Day After Guilt

 Have you ever been to a holiday party, a work related gathering,  backyard BBQ or maybe tailgated?  Food is usually the guest of honor at these events.  Spending time socializing with family and friends and enjoying all the delicious food for the taking is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.  Planning parties and events almost always involves planning a menu and delegating who will supply what. Time and time again we look forward to these occasions and the opportunities they provide to make wonderful memories.  As much as we do appreciate these opportunities to enjoy ourselves, they can present challenges that sometimes cast a bit of a shadow over the occasion. The challenge being of course, day after guilt.  The guilt that comes with enjoying the splendor of indulging in the tasty eats laid out before us. Eating too much of things that probably won't send the scale or our health in the right direction can leave us feeling disappointed in ourselves for our lack of restraint.  After the event we often beat ourselves up about our indulgence and experience feelings of guilt.  "I should have had only one," or "I should not have eaten that," are words you have probably said to yourself a time or two.  

The Solution

There are many solutions to head off day after guilt.  Solutions such as digging deep and setting limits for yourself that you will hopefully be able to respect. Self imposed limits such as only eating one of each thing or only eating fruit and veggies, not eating or drinking anything at these events except water or simply avoiding social events that have food all together.  Some pf these options are a bit extreme.  I have tried all of these things and I am willing to bet you have tried at least one.  I have never had any success with any of these solutions.  Have you?  

I have been working to find a solution that does work.  A solution that doesn't have me wrestling with my self imposed limits, depriving myself of any tasty treats or missing out on wonderful opportunities to spend time with family and friends.  The solution that does work and doesn't feel like a compromise is creating food options that send day after guilt packing.  Taking party favorites and giving them a makeover is what has done the trick.  I think of it like one of those home improvement shows where an unappealing and broken down house is made new again.  It's still the same house but with a vision, drive and lots of effort its made desirable again.   The same can be true with food.  Take the familiar and design a healthier version. A version that doesn't feel like you are making big sacrifices but still feels indulgent. Indulging without guilt is unbelievably freeing.  

 The Reboot

One of my favorite reboots has to be Lentil Sliders. These sliders are made with lentils, vegetables and herbs of your choosing. Lentils are a great alternative to any meat based slider because lentils contain only traces of any fat, the calorie count is much lower than meat and there are several other health benefits lentils provide that meat does not .  That right there is  reason to celebrate!  Similar to the meat version, lentils also contain a good amount of protein.  This recipe adds some vegetables and herbs which also increase the flavor and nutritional value. The herbs are optional but they do add to the flavor. I think day after guilt is ready to hit the road by now, don't you?  These are dairy free, nut free, egg free and can easily be gluten free too, so they can suit various dietary needs or  preferences .  

 Toppings

Lets talk toppings.  Truth be told, the quality of a slider really does depend on the toppings.  This really does remind me of cupcakes.  Sure, the cake part is tasty, but the frosting and other toppings really do steal the show.  Yes, this slider is really good on its own, but add some toppings and its a whole new ball game.  

A pile of salsa and fresh guacamole on top make for a mouthwatering southwest slider.  Add tomato slices, lettuce, pickles and the trio known as mustard, ketchup and relish for a more traditional slider.  Pizza sliders are a hit too.  Add some tomato sauce and dairy free cheese, (I also like to add sautéed mushrooms), put them back in the oven to melt the cheese and there you have it.  Other topping ideas include, buffalo sauce with chopped celery or BBQ sauce with red onion slices.  Setting up a topping bar is a great way to level up the entertainment factor.  Kids especially enjoy choosing their own toppings. The possibilities are endless. 

Lentil Sliders

Ingredients:

• 2  15 oz. Cans of Lentils
• 2 Tablespoons of Tomato Paste or BBQ sauce
• 1 Small Onion Diced
• 1 Bell Pepper Diced
• 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
• 1/2 Cup of Bread Crumbs*
• 2 Teaspoons of Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Pepper
• 2 Teaspoons of Paprika
• 1/4 Cup of Chopped Fresh Herbs such as Parsley, Basil, Dill or Cilantro (Optional)

*For a Gluten Free Option, Use GF Bread Crumbs or Substitute 1/2 Cup of Oatmeal for the Bread Crumbs.

Directions:

Pre Heat Oven to 375 and Line a Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper

1.  Drain and rinse the lentils and then place into a mixing bowl.
2. With a masher or fork, mash the lentils until they are thick and pasty
3. Dice the onions and bell pepper.
4. Mince the garlic and chop the herbs
5. Add all the vegetables, herbs, spices, bread crumbs and tomato paste or BBQ sauce to the lentils and mix thoroughly.
6. Spoon some of the mixture into your hands, and shape into a slider patty.  Don't make them too thick or they won't cook properly.
7. Pace them on the baking sheet with parchment paper about an inch  apart.
8. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, then turn them over with a spatula and continue to bake for another 15 minutes.  Oven times may vary.  

These are so easy to make and only take about 20 minutes of prep time, unless you can chop veggies quicker, then maybe 15 minutes.  

There you have it!  I just adore these little sliders and we have lots of fun adding toppings.  Click the link below to see me make the Lentil Sliders on a Facebook Live. 

Watch My Facebook Live Here:   https://fb.watch/3rFHGVzD_Y/

 Show Us Yours

If you make this we would love to hear about it!  Send us a pic on Facebook Messenger or Instagram Direct Messaging at Grow Your Lunch Oh.  Who knows, your picture could be featured (with your permission of course)  in one of our upcoming posts, emails or newsletters!