Normally, whether cooking at home or out to dinner, I HAVE to take a picture if the food looks amazing.

We had these burgers for dinner last night what we had for dinner last night, and I can honestly say it was the first time I resented having to take pictures of the food I made.

Last night on the other hand, I had planned to blog this recipe, but didn’t get home until 7 to start making dinner. By that time, I was absolutely famished, and of course snacking on everything in the pantry while cooking.

So when I was finally done cooking…then, THEN... Hunger can make you go crazy sometimes can’t it? Which makes me start thinking about hunger pains. I learned a little while ago from a nutritionist friend that hunger can actually be a good thing. We as a society have led ourselves to believe that becoming hungry is a bad thing. I even had a friend tell me one time that she felt like she was “getting fat” if she let herself get too hungry thinking that it may be slowing her metabolism down.

While its true that not eating often enough or letting yourself become hungry too much can cause your body to store fat or make you eat more, hunger is also good for the body. Starvation on the other hand, has taken on a new meaning in our society. I know I personally say I am “starving” all the time, but most of us will hopefully never experience what its like to truly starve.

Health Benefits

Lean Ground Turkey-excellent source of protein, contains cancer protective selenium, good source of niacin and vitamin B6, and contains only half the amount of saturated fat found in beef.
Avocado- promotes heart health, good source of potassium, increases the absorption of carotenoids from vegetables, and has phytonutrients that combat oral cancer.

If we are constantly full, we are probably eating too much or too often! So keep your hunger at bay, but when you start to feel hunger, appreciate it, knowing that you are truly listening to your body and not just eating for the heck of it…and remember, just being around food or looking at a blog with images of food (like this one!) can make you THINK you are hungry 

These Southwest turkey burgers are absolutely divine…Knowing this ahead of time is what probably aided in my intense hunger pains last night. So go make them…but only if you are hungry :)

Southwest Turkey Burgers

(makes 4 patties)
Ingredients
1lb Lean ground turkey
1/2 red onion
1-2 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotles in adobo)
1 tsp salt + pepper
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
pinch of cumin
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 tomato, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
Salsa
Low fat sour cream

Directions

Heat large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. In a large bowl combine ground turkey, 1/4 of the red onion diced, 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce (depending on desired heat), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix until incorporated and form into patties. Place patties into skillet and allow to cook on each side for 4-5 minutes, until burgers are cooked through and slightly firm.

When burgers look done, place half a piece of cheddar cheese on each patty and let cook for another minute, or until cheese is melted. Dress burger with avocado, tomato, remaining red onion sliced and dollop with sour cream and salsa. Serve and enjoy.