Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail

Posted on June 20th, 2011 by peanutbutterfingers

“Failure to plan is planning to fail.”

I both agree and disagree with this statement when it comes to eating healthy.

Yes, I think it’s important to plan to eat nutritious meals. This is easier when you plan ahead and buy healthy items at the grocery store.

When this statement doesn’t work for me is when I plan my meals. I like to have an idea of the meals I’m going to enjoy so I know what food to buy for the week, but when it comes to actually planning meals, it’s not for me.

You see, the minute I tell myself I have to eat meatloaf or BBQ chicken, I’m immediately not in the mood for that particular dish. When I say I could have BBQ chicken or buffalo chicken sandwiches, my mouth starts watering at either possibility. I guess I like variety and options.

Ryan and I will buy fish, lean meats and veggies at the grocery store with an idea of what we’ll make throughout the week, but no real plan. This works for us because it gives us the flexibility to take lean ground beef and make sloppy joes or an Asian beef cucumber bowl.

Dinner

Tonight I opened the fridge and the salmon filet we purchased at Publix yesterday caught my eye.

I felt like getting a little creative in the kitchen this evening, so I took the salmon and placed it in a food processor before adding some ingredients to the mix. 

salmon burgers 004

I then pulsated everything to make salmon burgers!

salmon burgers 006

Salmon Burgers (Makes three burgers)

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 lb. fresh salmon
  • 2 tbsp. oats
  • 2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. light mayonnaise (I used light Miracle Whip)
  • 2 tsp. stone-ground mustard (Dijon, honey mustard or regular mustard will also work)
  • 1 tsp. dill

Directions:

  • Heat a griddle on medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
  • Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulsate until everything is fully mixed.
  • Shape salmon mixture into three patties and place on griddle.
  • Cook until sides of the patties appear cooked (approximately 5 minutes)
  • Flip patties and cook until salmon is completely cooked (another 5 minutes)
  • Enjoy!

salmon burgers 015

These burgers were really, really good! Both Ryan and I said we would absolutely make them again!

We enjoyed our salmon burgers on top of toasted whole wheat sandwich thins with lettuce and tomato slices and a side of green bean fries.

salmon burgers 016

salmon burgers 012

Eating healthy really can be so flippin’ delicious!

And now it’s Bachelorette time! Don’t forget to join in on The Bachelorette discussion on the PBF Facebook page in the morning (or tonight, depending on how amped up we all get!).

Filed under: Dinner, Recipes

« »

84 Responses to “Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail”

  1. 1
    Carrie, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:02 pm Said:

    oh gosh that sure dnt apply to me! i cannot plan meals – it would drive me crazy… i HAte thikning about food and honeslty i really dnt like cooking! thats why my meals are super fast!

      

    [Reply]

  2. 2
    Lindsay@InSweetnessandInHealth, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:05 pm Said:

    So yummy looking! I really need to get more creative in the kitchen. YAY for the bachelorette :) JP has already won my heart again this week haha

      

    [Reply]

  3. 3
    Mrs. Fish, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:09 pm Said:

    These look great! My old roomie used to make salmon burgers often, so this post reminded me of her!

      

    [Reply]

  4. 4
    Carrie, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:09 pm Said:

    I think that the oats additions is so creative! Would have never thought to put those in salmon burgers.

    I am watching the Bachelorette right now!! I am on the edge of my seat to see what happens with Bentley!

      

    [Reply]

    Cait's a Runnerchick Reply:
    June 20th, 2011 at 11:39 pm

    ditto on all accounts there! adding oats would have never occurred to me either but those burgers look awesome…i’m a huge fan of all things seafood.

    and bentley needs to be carted off to a secluded island and made to suffer for being such a royal douche.

      

    [Reply]

    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:22 am

    “royal douche.” i love it.

      

    [Reply]

  5. 5
    chelsey @ clean eating chelsey, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:10 pm Said:

    I used to meal plan religiously, but I found it’s not for me when I have extra time. During the school year, I like to meal plan because I don’t have extra time – but now in the summer, I’d rather just make whatever comes to mind! :)

      

    [Reply]

  6. 6
    jen @ taste life, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:11 pm Said:

    I am the same way! I loosely plan out some ideas of things I’d like to eat during the week, but I have to change it up to suit what I’m in the mood for.

      

    [Reply]

  7. 7
    Alison, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:12 pm Said:

    I need to plan enough to at least have the raw materials available to make something healthy. I run into this problem often on the weekends — I realize I don’t have things to make lunch, good snacks and then I end up running to the deli for something naughty.

    But I do like to give myself the flexibility to say I’m not really feeling like chicken tonight, I’ll save that for tomorrow and make a salad instead.

      

    [Reply]

  8. 8
    courtney @ the granola chronicles, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:24 pm Said:

    I bet my husband would love these burgers – though I have a tough time getting into seafood

    As for meal planning – I love it! I always plan out our dinners and create grocery lists accordingly.

      

    [Reply]

  9. 9
    Lauren @ What Lauren Likes, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:24 pm Said:

    I love that green bean fries recipe! Eating healthy always makes you feel better and can be REALLY fun ( & tasty) :) Lovely recipe as always!

      

    [Reply]

  10. 10
    fsugirl!, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:26 pm Said:

    Oh my gosh! I saw the first pic and I thought THAT was your dinner! I was like “oh my gosh… what is Julie eating NOW?” ;) Your real dinner looks tasty, though! :D Have a great night!

      

    [Reply]

  11. 11
    Hillary, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:27 pm Said:

    I tend to plan my meals down to a T, but then I definitely suffer from the exact thing you just described. I often feel like I need to plan because I’m just cooking for ME, and I want to save as much money on groceries (and definitely don’t want food to go to waste!) I like your idea of buying some simple ingredients that you can do a lot with—the best of both worlds!

      

    [Reply]

  12. 12
    Katy @ fitinheels, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:29 pm Said:

    HOW have I not stumbled on your blog before? I found it through Sweet Tooth Sweet Life when she talked about your homemade almond granola. RI-DIC!!! And those salmon burgers look to die for! Hope you enjoy another follower and constant commenter :)

      

    [Reply]

    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:23 am

    aw, so glad you found me! thanks for commenting! :)

      

    [Reply]

  13. 13
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:32 pm Said:

    I am similar too! I usually buy certain foods with ideas of meals in mind, it totally works :)

    Love the idea of salmon burgers, thanks!

      

    [Reply]

  14. 14
    Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun, on June 20th, 2011 at 8:44 pm Said:

    I so badly want to join in the FB chatter of Bachelorette but we always watch the next night so I have to avoid it. :(

    Those look REALLY good and I don’t even love salmon!

      

    [Reply]

  15. 15
    Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter), on June 20th, 2011 at 8:54 pm Said:

    I love your excitement about healthy food/eating! I’m glad there’s someone out there that’s an enthusiastic as myself about these types of things. :)

    Gotta love the Bachelorette! What a hot mess that show is.

      

    [Reply]

  16. 16
    Alisa @ Running with Knives, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:03 pm Said:

    First, those burgers look amazing!

    Second, I’m the same way with planning. I like to have a few quick things in the freezer, like boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cooked shrimp, frozen veggies. Then I shop for fresh items and things on sale that week. I’m more than willing to buy in bulk if the price is right (hello, b1g1 ground turkey breast last week!).

      

    [Reply]

  17. 17
    Amy, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:06 pm Said:

    yum looks so good!

      

    [Reply]

  18. 18
    Gen, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:07 pm Said:

    Yum! Those salmon burgers look amazing! :D

      

    [Reply]

  19. 19
    @HilaryFleming, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:14 pm Said:

    Oh, you’ve inspired me to eat salmon burgers…those look absolutely amazeballs.
    AND I just got giddy at the thought of the Bachelorette. Yes! Bentley is back tonight. Can’t wait to see the dramz. (Did you know I went the same college as his wife and know her sisters…of course I would be kevin bacon gaming with the douchey bachelorette guy). but the connection is too great not to share…

      

    [Reply]

    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:24 am

    oh how crazy!!!

      

    [Reply]

  20. 20
    Ellie@fitforthesoul, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:26 pm Said:

    genius and delicious ahhhh! I loooove salmon and it’s interesting at inspiring to see what a married couple does in regards to eating habits since I’ll be married next year :) I hope we don’t eat out too much or anything like that! did you guys eat out a lot while dating Julie? If so, was it hard to adjust to not doing that after marriage?

      

    [Reply]

  21. 21
    Stacy, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:29 pm Said:

    I am a planner. I stay on track best when I cook my protein in bulk and then roast some veggies for the side when we are ready to eat.

    Love the salmon burgers. I am definitely going to make those!

    I am also getting back on track this week. I am coming off my b-day week and a week of visiting friends, so there was a lot of indulging! :)

      

    [Reply]

  22. 22
    Lisa@Read.Breathe.Relax., on June 20th, 2011 at 9:30 pm Said:

    Julie- this looks delicious! I’m def going to make it soon! Thanks for sharing! :D

      

    [Reply]

  23. 23
    Amanda, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:33 pm Said:

    wow those look AMAZING! :)

      

    [Reply]

  24. 24
    Cait @ Urban Fencepost, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:42 pm Said:

    I follow a loose plan as well. I just stock up on healthy foods, buying certain things because they are on sale or I have some recipe in mind.

      

    [Reply]

  25. 25
    Monika @ Powered By Paprika, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:55 pm Said:

    Salmon burgers??? YUM!

      

    [Reply]

  26. 26
    Meredith, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:57 pm Said:

    i neeed to make these salmon burgers!! looks like an awesome recipe!

      

    [Reply]

  27. 27
    Katherina @ Zephyr Runs, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:57 pm Said:

    I’m the exact same way!! Can’t plan too much or else it’s a deterrent :) Those salmon burgers look scrumptious.

      

    [Reply]

  28. 28
    char @ char on a mission, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:57 pm Said:

    I love when you just whip something up and it tastes amazing. Maybe that’s why it taste so amazing…because you’re just like, “here it goes!” lol

    I wanted to make something cool today, but I am sick-ish and cannot breathe out of my nose, so I would have no idea if something taste good or not, which wouldn’t be good for the hubby if it ended up tasting really bad! haha

      

    [Reply]

  29. 29
    Bee Goes Bananas, on June 20th, 2011 at 9:58 pm Said:

    Wow! You’ve outdone yourself this time! I’ll definitely have to make those burgers ASAP for my fiance and I!

      

    [Reply]

  30. 30
    Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life, on June 20th, 2011 at 10:00 pm Said:

    Those burgers look fantastic! I actually just bought salmon today…but I actually already have a recipe up my sleeve for it. Guess I’ll have to be buying it again to make these ;)

      

    [Reply]

  31. 31
    Vanessa, on June 20th, 2011 at 10:10 pm Said:

    You are so creative! They look so yummy.

      

    [Reply]

  32. 32
    Lindsey @ Happy or Hungry, on June 20th, 2011 at 10:24 pm Said:

    I’m the same! I have an idea of what I’ll be eating throughout the week, but no real plan. It works best for me as well.

    That salmon burger looks DELICIOUS. What a great idea!

      

    [Reply]

  33. 33
    Laura @ prettylittlewords, on June 20th, 2011 at 10:25 pm Said:

    your fresh salmon looked so beautiful..I almost wanted to eat it raw!

      

    [Reply]

  34. 34
    Heather (Heather's Dish), on June 20th, 2011 at 11:05 pm Said:

    salmon burgers are where it’s AT! i had the best one a year ago in dallas and have been dreaming about it ever since :)

      

    [Reply]

  35. 35
    Samantha @ Mama Notes, on June 20th, 2011 at 11:11 pm Said:

    that looks so yummy!!!!

    I can’t wait Bachelorette till tomorrow (on Hulu) but love reading what people have to say beforehand on your FB page. :)

      

    [Reply]

  36. 36
    Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles, on June 20th, 2011 at 11:17 pm Said:

    I am so much like you it’s not even funny…. The moment anyone (including myself… weird, I know) tells me I ‘HAVE TO’ do something the stubborn side of me comes out. So I hear you!
    Those salmon burgers look stinkin awesome! :)

      

    [Reply]

  37. 37
    Khushboo, on June 20th, 2011 at 11:24 pm Said:

    I used to plan for a week but it kinda got on my nerves! I just make a rough plan and go with the flow! I love salmon so will defo be making these, although I may replace the mayo with Greek yog as not a fan!

      

    [Reply]

  38. 38
    kate, on June 20th, 2011 at 11:38 pm Said:

    those salmon burgers are so gorgeous and colorful, I love how eating healthy makes you feel :)

      

    [Reply]

  39. 39
    Melissa @ Mouth Watering Morsel, on June 20th, 2011 at 11:40 pm Said:

    oh wow!! I never thought of making salmon burgers! and it is so simple! def will give it a try.

      

    [Reply]

  40. 40
    katrina, on June 21st, 2011 at 12:10 am Said:

    those burgers look absolutely delicious. i so need a food processor.

      

    [Reply]

  41. 41
    Molly, on June 21st, 2011 at 12:19 am Said:

    mmm looks awesome!

      

    [Reply]

  42. 42
    ellalinea, on June 21st, 2011 at 3:28 am Said:

    Those burgers look soooo good.. I’m gonna make some for lunch!! :)

      

    [Reply]

  43. 43
    Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes, on June 21st, 2011 at 5:25 am Said:

    These look so good! :)

      

    [Reply]

  44. 44
    Yolie @ Practising Wellness, on June 21st, 2011 at 5:52 am Said:

    Wow, those burgers look absolutely amazing Julie, so succulent and delicious :-) So cool that you made them yourself too. I have a couple bags of some lovely alaskan salmon burgers in the freezer, courtesy of Costco, but once those are finished I will totally use this recipe…so creative and fresh! I’ve never made salmon burgers before (yet) ;-)
    I completely agree with you with regards to the not planning meals – I like to stock up on healthy ingredients and whole food staples, which I can then use to create whatever I feel like eating when meal time rolls round :-)
    It’s so nice that you and Ryan like to eat the same things – makes cooking and choosing healthy dinners much easier, eh? Love seeing what you guys have as it inspires me to mix things up myself!
    xyx

      

    [Reply]

  45. 45
    Yolie @ Practising Wellness, on June 21st, 2011 at 5:53 am Said:

    PS: Green bean fries?!?! Sound AWESOME! Gonna bookmark those too :-) yummy! xyx

      

    [Reply]

  46. 46
    Yolie @ Practising Wellness, on June 21st, 2011 at 5:57 am Said:

    I don’t think we have the Bachelorette in England :-( I feel I’m missing out, lol! :-P xyx

      

    [Reply]

  47. 47
    Jenn from Much to My Delight, on June 21st, 2011 at 5:57 am Said:

    I “plan” my meals like you do. There are go to veggie-protein-grain combos that work, so I just make sure to always throw those in the cart, but being too strict with a plan makes me feel like a kid ordering off the school lunch menu where there’s only one option.

      

    [Reply]

  48. 48
    Devan, on June 21st, 2011 at 6:57 am Said:

    OMG! Those look delicious! I’m going to have to try those ASAP! Thanks for sharing amazing recipes.

      

    [Reply]

  49. 49
    Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio, on June 21st, 2011 at 7:17 am Said:

    Thanks for sharing how you feel about planning. Our mind plays such an important role in our health, so giving yourself options is a great way to keep your mind in the game. It’s great that that works for you and Ryan and that you don’t try to do something that doesn’t work for you.

      

    [Reply]

  50. 50
    Jodi, on June 21st, 2011 at 7:55 am Said:

    I’m usually not a big fan of salmon filets, since they get a little boring sometimes. But this looks SO.DANG.GOOD! I might even persuade my fiancee into eating this one!

    Btw, I am the exact same way- if I tell myself that I am making one particular thing, I’m never in the mood for it!

      

    [Reply]

  51. 51
    Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run, on June 21st, 2011 at 7:57 am Said:

    I’m the SAME way. I don’t even know what I”m in the mood to eat until that day. Sometimes even an hour before I know I’ll be hungry.

      

    [Reply]

  52. 52
    Shannon, on June 21st, 2011 at 8:26 am Said:

    I totally agree, I dont plan any of my meals because it makes me not look forward to them. But I do have an idea in the back of my head of what I’d like to make =)

      

    [Reply]

  53. 53
    Jennifer (The Gourmetour), on June 21st, 2011 at 8:29 am Said:

    mmm looks super good and super easy!! Two key things! Thanks for sharing!

      

    [Reply]

  54. 54
    Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers, on June 21st, 2011 at 8:39 am Said:

    I loved my mom’s salmon patties growing up, and these look like a healtheir version. Thanks!

      

    [Reply]

  55. 55
    LizAshlee, on June 21st, 2011 at 8:43 am Said:

    Salmon burgers…must add to my list of burgers to make! I love making various burgers..so easy, healthy, & delicious!!

    I tried the whole planning meals and it didn’t stick…but I thought I would really like it bc I am quite the planner. Rather, like you, I like to have an idea and options…simplifies things!! :)

    Have a great day!

      

    [Reply]

  56. 56
    Joan, on June 21st, 2011 at 8:57 am Said:

    Please! More Sadie. I miss it when I don’t see her pics for a few days.

      

    [Reply]

    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:26 am

    i made sure to include her in this morning’s post for ya!

      

    [Reply]

  57. 57
    Liza, on June 21st, 2011 at 8:59 am Said:

    This might sound weird…… but those are some gorgeous burgers!! I’ll be trying this one! :)

      

    [Reply]

  58. 58
    Peanut Butter Fingers » Head-ah-cha-cha, on June 21st, 2011 at 9:01 am Said:
  59. 59
    Hope, on June 21st, 2011 at 9:06 am Said:

    Those burgers look really good and I don’t even like salmon! Haha ;) I love making green bean fries. They taste so good roasted!

      

    [Reply]

  60. 60
    Holly, on June 21st, 2011 at 9:20 am Said:

    Hahaha! I am the EXACT same way with meals. I can never plan them out because I always change my mind…so I just make an ‘idea’ of what I could make for dinners & then purchase the groceries for them…& throw in a few ‘extras’ just in case my mind changes ;)
    Oh, and dumb question because I think I know the answer, but do you use un cooked salmon or already cooked salmon before you put it in the processor? (I’m definitely making them & I am making the Bud Light Lime chicken this week too!!) :D

      

    [Reply]

    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:26 am

    uncooked!

      

    [Reply]

    Holly Reply:
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Thanks! That’s what I thought, but wanted to double check :)

      

    [Reply]

  61. 61
    Jordan P @ food, sweat, and beers, on June 21st, 2011 at 9:31 am Said:

    I feel so very very out of the loop reading these comments when I have yet to watch last night’s episode!! I just keep telling myself “Save it til lunchtime, girl….” But it’s tough.

    Salmon burgers look off the chain, always looking for a new way to incorporate fish into my diet without just, you know, broiling fish. HOO-RAH for fish party!

      

    [Reply]

  62. 62
    Allie Q (Fit Geek), on June 21st, 2011 at 10:04 am Said:

    These look awesome. They kind of remind me of the healthy crab cakes I made last week. I agree with you about the planning thing too. I plan up to a certain degree, but once my meals become too rigid I lose interest in whatever food I’m supposed to eat.

      

    [Reply]

  63. 63
    Laura (Cookies vs. Carrots), on June 21st, 2011 at 10:49 am Said:

    This looks delicious! I also try to plan my meals, but just because I say I am going to have chicken salad on Tuesday doesn’t mean that is always going to happen. Somtimes the meal I have planned simply does not seem appetizing to me!

      

    [Reply]

  64. 64
    The Photoshop phenomenon.. « Ella…Linea.., on June 21st, 2011 at 11:23 am Said:
  65. 65
    Beth (Well I'll Be), on June 21st, 2011 at 11:56 am Said:

    Wow those look amazing! I might have to make them tonight!

      

    [Reply]

  66. 66
    Marissa, on June 21st, 2011 at 1:58 pm Said:

    Ugh, I know what you mean about planning meals! You get everything all planned out and perfect, but when mealtime rolls around… you don’t even really want what you’ve planned out! I think this is why its so easy for me to fall into food ruts; I just keep falling back on my old favorites.

      

    [Reply]

  67. 67
    Traci, on June 22nd, 2011 at 9:03 am Said:

    Julie
    I have to tell you that “Fail to Plan is a Plan to Fail is my father-in-law’s motto. He instilled it in his son (My husband) and it’s said often in our house. Love your blog and recipes. Looking fwd to making the granola tonight.

      

    [Reply]

  68. 68
    Cristin, on June 22nd, 2011 at 10:48 am Said:

    I made your salmon burgers last night for dinner… so good! Can’t wait to have the leftovers for lunch!!

      

    [Reply]

  69. 69
    Sian, on June 22nd, 2011 at 2:56 pm Said:

    I’ve never tried making my own salmon burgers or fish cakes but these look sso easy. Do you think you could use a hand held chopper to blitz the ingrediants? I unfortunately dont own a food processer :o (

      

    [Reply]

  70. 70
    Grecia, on June 25th, 2011 at 6:41 pm Said:

    I made these today and they were delicious. I’m not usually a big fan of salmon ( I know I should be though), but these were really good. I also don’t have a food processor so I put in the ingredients in a blender and added a tiny bit of water and used the Grate setting. I will definitely be making these again. Thanks for this recipe!

      

    [Reply]

  71. 71
    Peanut Butter Fingers » Changing Compliments, on June 28th, 2011 at 1:20 pm Said:
  72. 72
    Peanut Butter Fingers » Elusive Baby Pigeons, on July 1st, 2011 at 8:49 am Said:
  73. 73
    Salmon Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries « Sarahlicious Dishes, on August 19th, 2011 at 10:40 pm Said:
  74. 74
    Salmon craze | StarLoz™, on August 25th, 2011 at 1:30 am Said:
  75. 75
    Rosemary Salmon | Peanut Butter Fingers, on September 12th, 2011 at 8:02 pm Said:
  76. 76
    Rhonda, on September 13th, 2011 at 12:10 pm Said:

    I haven’t made salmon burgers in a while – might be on the menu this week! I have a receipe that calls for some cooked, mashed sweet potato added in the mix – really good.

    Thanks!

      

    [Reply]

  77. 77
    Kaylie, on April 16th, 2012 at 4:05 pm Said:

    This looks so good! If only I had a food processor, I’d be making these puppies nearly every night! Thanks for the recipe:)

      

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply