Turkey Meatballs

One year ago I had the best seats in Soldier Field, and on a beautiful day like today, I must say I am missing it so much! I miss being able to just walk down to the field during the game and cheer my heart out while still "working." Now, I am sitting on my couch cheering on my favorite team, and I'm becoming content with my new seat. I'll always miss game day with the Bears, but I'm proud to say I had an experience that most would die for.

Best view- from the sidelines.

I hope you are all having a great weekend. I took advantage of the change in temperatures yesterday and enjoyed a nice "fall" run on the lake. I love a good run on the lake, but one thing I miss is running on the canal in Indy during the fall. The view isn't as scenic as my Chicago runs, but there is something about running with the leaves crunching beneath your feet that I don't get here in the city. 

Speaking of running, my friend Jeff dominated his second half marathon today! Nice work Jeff! I'll take a little credit for his success because he came over last night for a pre-race meal sponsored by Fueling Strong. Finding the right foods to eat before a race are key. I wanted to be sure he ate a meal with mild flavors, complex carbohydrates, and lean protein. Another important aspect to pre-race fuel is to eat something that you have run on before. It is never good to introduce new foods into your diet the day before a race because you never know how your body will respond.

For dinner we had turkey meatballs and whole wheat penne pasta.  If you have a race coming up, I suggest eating this the night before. The flavors are bold, but they will not upset your stomach for the race. Also, you get a good balance of carbs and protein, that slowly digest and keep your blood sugars stable over time. Jeff, thanks for letting me get your race off to the right start with a healthy meal!

                                                               Turkey Meatballs
                                                                       Serves 4

Ingredients

1 Pound Ground Turkey
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/4 C Plain Bread Crumbs
1/2 C Grated Parmsean Cheese
3 T Ketchup
1 Egg, beaten
1/2 tsp Dried basil
1/4 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Pepper

Get Cooking

1. Preheat Oven to 375 degrees
2. Mix together all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. I prefer to mix with my hands to make sure every thing gets mixed together.
3. Make 2 inch meatballs. You will make 13-16 balls.
4. Line a baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Place the meatballs on the foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes.


                                                                 Tomato Sauce
Ingrendients

2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 (28 oz) Can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (6 oz) Can Tomato Paste
1 1/2 T Fresh Basil, Chopped
1 tsp Fresh Oregeno, Chopped
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Salt

Get Cooking

1. In a large sauce pan, saute the garlic and onions in 1 T of olive oil.
2. Once the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes) add the basil, oregano, and thyme.   Cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the meatballs to the sauce, and start fueling strong.