it's a little crazy around here {Greek Burgers}

I thought last week was hectic, that was until yesterday. I couldn't sleep and ended up waking up earlier than usual. I decided I would just go into work a little earlier, that way I can get some extra work done. The work day went past fairly quickly. Even though I worked non-stop for close to 9 hours, I still was pretty energized, so I decided to make a trip to the grocery store. I was in the mood for something "exotic" but healthy. I decided I would go for some Greek Burgers, since I knew I had some veggies I wanted to use up as well as Greek Yogurt in the refrigerator. 

After I made my grocery run, I prepped my burgers. The bf didn't get home til close to 6:30 so our workout got pushed back to 7. It usually takes me an hour, hour and half max to workout, but yesterday's workout was HARD. A little background info - I've been doing Jamie Eason's Live Fit 12 Week Trainer, and I started Phase 3 this week, which is the final push. I decided to give it all I've got and hope for the best...The actual movements of the weight lifting part were not hard and I didn't give up even though my body was feeling like jello after completing all 8 circuits. Next on her workout for today was Sprints. God awful, dreaded sprints. I was thinking about these all day since I knew they were coming. I was extremely anxious since I'm not a fast runner and was a little more nervous about doing 8mph for 30 seconds on and off, for 30 minutes. Yes, 30 minutes. I experimented with some Tabatas two weeks ago, doing 8mph at 20sec on 10 sec off, but that was only for 8 minutes...I faced my "fear," took a deep breath and started the treadmill. It was a little scary to begin since the sound of the belt moving made me think I was about to get thrown off as soon as my feet hit the belt, luckily I didn't. 

After 5 intervals, I was already having a harder time catching my breaths. I kept going, soon enough, I was at 10 intervals...by the time I hit 15, I kept telling myself, I'm halfway there! The hardest part was getting half-way through since I had all these crazy thoughts going through my head. I kept thinking to myself, "what I am I doing! Get me off this machine...FML...this sucks..." By the time I knew it I was practically done. The last two intervals were the best because I knew I was 2 minutes closer to getting off the machine. I cooled down with a brisk walk, and then stretched my calves with the foam roller. 

Since I was already feeling incredibly sore, I took an ICE COLD shower to help alleviate the sore muscles. I'm not sure if it really helped, because I'm still wobbling around like a penguin today. Luckily I have a massage later on, so hopefully that will help. 

It was close to 9pm by the time I started making dinner and 10 by the time I ate dinner. It was a super long day...but I think it was worth it. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment and I took on a new challenging workout, I never imagined being able to do. 

Hopefully you stuck through reading about my experience and are ready for the good stuff-the burgers! For this recipe, you could substitute turkey for chicken, lamb, or beef. It's really up to you.  I used Greek Yogurt in this recipe for the Tatziki Sauce, so if you don't do dairy, then you can substitute it for a salad on the side.

Greek Burgers with Tatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (strained if liquid exists)
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and shredded
• 2 Tbsp fresh dill
• 1 garlic clove or 1/2 tsp garlic paste
• pinch of white pepper and salt
• squeeze of fresh lemon (1 tsp at most)
• drop of honey

Strain the cucumber by squeezing out all the liquid. I ended up with almost half a cup of cucumber juice. You can discard the juice or save it for something else.  Mix strained cucumbers with Greek Yogurt and remaining spices/ingredients. Combine well. Chill for several hours before serving. 

Greek Burgers

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tsp Celtic Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic paste (2-3 cloves)
• 1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1/8 cup fresh dill
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• 5-6 medium olives (Kalmata or Green)

In a food processor, pulse (a few time) all the ingredients, up to the olive oil. It should be a little chunky.

Gently break the ground turkey into pieces in a large bowl then mix the processed mix, oil, and feta. Shape the meat into 4 equal patties. Refrigerate for a few hours.

After the burgers are chilled, grill for about 5 minutes per side, until juices run clear.

Top burgers with Tzatziki and serve wrapped in lettuce or with your favorite pita.

Bon Apetite!