So I have learned SO much about healthy eating and living from reading other people’s blogs. I have especially loved finding and trying new and exciting recipes that bloggers have posted.  I am happy to turn you on to some great health bloggers that have really inspired me. It is so much easier to eat healthy and have an active lifestyle when I can see it right in front of me!

A quick list of health blogger all-stars:

Kath eats

Carrots and Cake

Healthy Tipping Point

Beth’s Journey

Graduate Meghann

Eat Live Run

The Front Burner

Edible Perspective

There are tons more, but these in particular have been great resources!

One recipe in particular that I have absolutely loved is Emily’s Vegan Black Bean Burger recipe. No, I have never met Emily, nor have I even commented on her blog but I know a good thing when I see one, and this burger is good! I have made big batches at the beginning of the week and I have used them for lunches and dinners heating them up to put on a bun, on top of a salad, or next to some roasted vegetables. You can find Emily’s original recipe on her blog, but below I will show you my version with a little Mexican twist!

Southwestern Black Bean Burgers

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Ingredients:

2 Cans black beans, well drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

2 large carrots, grated

2 tbsp taco seasoning (or to taste)

1/2 cup dry oatmeal

2 tsp olive oil

2 tsp lime juice

Directions:

Put the oatmeal in your food processor and mix 10-20 seconds until broken down coarsely. Next add the onion in and blend. At this point a paste will begin to form between the onion and the oatmeal. Now add ¾ of the rinsed beans, the carrots, and the taco seasoning and begin blending again. Through the top add the olive oil and lime juice while the mix is processing. This process might require a few minutes and breaks to scrape down the side to assure that all of the bean mixture blends together well. Last remove the bean mixture from the processor and place in a bowl. Add the remaining unmixed beans and stir until everything is incorporated.

Next grease a cookie sheet. Wet your hands and form six patties from the bean mixture. This might require wetting your hands several times while forming.

Cook the patties on one side for 20 minutes, flip and cook on the other side for another 20 minutes. 40 minutes total cooking time.

Let cool and enjoy!

No they are not beautiful, but I promise that they taste really good!

I have enjoyed these burgers on Arnold sandwich thins, English muffins, and just by themselves.

They can be grilled, but they require baking first to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed in.

Here is a quick look at the nutrition stats for each burger.

Great source of fiber and protein!

2 Weight Watchers point, for anyone who is counting.

Enjoy! Stay tuned for a post about a sweet treat and a great new original recipe!

Rebekah