Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles are hearty and healthy — and a great recipe to help meet your protein goals.
If you’ve been paying attention to health news lately, you’ve probably noticed that protein is having a major moment — and for good reason. As we age, our bodies naturally become less efficient at building and maintaining muscle, a process known as anabolic resistance. That means women over 50 need to be more intentional about including protein throughout the day.
Chef Weight Loss Success Story
I’m Virginia Willis, a French-trained Southern chef who lost 65# without meds or surgery and has kept it off for 5+ years. (No judgement; just clarity.)
Welcome to my Good and Good for You™ newsletter, a quick 5-minute read with ideas and info on ways to help improve your life – including a tasty and healthful recipe like these Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles.
This issue shares:
- Best Life Living Tip: Why Protein Matters as We Age
- Self-Care Strategy: Be Like Kermit…
- Ideas and Inspiration: Snap to It with Terry Allen
- Good and Good for You™ Recipe: Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles
I am gearing up for lots of great recipes and self care info for fall. If this was forwarded to you or you came across it on social media you can sign up for FREE here or on Substack.
Read on for more — including this Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles. I know you’re going to love it!
Best Life Living Tip
Best Life Living Tip❤️ Lean Protein Loves Your Heart
The protein push seems a little out of hand. I saw a sign for protein bowls at Waffle House and it touted on a bag of Doritos. Ahem. But, our need for protein is real; it’s not just a marketing ploy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, protein builds and repairs tissues, preserves lean muscle mass, supports immune function, and promotes satiety to help manage weight. Adults generally need 46 to 56 grams daily (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight), though active people and older adults may need more.
- 💪 Turkey is naturally lean, providing high-quality protein with less saturated fat than many traditional beef or pork meatballs.
- 🏋️Protein helps preserve muscle mass, which becomes increasingly important for strength, mobility, and healthy aging.
- 🩺 Eating less saturated fat can help support healthy cholesterol levels as part of an overall heart-healthy eating pattern.
- 🍋 Flavor doesn’t have to come from fat or salt! Fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and ripe tomatoes create bold flavor naturally.
Self-Care Strategy
🌈 Be like Kermit! Think Rainbow Connection.
One of the simplest ways to support health at any age is to eat more colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
- 🥒 Zucchini provides fiber and potassium, nutrients that help support healthy blood pressure.
- 🍅 Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to cardiovascular health.
- 🌿 Fresh parsley adds vitamins, antioxidants, and a burst of fresh, grassy flavor.
- 🍋 Lemon zest brightens the dish without adding extra sodium, fat, or calories.
- 🌈 Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables at lunch and dinner whenever you can—small, consistent choices make a big difference. Remember, little things add up!
Ideas and Inspiration
Few people embody the idea that your best work can still be ahead of you quite like my dear friend Terry Allen. It’s been super cool to see his amazing success – and the bursts of creativity and even more success late in his career.
Garden & Gun recently featured the Athens music scene, home to REM, the B-52s, Love Tractor, Pylon, and more. Much of this was captured back in the day by Terry!
- 📸 He’s a longtime Athens, Georgia photographer whose work spans fine art, music, sporting life, and luxury brands.
- 🎸 He has photographed legendary artists including R.E.M., The B-52s, Indigo Girls, The Black Crowes, and Widespread Panic. (You can buy prints on his website!)
- 🦆 Terry is internationally recognized for his stunning photography of fine guns, sporting destinations, and the wing-shooting lifestyle, with work featured in Garden & Gun, Covey Rise, and Shooting Sportsman.
- 🌎 Today, Terry is enjoying some of the greatest success and recognition of his career, creating award-winning work for clients such as Orvis, Beretta, Purdey, and Westley Richards around the globe.
- 🎞️ Want to know more? Check out this article about Terry in The Flagpole.
Terry is proof that passion, curiosity, and continuing to hone your craft can lead to remarkable new opportunities — no matter where you are in the stages of life.
Make sure to check out his website TerryAllenPhotography.com and give him a follow on Instagram @terryallenphoto
Make it Count
Health isn’t built by one perfect meal. It’s built by making smart choices more often than not. Every colorful vegetable, every lean protein, and every home-cooked meal is another step toward living your healthiest, happiest, and best life.
Thank you for reading. For more tips, inspiration, and healthy recipes, please follow @virginiawillis on Instagram
And, remember, if you choose what’s Good and Good for You™ most of the time, you’re headed in the right direction. You’ve got this!
Bon Appétit, Y’all!
Virginia Willis
Lean Protein: Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles
Ingredients
- ½ sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% or fat free)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped, divided
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Middle Eastern Spice Blend, such as shawarma, ras el hanout, or baharat
- 1 tbsp pure olive oil
- 4 medium zucchini, cut into noodles with a spiralizer or 32 ounces prepared zucchini zoodles
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- Handful whole flat-leaf parsley leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set an ovenproof rack on top. (If you don’t have a rack you can skip it and cook the meatballs on the foil, parchment paper, or a nonstick silicone baking mat. The rack simply allows the meatballs to cook more evenly.) Spray the rack or the foil with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the onions in a ramekin or microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium power until soft and translucent, about 45 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the turkey, onion, chopped parsley, 1 clove of garlic, lemon zest, and Middle Eastern Spice Blend. Stir to combine with a rubber spatula. (To taste and adjust for seasoning, simply cook a teaspoon or so of the mixture in the microwave.)
- To form the meatballs, using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or a tablespoon measure, scoop out the meat mixture. The meatballs should be about the size of a walnut. Place onto the prepared rack. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used. (You should have 24 turkey meatballs.)
- Transfer to the oven and cook until firm and the temperature reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini zoodles, remaining clove of garlic, and halved tomatoes. Cook until just tender and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid. Add the cooked turkey meatballs and parsley leaves; toss to coat. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Nutrition
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