Fuel up Friday - Creamy Beef & Arugula

This week's edition of Fuel up Friday is a keto inspired ground beef dish that requires only 5 ingredients.

As someone who makes their living helping others to improve and optimize their health, I'm always learning and self-experimenting with different philosophies around fitness, nutrition and overall well-being. My most recent foray has been into the ketogenic eating style. (I'm specifically not using the word diet since we're not really about diets around here 😉)

A quick primer for those unfamiliar with keto. Keto is short for ketogenic which is a high-fat, very low carb style of eating. While I was familiar with the fundamentals of the diet and the long list of scientifically proven health benefits, it's not been one that I've tried until just recently.

I've been eating keto for just over a month now and have experienced the following benefits:

• More stable energy throughout the day

• Increased mental clarity and ability to focus

• More positive mood & outlook

• 5lb weight loss, less bloating and an overall leaner appearance

• And the biggest one for me: elimination of cravings for carbs and sugary treats

And now on to the good stuff… the recipe

Creamy Ground Beef & Arugula

1 lb ground beef, grass-fed if possible

1/2 250g package of cream cheese, cut up into 1" chunks

1 14oz tin of diced tomatoes

2 tsp turmeric

4 large handfuls of arugula and/or spinach

salt & pepper to taste

Cook beef in a pre-heated skillet over medium low heat until no longer pink. Sprinkle with turmeric and season lightly with salt & pepper. Add diced tomatoes and stir to incorporate. Add cream cheese and mix gently allowing cheese to melt. It's ok to leave a few small chunks. Finally add arugula and stir until fully incorporated and wilted slightly. Serve! For a bit of heat sprinkle with some crushed chili pepper.

This dish is so creamy and comforting that you won't miss the carbs, promise!