DAVID KIRSCH IN A NEW YORK MINUTE

SOS! You went overboard, and now your pants won’t zip! It’s the Monday morning after the July 4th weekend, and it seems like you are back at stage one. Relax! Occasional slips happen to the best of us, and with a quick cleanse and detox, you can get right back onboard.

This weekend brought fun, fireworks, and of course…fattening food. If you feel bloated and guilt-ridden from overindulging, be sure to consume plenty of leafy greens, lean protein and lots of green tea to deflate your belly. You might think about giving your digestive tract a day (or two) off.

Cleanse your system of impurities with David’s 2-Day Detox Kit  including: DK LemonAid 48HR Detox, Thermo Bubbles, and Probiotic Balance.  It will help you burn the excess fat from the holiday binge, detoxify your body, and restore your immune system.

Closely follow the instructions of the 2-Day Detox Kit,, and see your body bounce back in no time!



Most importantly, return to your cardio fitness regimen. Go for a run outside and enjoy the beautiful weather! It will feel great to sweat and burn those extra calories.

1.  Beware the BBQ! Not only the hot dogs and hamburgers, but the calorie-packed condiments. Two tablespoons of ketchup packs in an extra 30 calories, 7 g of sugar, and 15% of your daily sodium.

Suggestions: Dijon mustard, salsa, and picante sauce have loads of flavor without the added calories or sodium.

2.  Easy on the alcohol! Beer means bloat, your bikini’s biggest nightmare. Trust me… you’ll regret it.

Make smart cocktail choices.  Keep it light in color and no “frilly umbrellas”!! Try a glass of red wine or Rosé. The antioxidant properties promote a healthy heart.

3.  Have a DK Protein Plus shake before the BBQ to curb your appetite and preempt a binge. You will have greater control over your eating and won’t overdo it.

4.  Don’t forget your A, B, C’s!  One weekend is not worth blowing all your hard work.

Independence Day is one of the most festive- and food filled- times of the year... but carpe diem is no excuse for you to lose track of your fitness goals! The traditional barbeque of hot dogs and hamburgers presents a challenge to your nutritional plan, and when you are surrounded by family and friends, it is easy to let loose and forget your A,B,C’s.   

You’ve worked hard these past few months to prepare your body for the summer! Why lose it on the fourth of July! Stay focused, and make smart choices. Here are some healthy and “taste-full” alternatives that you can enjoy…
 

1.  The grill is lit and ready to go! What to choose for your protein? My rule of thumb is simple: anything that swims or flies.

Opt for a fillet of fish such as salmon or tuna. Both are packed with star ingredients like omega-3’s and B-6. Marinate the fish in lemon juice, and serve with grilled asparagus. You will truly savor this flavorful combination.

If you opt for beef, be sure to keep it as lean as possible! You can use reduced-fat ground beef to prepare delicious recipes such as my Guiltless Barbeque Burger.

2.  Be creative and serve colorful vegetable kabobs! Red bell peppers are an essential ingredient, with more vitamin C than oranges. Combine red, orange, and green bell peppers with onions and shitake mushrooms to make a tasteful trio. These skewers are easy to prepare and fun to cook on the grill!

3.  It’s a holiday, so treat yourself! I’ll make an exception to my no fruit rule. If you have dessert, prepare a fruit salad of fresh strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. These antioxidant superfoods are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a great way to finish off the meal (without adding too many extra calories).

After the fireworks’ grand finale, you will still have reason to celebrate! With no guilt and zero regrets, you held fast to your DK wellness plan and survived to tell the tale.

- Recipes from the kitchen of David Kirsch -

I love to cook and over the course of writing my books, developed a variety of fresh, healthy and delicious recipes. These are my favorite healthy burgers, which are perfect for your Fourth of July celebrations!



David Kirsch’s Guiltless Barbecue Burger

Ingredients
4 oz.  lean ground buffalo meat
4 oz. lean ground turkey breast
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. low-sugar, low-sodium barbecue sauce
2 Egg whites, lightly beaten    
       
Nonfat vegetable cooking spray

Toppings:
1 Tbsp.    *Red Pepper Almond Pesto
 Lettuce, tomato, onion as desired

Instructions
Mix all of the ingredients (except the cooking spray!) in a large bowl. Form the mixture into two patties. Spray a barbecue grill or nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and heat to medium-high heat. Place the patties on grill or skillet, and cook about 8 minutes per side (for medium), until cooked through. Serve bunless and with lettuce, tomato, onion and *Red Pepper Almond Pesto in place of ketchup.

Makes 2 servings


David Kirsch’s Turkey Burger

Ingredients
6 oz. no-fat ground turkey breast
½ cup chopped spinach, sautéed and drained
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
pinch grated nutmeg

Toppings:
1 Tbsp.    *Red Pepper Almond Pesto or *Mediterranean Salsa
 Lettuce, tomato, onion as desired

Instructions
Combine ingredients and form into a burger. Grill or broil burger 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Serve bunless and with lettuce, tomato, onion and *Red Pepper Almond Pesto in place of ketchup.

Makes 1 serving


David Kirsch’s Wild Salmon Burger

Ingredients
½ lb. wild salmon fillet, chopped
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
dash  Tabasco
1 egg white, beaten
1 tsp. drained capers
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. chopped fresh dill
1 tsp. white horseradish
 salt and pepper, to taste
 nonfat vegetable cooking spray

Toppings:
1 Tbsp.    *Mediterranean Salsa
 Lettuce, tomato, onion as desired

Instructions
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients (except the cooking spray!) Mix well and form into two patties. Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Add patties, and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned.  Serve bunless and top with salsa or serve it plain with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Makes 2 servings


David Kirsch’s Chicken and Bean Burger

Ingredients
¼ cup canned black beans, drained
4 oz. ground chicken breast
2 Tbsp. tomato sauce
¼ tsp.  chili powder
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 egg white, whisked

Toppings:
1 Tbsp.    *Red Pepper Almond Pesto or *Mediterranean Salsa
Lettuce, tomato, onions as desired

Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. Shape into a flat burger and grill until cooked through (4 minutes on each side).  Serve bunless and with lettuce, tomato, onion and *Mediterranean Salsa or *Red Pepper Almond Pesto in place of ketchup.

Makes 1 serving.

CONDIMENTS
Skip the ketchup, mustard and mayo and turn to David Kirsch’s nutritious and delicious alternatives.


David Kirsch’s Red Pepper Almond Pesto

Ingredients
2  red bell peppers, cored, seeded and quartered
1  shallot, peeled
¼ cup roasted blanched almonds
1  large garlic clove, smashed
pinch salt and pepper

Instructions
Place the peppers, shallots, almonds, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Salt and pepper to taste. Blend until finely minced.

Serving size: 1 Tbsp.


David Kirsch’s Mediterranean Salsa

Ingredients
¼ cup finely chopped, fresh, flat leaf parsley
1 tsp. chopped black olives
¼ cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
1 Tbsp. cooked white beans
1 dash hot sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Serving size: 1 Tbsp.