A fresh, functional spring dinner from the KBalanced kitchen
Lately I’ve been craving lighter meals and taking a little break from all the red meat I’ve been eating. This grilled swordfish plate has become my spring/summer go-to—it’s satisfying, clean, and packed with anti-inflammatory flavor.
As a functional nutrition counselor, I’m mindful about the ingredients I incorporate into my meals, always seeking nutrient density and variety. For a long time, my experience with ground venison was limited to taco meat, following cooking tips from my best friend Sarah, whose husband is an avid hunter. But lately, I’ve felt inspired to branch out and explore new ways to prepare it.
As someone who’s passionate about functional nutrition, I’m pretty selective about what goes on my plate. Beef is typically my go-to because it makes me feel amazing, but variety keeps things interesting and my body thriving. After last week’s surprisingly successful ground turkey recipe, I figured why not keep it going? So this week, I created a Mediterranean-inspired turkey and sweet potato meal prep that genuinely exceeded my expectations. Even though ground turkey isn’t usually at the top of my list, adding flavorful spices, quinoa for some satisfying texture, and roasted sweet potatoes for natural sweetness completely changed my mind.
If you know me, you know I’m all about beef—give me a steak, a burger, anything red meat, and I’m happy. But I also know that getting a variety of protein sources is key to making sure my body is fueled properly. So, I finally decided to switch things up, and this sweet potato and ground turkey meal prep has been my latest experiment.
I love being in the kitchen, but between working almost every day and spending any free time at the gym, I don’t have the luxury of cooking fresh meals multiple times a day. And since I’m not just cooking for myself but also feeding a fiancé who eats like an athlete in peak season, meal prep is a must in our house.
Growing up, my mom would always make chicken and wild rice soup whenever I was sick—it was the ultimate comfort food. Now that I’m allergic to chicken, I can’t make that same nostalgic dish for myself, but I still crave something hearty and warm when I’m feeling under the weather. So here’s my twist on that childhood favorite—this Beef and Wild Rice Soup. As I sit here sniffling while writing this, I can confirm it still hits the spot
Some nights call for a no-fuss dinner that checks all the boxes: healthy, hearty, and easy to throw together. This Quinoa and Ground Beef Skillet has become a staple in my kitchen
Let’s talk comfort food—specifically, chili. As someone who grew up in Alabama, I can’t imagine chili without sweet cornbread on the side. It’s basically a law in the South!
Let’s be real—after a solid workout, all I can think about is carbs. It’s like my body is shouting, “Feed me pasta, STAT!”But instead of reaching for the usual, I whip up this Beef and Lentil Penne Skillet—a hearty, high-protein meal that satisfies those carb cravings while keeping things balanced.
As someone who loves creating flavorful dishes without garlic (hello, sensitivity!), this Beef and Mushroom Skillet with Quinoa has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and uses wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients
