BIG HEART

September 8, 2010Read: 1 Samuel 16

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” –1 Samuel 16: 7

Secretariat was fast.

As one of the top three thoroughbreds of all time, Secretariat was in a class by himself. In fact, no other horse has ever run 1 1/2 miles faster than Secretariat. Of the greatest sports performances of all time, Secretariat’s run at the Belmont Stakes is ranked second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game by ESPN. And on his way to a still-standing Kentucky Derby record, Secretariat ran each quarter mile faster the one before it; unheard of before or since.

Like I said, Secretariat was quick.

And while Secretariat was the only horse to dawn the covers of Newsweek, Time and Sports Illustrated, his exuberance when he ran was justified only by what doctors found when he finally couldn’t; he was all heart. After suffering an incurable hoof condition, the autopsy of Secretariat revealed his heart weighed an astounding 22 pounds, the largest ever recorded for a racehorse.

I wanted to share the story of Secretariat simply to continue our week of inward glances. Are we running the race harder than yesterday? Are we committing ourselves to spiritual and physical health with heart? If so or if not, either way, it's a new day and…we’re off!!

--J.P.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Pineapple-Serrano Salmon Burgers

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 pound, raw wild Alaskan salmon, skin removed 1 tablespoon ketchup 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce ½ cup panko bread crumbs ¼ cup finely diced pineapple 1 serrano chili, finely chopped ¼ cup finely chopped red onion 1 clove minced garlic Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon canola oil 4 whole wheat hamburger rolls Lemon wedges

Directions: Finely chop salmon with a sharp knife or cut into large chunks and pulse in a food processor fitted with a steel blade  — transfer to a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine ketchup, mayonnaise, lemon juice and chili sauce, mix well to combine- set aside. To salmon, add panko, pineapple, serrano pepper, onion, garlic and mayonnaise mixture. Season with salt and pepper and mix until combined. Form into 4 burgers. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers for 7-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Serve on whole wheat rolls with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Calories: 368 | Protein: 28 grams | Carbohydrate: 26 grams | Fat: 17 grams | Sodium: 447 milligrams | Fiber: 3 grams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian and is currently a nutrition expert for the Food Network, and has worked as a media spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine. She has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health. Visit her at Dana White Nutrition.