieve the pressure in your head.

 

If you are using ear drops, a homeopathic formula may be the way to go. This article will review the various reasons you may use ear drops and talk about all natural options that won’t produce unpleasant side effects.

 

Why Use Ear Drops?

 

There are a few different reasons why you would want to use ear drops. These are as follows.

 

Earwax Buildup: Earwax is a substance that lubricates the ear. It also has antibacterial properties.

 

In time, earwax dries up and falls out of ears naturally to be replaced by new earwax. This is a kind of self cleaning process that should not be interrupted.

 

If you try to clean earwax with a cotton swab, it may become lodged in your ear and cause discomfort. In these situations, ear drops may be used to clear the blockage and relieve any pain associated with it.

 

Ear Infections: An ear infection can not be treated with OTC ear drops. However, the ear drops may relieve some of the pain that is caused by the ear infection.

 

If you think you have an ear infection but are not sure, OTC ear drops may help you determine if you need to go to the doctor. The OTC drops may clear a blockage that you thought was an infection saving you on medical expenses.

 

How To Use Ear Drops

 

When using ear drops, you must make sure your head is at the right angle to ensure the drops go through the ear. You must also take measures to stay sanitary. Here are the steps you will need to take.

 

1.              Before starting, make sure your hands and the dropper are clean. Put the cap of the bottle on a clean surface during administration.

2.              Turn your head to the side and pull your upper ear up and back. Use the dropper to administer the recommended dosage.

3.              Gently pull the ear up and down to ensure the drops go into the ear. Keep your head tilted for two to five minutes.

4.              Use a tissue to wipe away excess.

5.              Clean hands and store the bottle as directed.

 

Why Homeopathic?

 

Ear drops are a useful medication, but they can cause side effects including stinging, burning, pain, and redness. Homeopathic formulas are gentler and contain all natural ingredients that won’t cause irritation.

 

If you are looking for homeopathic ear drops to treat your ear issues, Professional Complementary Health Formulas’ Ear/Eye/Sinus Drops are recommended.

 

Professional Complementary Health Formulas provides homeopathic wellness products that can be used after a nutritional consultation. This ensures the product you get will work for you and not cause any unwanted side effects.

 

The brand’s Ear/Eye/Sinus drops provide homeopathic support for the ears, eyes and sinuses. The product employs sarcode therapy that promotes health by digesting animal parts that correspond to the parts of the body that need support. It contains ginger to relieve congestion and bilberry to promote eye health.

 

If your ears feel clogged, homeopathic ear drops may be the way to go. They’ll relieve congestion and reduce symptoms of an ear infection getting you on the path to wellness. How will you be using them to get the relief you’re looking for?

 

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Photo by Jessica Flavia on Unsplash

 

Mmmm…pesto. I know I just can’t get enough of it. The rich nutty taste is perfect on sandwiches, in dips, on pastas and in salads.

 

Pesto is traditionally made with basil, parmesan and nuts, but you can add a variety of ingredients. Here is a cilantro basil pesto recipe you are sure to love.

 

Cilantro Basil Pesto Recipe

 

Ingredients

 

·           2 cups fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)

·           2 cups fresh basil leaves

·           ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

·           ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese 

·           ¼ cup almonds

·           1 clove garlic

·           1 tsp. kosher salt

 

Directions

 

1.         Combine cilantro, basil and oil in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well mixed. Add Cotija, almonds, garlic, and salt and blend until combined.

2.         Serve immediately or store in an airtight container up to one week.

 

Nutrition

 

We love this cilantro basil pesto recipe because it has such healthy ingredients. Check out the nutrition you will be getting when you add this sauce to your dishes.

 

·           Cilantro: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

·           Basil: Basil is a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. It can also be used topically as an essential oil to treat cuts, wounds and skin infections.

·           Virgin Olive Oil: Virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

·           Cotija Cheese: Although Cotija cheese is high in sodium, it has a fair amount of protein and calcium.

·           Almonds: Almonds lower bad cholesterol making them a heart healthy snack. They are also rich in potassium, oxygen, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E.

·           Garlic: Garlic reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Its antioxidant properties reduce cell damage and counter the effects of aging.

 

Tips for Incorporating Pesto Into Your Meals

 

There are so many ways you can use pesto to enhance your meals. Here are a few suggestions.

 

·           As a Dip for Appetizers: Pesto makes a great dip for chips and veggies. You can also use it as a sauce for shrimp cocktail or as a topping for baked brie.

·           As a Salad Dressing or Mix In: You can put pesto directly on a salad, but mixing it with mayonnaise and olive oil will give it extra creaminess. It’s terrific mixed into tuna salad or as a topping for rice, risotto or mashed potatoes.

·           As a Sandwich Spread: Before closing up that sandwich, try spreading some rich pesto on one of the pieces of bread. It tastes great on a tomato mozzarella Panini or a turkey sandwich.

·           Pizza Topping: Want to give your pizza a unique twist? Try substituting the red sauce with a creamy pesto. Then add sundried tomatoes, chicken, shrimp or any toppings you prefer.

 

Pesto is a delicious addition to any meal, and with this cilantro basil pesto recipe, it can be quite healthy too. What’s your favorite pesto recipe?

 

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Photo by Tomasz Olszewski on Unsplash