Beauty Detox: Body Balancing Veggie Burgers

Ever felt like your body was out of whack? It may be that your pH levels are unbalanced. pH stands for ‘potential for hydrogen’ and refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a substance—in this case, our bodies. The optimal pH of the human body is between 7.35 and 7.45, or an average of 7.4. Making sure your body has a balanced pH level is extremely important. Unbalanced pH levels can cause fatigue, irregular bowels, joint stiffness, sore muscles, lack of sexual drive, sleep difficulties, memory loss, premature aging, less than optimal circulation, breathing problems and even a weakened heart! Luckily, balancing these internal levels is as easy as changing your diet. Start munching on dark leafy green vegetables (such as kale and broccoli) and eat acidic foods—sugar, meat, fish, and gluten—in moderation. Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder's recipe for alkaline-grain veggie burgers is a great way to try a new meal with few acidic ingredients. "Most store bought veggie burgers contain acidic ingredients such as gluten or processed soy products," explains Kim. "In contrast, these alkaline-grain veggie burgers are millet-based, which is a high-protein, gluten-free grain. They also contain nutrients such as calcium, manganese, vitamins E, K, and B, iron, zinc, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids."

Alkaline-Grain Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

1. 1 ½ cups water
2. ½ cup dry millet
3. ¼ cup vegetable broth
4. 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
5. 1 large onion, finely minced
6. 3 cups spinach, finely chopped
7. 2 stalks of celery, finely minced
8. 2 small carrots, peeled and minced
9. High quality sea salt (optional)
10. 1 Tbsp cumin
11. ½ tsp black pepper
12. 2/3 cup amaranth flour
13. 1 Tbsp coconut oil, for pan cooking

Directions
Thoroughly rinse and soak the millet in water overnight before preparing the burgers. The next day, begin by boiling your water in a saucepan. Reduce the heat, then add the soaked millet and simmer until the millet has cooked to a softer texture—around 15 to 20 minutes. Then, pour the millet through a strainer and set it aside to cool.
Sauté the garlic in the vegetable broth until gently cooked, then add the onions and stir until they become translucent. Add the spinach, celery, and carrots and cook gently for a few minutes, then mix in the sea salt and other seasonings. Add the cooked millet and stir until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Turn off the heat and add the amaranth flour to the mixture. Continue mixing until everything starts to bind together and the mixture cools. Place the mixture in the fridge for at least 45 minutes to help cool and bind. When the mixture has cooled, use your hands to form three-to-four-inch round patties. Place them on a large plate.

Heat a large pan to a fairly high temperature and coat with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Sauté each pattie on both sides until firm and browned. Enjoy them in a salad or slice and wrap them in collard greens.

 Kimberly Snyder is a Los Angeles-based celebrity nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution. She began her work after journeying through 50 countries and six continents, learning about health and beauty from many different cultures. With a philosophy rooted in the belief that outer beauty is a reflection of inner health, Kim now works with clients such as Hilary Duff, Olivia Wilde, and Drew Barrymore. Get lots of health and beauty tips by following her on Twitter at @kimsbeautydetox.