Thank you to Balchem, nutrition ingredient supplier, for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions and messaging are my own.
These Tri-Colored Turkey Burgers are a lean, nutrient-packed burger loaded with lots of flavor and color. They make a perfect weeknight grill or skillet meal!
Everywhere I turn, a friend, neighbor, or colleague is pregnant or has recently had a baby. As a woman who was once a new-Mom not that long ago, I remember feeling prepared when it came to things like baby supplies, toys, and nursery items. I was so consumed buying cute baby clothes, bathtubs, and car seats that I was a little sidetracked and rarely thought about what I would eat or cook for my family once the baby arrived. As odd as that sounds considering my whole day has revolved around food since I was a child, I was naïve to think it’s easy to cook for myself and my family once that little gift arrived. Because if you’ve had a baby, you know it’s A.) not easy to put a newborn baby down [hello crying!] and B.) it’s kind of hard to cook a meal with a newborn baby in your arms. That’s where these Tri-Colored Turkey Burgers come in.
When I had Lily, Ted, the boys and I didn’t have to cook ONE dinner for at least three weeks. Numerous friends and family members dropped off delicious dinners, ordered us pizza, and even brought a bottle or two of wine. Now whenever I think about my friends who are about to have a baby or those who have recently given birth, I want to return the favor. Not only are these Tri-Colored Turkey Burgers the perfect make-ahead meal for new mommas who are doing some meal prepping and freezing before baby, they are also perfect as a gift for a new Mom AND new baby. Here’s why:
You’ve heard me discuss the importance of adequate choline intake during and after pregnancy, and that doesn’t simply involve taking a choline supplement (although one should be considered to complement choline consumed in whole foods). During pregnancy, choline passed from mom to her growing baby helps prevent neural tube defects, aids in healthy brain development and may help improve knowledge and memory retention later in life. And, choline + B vitamins work together to give mom more energy to power through her day. Choline is found in delicious foods, like whole eggs, canned salmon, beef and brussels sprouts, and these Tri-Colored Turkey Burgers! Just three ounces of turkey provides 76 milligrams of choline, or 14% of the Reference Daily Intake of 550 milligrams per day. Not a fan of ground turkey? No worries! You could swap out lean beef or chicken, as they are top sources of choline in the diet as well.
In addition to choline’s numerous benefits during pregnancy, a new study published in The FASEB Journal found that choline also plays a role in information processing speed among infants. In the study, women in their 3rd trimester were randomly assigned to consume either 480 or 930 milligrams of choline per day until delivery. Infants born to mothers who consumed 930 milligrams per day, about twice the recommended amount of choline during their 3rd trimester, had significantly faster reaction times than those who consumed only 480 milligrams per day. Choline truly is a rockstar nutrient for both momma and baby! Share this sample one-day pregnancy meal plan to inspire soon-to-be mommas to create healthy, choline-abundant meals.
So, whether you are stocking your freezer for meals that can be easily reheated once baby arrives, or looking for a healthy meal to bring a new momma, consider giving these Tri-Colored Turkey Burgers a try. And if you’re looking for more ways to improve daily choline intake [think meal plans and more!], be sure to visit the VitaCholine website for educational resources and additional choline information.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¼ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, and garlic, stirring often for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to brown. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, add turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and sautéed vegetables. Mix well. Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties.
- Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook the burgers over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until brown and crispy. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registered 165 degrees and the meat is no longer pink.
- Serve with your favorite burger toppings and whole wheat buns.
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