Fresh Tart

A quick post here since for some strange reason, I'm pretty tired tonight, even after a nicely moderate, party-free day. It's in honor of moderation, in fact, that I thought I'd share an interesting observation. I had two burgers today, one for lunch, one for dinner. Doesn't sound moderate, I know, but stay with me. The lunch version was a black-bean burger (Morningstar Farms), on a toasted Lite Thomas whole-grain English muffin (I love English muffins, and this version packs 8 grams of fiber and only 100 cals each), with a few avocado slices and a dab of salsa piled on as well. It was...incredible.

The second burger, for dinner, was the real deal: 90% lean ground beef, grilled, on a sesame seed bun, with tomato, lettuce, and pickles. I made it quite small to keep it somewhat healthful, and loaded up on the veggies. It was also delicious, but you know what? And here's the observation: the black bean burger was BETTER! I mean, I know that I love black bean burgers, but nothing beats a great hamburger, so I'm a bit surprised. But hey, I've never tasted the two (sort of) against each other, after a full week of rich holiday tasties (including hamburgers on the 4th). I guess my bod was ready for something, uh, lighter. More moderate. No! Plus, crazy as this will sound to you burger lovers out there - the spicy-salty-creamy-chewy thing the black bean version had going on pushed more flavor buttons than the beefy version. (Not that I'm giving up hamburgers anytime soon, mind you - even after watching Fast Food Nation - oh no.) I really like knowing that a meatless, much lower-calorie, high-fiber version satisfies me just as well as the beloved calorie-bomb version. Yeah, it's good to know.

So that's it. Not that fascinating, sorry. I'm weird, I know, that little moments of naturally-occurring moderation really jazz me, but I can't help it. My quest lives on...

If you're looking for casual, healthy, tasty eats in St. Louis Park, the black-bean burger at good ol' McCoy's is pretty damn hard to beat. I met my dear friend Kathie for dinner there last night and we each chowed one down, topped with guacamole, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and onions. We skipped the cheese (unnecessary with all those other goodies) and the top bun (ditto, especially since it's toasted white bread) and agreed we enjoyed them as much if not more than a burger-burger. Like all of the best goodies, it's got it all - spicy, crunchy, creamy, salty, chewy. YUM! And with a side of broccolini (they do it nicely, tender-crisp) it's damn healthy too. Perfect in my book. Yeah, baby!

I was ready to return to healthier eating after my uber-indulgent weekend. After buttery veal, mashed potatoes, cheeses, white breads, pasta, birthday cake - holy hell, I was feeling rather sluggish on Sunday. Much better today after a few days of the usual veggies, veggies, and more veggies, raw and cooked, supplemented with fish, raw nuts, whole grains, legumes, and fruits. It is amazing what eating whole foods (as well as fresh air and lots of water) does for one's energy level and skin. Even after 24 hours I look and feel more like myself. Whew.

It's nice to have a spot of sunshine and warmer air as well. It's not exactly Spring-y, but it's in the air, I can feel it and smell it. Puts a little bounce in my step. Sweet.