Walnut-Hemp Burger and Black Bean Salsa with Crunchy Plantain and Macadamia Nut Salad with Mango-Lime Dressing

I often find myself spacing out in the health food store after a long day at work trying to think of something different to make for dinner, it's hard to be creative in that state of mind! I have a mental list of meals I like to prepare that are quick, nutrient dense and yummy-but I want more variety. I thought that if I make an effort to make different things, slowly it will increase my repertoire. To facilitate this grand scheme, I decided on the weekend to plan my menu for the week. I did my shopping Sunday once I planned what I would make, this was also saving my time during the week not having to constantly go to the grocery store. This was Tuesdays creations inspired by "The Thrive Diet".....

Walnut Hemp Burgers ( SO easy to prepare!)

1 Cup walnuts 1/2 Cup hemp seeds 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar 2 TBSP coconut oil 1/2 tsp oregano 1/4 Cup fresh basil Sea Salt to taste

Put all ingredients into a food processor. Process until well blended. Form patties. Serve raw or I lightly fried them in coconut oil over medium heat until golden brown. You can also try bake at 300 for 35 minutes lightly covered with coconut oil. I had the burger on it's own but it can also be served on a wholewheat bun.

To go with the burgers I made a Black Bean Lime Salsa.....

Juice of half a lime 2 cloves garlic 1 tomato, diced 1 cup black beans 1 cup chopped cilantro 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp hemp oil 1/2 tsp cayenne 1/4 tsp sea salt

In a bowl combine all ingredients, this salsa gets even better as ages.

Always include a big green salad of some sort in your day, tonight it was ...

Crunchy Cinnamon Plantain and Macadamia Nut Salad

Dark leafy green of any kind Sprouts Snap peas Chopped macadamia nuts Dulse flakes, generously sprinkled Cinnamon Plantain : slice plantain lengthwise toss with coconut oil, lemon juice, cinnamon and sea salt. Bake at 300 for 25 minutes.

High in trace minerals, the plantain and the dulse in this salad help replenish the body's electrolytes after higher-than usual levels of sweat loss- great after a long workout or yoga class. Because of their healthy fats, protein and fiber, the macadamia nuts make this salad more substantial and a good dose of potassium, a prime electrolyte lost in sweat. I used a mango-lime dressing but you can use any of your favorite kind, even simply hemp oil and balsamic vinegar.

I always make double so you have an interesting, nourishing lunch the next day :-)