Today marks my last day on the Whole30. I'm technically a day early, but I'm traveling tonight and tomorrow and can't wait to share a bottle of wine with my sweet heart.
As I mentioned, I did the Whole30 as a Whole45 in January/February 2012 (or was it 2011?) I don't remember, but I do remember I stuck to it and lost 4 pounds. I was SO frustrated. But I'm doing things differently now. I'm seeing a naturopath and acupuncturist to get my system to let go of what it doesn't need and between that and consistent exercise and doing the Whole30 again, I've officially lost 9.6 pounds and 6.75 inches since May 1st. It's the most weight I've lost since I hit about 25 years old without doing something drastic and extreme. Although I suppose some would say the Whole30 is drastic, but I found a quote yesterday that said "Paleo isn't low carb, it's low crap." And that's a fact. Cutting out sugar has been AMAZING!
I haven't been perfect. I've had sushi three times. I had quinoa and sour cream when I went to Phoenix. I went wine tasting last Sunday. I put a few drops of Stevia in my coffee a few times. But you know what I didn't do? I didn't let my sushi nights lead to another meal or day off plan. I didn't eat any of the crackers or candy that were put out at the wineries. I didn't put 10 drops of Stevia in my coffee just 2 or 3. I ate a cutie tangerine the other day and couldn't... it was too sweet. It's amazing how your tastes change with you limit the sugar and sweetness you ingest. I cannot eat 72% dark chocolate anymore. If it's not 88-90%, I don't want it, it's too sweet.
I've loved this and can't wait to do it again. It was challenging and I had hard days (traveling on this plan is difficult) but I'm thrilled with the results and feel like I finally have some inertia and momentum to keep focused.
I've also developed an interesting side effect of eating too much or too fast. If I eat too much or too fast, I get a bit of a stomach ache and lump in my throat that feels like I swallowed a tennis ball. If anything will make me rethink a second helping or remind me to slow down, it's a tennis ball in my throat! LOL
Anyway... this has been great and I expect I'll officially do it again in January, but I'm going to keep attempting to keep sugar intake to a minimum. Make my own salad dressings and mayonnaise when possible to cut down on unnecessary sugars and preservatives, eating whole foods and not packaged foods, and limiting happy hours and restaurant outings whenever possible. Here's hoping I keep going... I have 17 more pounds before I get to my first weight loss goal.
Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Halfway Point
Today marks my halfway point of my Whole30 Paleo Challenge. I can't tell you how amazing I feel. My energy has been consistent, I've been getting through my work outs without being so exhausted I need to quit, I'm sleeping better and I'm not really craving much. I love it!
I wish it were easy ALL the time to eat no sugar, but it's really not. I mean, it's easy to limit sugar at home, but you never know what you're getting if you eat out. And I really don't want to live my life without the occasional glass of wine or a cocktail at social occasions. Also, as I learned, traveling and eating Whole30 is difficult. Not impossible, but definitely a challenge.
As you know by now, I tried out for the Biggest Loser this last weekend by attending a Casting Call in Phoenix, AZ. I packed a lot of food with me in preparation for the flight there and back, waiting in line, etc etc. I packed SeaSnax, Primal Pacs, cashews, almonds and oranges. Also a few raw bars I found at New Seasons that had no added sugar. I ate only two meals out and still managed to have 5 corn chips and a dallop of sour cream on my not so awesome salad at dinner on Friday night and some cheese and ranch dressing on my salad at lunch on Saturday. I also had sour cream and quinoa in my Paleo-friendly Green Chile Verde soup that my host made for me. Sunday I was so exhausted after getting up at 4am to get to the airport and fly home that it was difficult to stay away from the sushi when we went out for Mother's Day. In the end, I ended up getting sushi take out and getting my fill. I didn't feel awesome physically, but I didn't beat myself emotionally for the few transgressions I made away from plan.
I was immediately back on plan after my Sunday take-out and haven't strayed since. I really am working on letting go of the perfection mentality. I do want to do my best on the 30 day challenge and I'd like to think I'll eat like this when this is over (which I expect since my regular diet isn't really all that different than this) but if I eat like this 80% of the time and the other 20% of the time is still healthy foods that may involve dairy, grains and sugars like honey or maple syrup... with an occasional cheeseburger and fries thrown in for good measure, then I feel perfectly fine with that. I hope my release from the perfection mentality stays with me... the "all or nothing" and black and white thinking doesn't do anyone any good. Moderation, moderation, moderation. Life isn't about perfection, it's about doing your best, feeling your best, and taking care of the only thing you have in this world when it comes down to it and that's your health. Physical, emotional and spiritual health, all deeply intertwined.
So I reach back, give myself a firm pat on the back and carry on, my head held high and a bounce in my step.
I wish it were easy ALL the time to eat no sugar, but it's really not. I mean, it's easy to limit sugar at home, but you never know what you're getting if you eat out. And I really don't want to live my life without the occasional glass of wine or a cocktail at social occasions. Also, as I learned, traveling and eating Whole30 is difficult. Not impossible, but definitely a challenge.
As you know by now, I tried out for the Biggest Loser this last weekend by attending a Casting Call in Phoenix, AZ. I packed a lot of food with me in preparation for the flight there and back, waiting in line, etc etc. I packed SeaSnax, Primal Pacs, cashews, almonds and oranges. Also a few raw bars I found at New Seasons that had no added sugar. I ate only two meals out and still managed to have 5 corn chips and a dallop of sour cream on my not so awesome salad at dinner on Friday night and some cheese and ranch dressing on my salad at lunch on Saturday. I also had sour cream and quinoa in my Paleo-friendly Green Chile Verde soup that my host made for me. Sunday I was so exhausted after getting up at 4am to get to the airport and fly home that it was difficult to stay away from the sushi when we went out for Mother's Day. In the end, I ended up getting sushi take out and getting my fill. I didn't feel awesome physically, but I didn't beat myself emotionally for the few transgressions I made away from plan.
I was immediately back on plan after my Sunday take-out and haven't strayed since. I really am working on letting go of the perfection mentality. I do want to do my best on the 30 day challenge and I'd like to think I'll eat like this when this is over (which I expect since my regular diet isn't really all that different than this) but if I eat like this 80% of the time and the other 20% of the time is still healthy foods that may involve dairy, grains and sugars like honey or maple syrup... with an occasional cheeseburger and fries thrown in for good measure, then I feel perfectly fine with that. I hope my release from the perfection mentality stays with me... the "all or nothing" and black and white thinking doesn't do anyone any good. Moderation, moderation, moderation. Life isn't about perfection, it's about doing your best, feeling your best, and taking care of the only thing you have in this world when it comes down to it and that's your health. Physical, emotional and spiritual health, all deeply intertwined.
So I reach back, give myself a firm pat on the back and carry on, my head held high and a bounce in my step.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A Dichotomous State of Mind
My energy since starting the Whole30 on May 1st has been better than it's been in a long time. I feel alert, clear minded and focused. Motivated even!
I feel great about the food I'm eating and have had the energy and wherewithal to exercise 5 days last week plus a yin yoga class! I'm sleeping pretty good (despite a sore shoulder and weird dreams) and overall feel pretty dang good.
But I feel a bit of emotional heaviness. I feel confused... like I WANT to be the happiness person alive right now, but I have some nagging feelings that are keeping me down. I'm trying to just recognize this feeling and accept it instead of judging it and be as happy as I can be despite this strange sense of.... sadness... uncertainty... confusion... even some somewhat undefined fear.
It's weird to feel so dichotomous. I pretty much usually feel one way at any given moment, even if that may change quickly at times. But right now I feel like while I'm on top of the world, I still keep looking down. I just have to accept it for what it is right now and keep doing the best I can.
23 more days on the Whole30! I'm sure I'll add Stevia and some limited alcohol back into my diet but I think I'll attempt to stay grain, soy and refined sugar free as much as I can. I feel amazing. Like the cobwebs have been cleared. It's a great thing. :-)
I feel great about the food I'm eating and have had the energy and wherewithal to exercise 5 days last week plus a yin yoga class! I'm sleeping pretty good (despite a sore shoulder and weird dreams) and overall feel pretty dang good.
But I feel a bit of emotional heaviness. I feel confused... like I WANT to be the happiness person alive right now, but I have some nagging feelings that are keeping me down. I'm trying to just recognize this feeling and accept it instead of judging it and be as happy as I can be despite this strange sense of.... sadness... uncertainty... confusion... even some somewhat undefined fear.
It's weird to feel so dichotomous. I pretty much usually feel one way at any given moment, even if that may change quickly at times. But right now I feel like while I'm on top of the world, I still keep looking down. I just have to accept it for what it is right now and keep doing the best I can.
23 more days on the Whole30! I'm sure I'll add Stevia and some limited alcohol back into my diet but I think I'll attempt to stay grain, soy and refined sugar free as much as I can. I feel amazing. Like the cobwebs have been cleared. It's a great thing. :-)
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Whole30 - The beginning
Today begins the Whole30 for me. I'm SO grateful to have a few folks doing it along with me so there is a bit of a support and brainstorming net.
The good news is that I was totally freaked out to remove the Stevia from my coffee but I found that if I put the coffee over ice and put enough Almond milk in it, then it's not SO bad. Whew! What a relief.
Otherwise, the Whole30 isn't all that different than how I usually eat, just paying more attention to labels on things like bacon and salad dressing, both of which usually have added sugars. And not drinking. But 30 days with no alcohol is no big deal. I'm having a little shin dig in June and just think what a cheap date I'll be after a month of not drinking! LOL
Anyway, I'm not doing this with an intention to drop weight, but really just to improve overall health, energy and work out performance. If I lose weight or inches, then hey... added bonus! I'm finally into a regular exercise routine so I think things will go alone well and hopefully relatively quickly. I can't believe it's even May anyway!!
More halfway through... have a great day!!
The good news is that I was totally freaked out to remove the Stevia from my coffee but I found that if I put the coffee over ice and put enough Almond milk in it, then it's not SO bad. Whew! What a relief.
Otherwise, the Whole30 isn't all that different than how I usually eat, just paying more attention to labels on things like bacon and salad dressing, both of which usually have added sugars. And not drinking. But 30 days with no alcohol is no big deal. I'm having a little shin dig in June and just think what a cheap date I'll be after a month of not drinking! LOL
Anyway, I'm not doing this with an intention to drop weight, but really just to improve overall health, energy and work out performance. If I lose weight or inches, then hey... added bonus! I'm finally into a regular exercise routine so I think things will go alone well and hopefully relatively quickly. I can't believe it's even May anyway!!
More halfway through... have a great day!!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Gearing up
Hi friends!
I'm gearing up to start the Whole30 Paleo cleanse next Wednesday, May 1st for a month. I've only done this once before, well over a year ago, but I think I got it down. I've been eating mostly Paleo for a good two years now so cutting out the sugars and dairy won't be too difficult. The hardest part is cutting out the alcohol. No booze at the bachelorette party I'm going to or during any weekends away or for happy hours. BUT I've done it before and I can do it again. It's only 30 days for crying out loud.
And I have at least two folks who have committed to doing it with me so we can talk about challenges and successes and recipes. I'm stoked.
To be clear, I don't expect anything regarding weight loss. I'm actually not even doing this with any weight loss intentions. My ezcema has been reacting to sugars mostly so I'm really using it as a tool to cut it out for a while and allow my body and skin to heal up a bit. I'm doing it to see if cutting out the sugar for 30 days helps with my overall energy, which has been sporadically both super high and super low.
I am considering actually making time for scheduled meditation each week. My ND tells me that my adrenal hormones aren't happy right now and they are reactive to stressors. Not necessarily mental/emotional stress either, but physical ones as well... carrying extra weight, working out with extra weight, worrying excessively about extra weight. I'd love to be free of the worry and while I can't really magically wake up thinner (if someone comes up with THAT formula, let me know!), I can try to relax about it. Ease up on how much my brain space it takes up. I'm already taking a weekly Yin yoga class and in addition to that I'd like to actually schedule time to sit in front of one of the multiple guided meditation CDs I have just to free my mind for a little while.
So I'm going to have my sushi this week, have my beer at the brewfest this weekend and be going sugar/dairy/alcohol free May 1st! I'll keep you updated on how things go! WHOOT!!!
I'm gearing up to start the Whole30 Paleo cleanse next Wednesday, May 1st for a month. I've only done this once before, well over a year ago, but I think I got it down. I've been eating mostly Paleo for a good two years now so cutting out the sugars and dairy won't be too difficult. The hardest part is cutting out the alcohol. No booze at the bachelorette party I'm going to or during any weekends away or for happy hours. BUT I've done it before and I can do it again. It's only 30 days for crying out loud.
And I have at least two folks who have committed to doing it with me so we can talk about challenges and successes and recipes. I'm stoked.
To be clear, I don't expect anything regarding weight loss. I'm actually not even doing this with any weight loss intentions. My ezcema has been reacting to sugars mostly so I'm really using it as a tool to cut it out for a while and allow my body and skin to heal up a bit. I'm doing it to see if cutting out the sugar for 30 days helps with my overall energy, which has been sporadically both super high and super low.
I am considering actually making time for scheduled meditation each week. My ND tells me that my adrenal hormones aren't happy right now and they are reactive to stressors. Not necessarily mental/emotional stress either, but physical ones as well... carrying extra weight, working out with extra weight, worrying excessively about extra weight. I'd love to be free of the worry and while I can't really magically wake up thinner (if someone comes up with THAT formula, let me know!), I can try to relax about it. Ease up on how much my brain space it takes up. I'm already taking a weekly Yin yoga class and in addition to that I'd like to actually schedule time to sit in front of one of the multiple guided meditation CDs I have just to free my mind for a little while.
So I'm going to have my sushi this week, have my beer at the brewfest this weekend and be going sugar/dairy/alcohol free May 1st! I'll keep you updated on how things go! WHOOT!!!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Challenge Schmallenge
I've only cheated once on the April Challenge of no sushi, but I see eff it! I'm done with depriving myself of my very favorite food. I mean, it's not Carl's Jr. or McDonald's. It's not the worst thing to indulge in every now and then.
So I learned something yesterday. I realize this seems really obvious, probably to everyone else, but it just occurred to me yesterday. If I'm craving something (such as sushi) then it's really better for me to have it in moderation (I don't need to eat four rolls at a time, maybe just one or two!) than it is for me to not have it at all. I've noticed that my snacking is a bit out of hand the last 2 days that I've really wanted to have sushi. Instead of having the sushi, I just had almond butter with chocolate chips and veggie chips and a slice of cheese and extra egg and bacon on my cobb salad and 1/2 cup of coconut milk ice cream instead of the 1/4 cup serving. Calories I ended up eating one way or the other.
I'm going to do the Whole30 next month with Amy (more on that later) so I'll have more time to not eat my favorite food. But in the meantime, if I want it, I'm going to have it and dang it, I'll enjoy it. Again, it's more about the quantity limit than anything else. If I can manage that, I can be a-ok. Granted, I don't always manage that, but I do better when I give in to the craving with the intention to moderate than it is when I just give myself free reign to make up for the craving other ways.
So.... April challenge is officially voided for me. I have all of May to refocus energies on no sugar, no grains. So in the last 12 days of this month, if I want sushi, gosh darn it, I'm going to have it!
Okay, rant over :)
So I learned something yesterday. I realize this seems really obvious, probably to everyone else, but it just occurred to me yesterday. If I'm craving something (such as sushi) then it's really better for me to have it in moderation (I don't need to eat four rolls at a time, maybe just one or two!) than it is for me to not have it at all. I've noticed that my snacking is a bit out of hand the last 2 days that I've really wanted to have sushi. Instead of having the sushi, I just had almond butter with chocolate chips and veggie chips and a slice of cheese and extra egg and bacon on my cobb salad and 1/2 cup of coconut milk ice cream instead of the 1/4 cup serving. Calories I ended up eating one way or the other.
I'm going to do the Whole30 next month with Amy (more on that later) so I'll have more time to not eat my favorite food. But in the meantime, if I want it, I'm going to have it and dang it, I'll enjoy it. Again, it's more about the quantity limit than anything else. If I can manage that, I can be a-ok. Granted, I don't always manage that, but I do better when I give in to the craving with the intention to moderate than it is when I just give myself free reign to make up for the craving other ways.
So.... April challenge is officially voided for me. I have all of May to refocus energies on no sugar, no grains. So in the last 12 days of this month, if I want sushi, gosh darn it, I'm going to have it!
Okay, rant over :)
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
rough day
My energy has taken a might dip in the last few days. So much so that my eyes are bleary and watery and I'm not motivated to do much other than get through my work day and curl up with a book afterwords. Both today AND yesterday, I bailed on my workout because I could not .... could NOT... get myself to the gym. I did 5 minutes yesterday and gave up... I was so exhausted, I couldn't even hold good form... so I quit.
All I wanted today was sushi. I CRAVE it so. I almost talked myself into it a few times, too. But I repeated some mantras I had remembered about a desire to compulsively eat and that it's a temporary discomfort with long term benefits versus temporary relief and long term consequences. And so I grit my teeth and made my salmon burger (with garlic aoli and avocado) and my brussel sprouts and thoroughly enjoyed it.
On the whole it was a hard day. I'm unknowingly exhausted, I haven't worked out in days, and I just want to eat and eat.
Tomorrow is a new day, though, and I do hope it will be a better one.
All I wanted today was sushi. I CRAVE it so. I almost talked myself into it a few times, too. But I repeated some mantras I had remembered about a desire to compulsively eat and that it's a temporary discomfort with long term benefits versus temporary relief and long term consequences. And so I grit my teeth and made my salmon burger (with garlic aoli and avocado) and my brussel sprouts and thoroughly enjoyed it.
On the whole it was a hard day. I'm unknowingly exhausted, I haven't worked out in days, and I just want to eat and eat.
Tomorrow is a new day, though, and I do hope it will be a better one.
Monday, April 1, 2013
April Challenge
I've decided to try to do one personal challenge each month this year. I haven't gotten much further than this month and last month, so I welcome any ideas!
In coming to the end of my "no scale" challenge for the month of March, I'm remiss to find I put on 4 pounds. I am not entirely convinced it's not just situational. Easter brunch with mimosas still digesting in my belly, a handful of glasses of wine this weekend and the timing of the month that always lends itself to water retention. I may not have lost weight this month (darn it!) but I don't really believe I gained weight, either. Although I'm bummed that this is the note my March challenge ends on (I won't lie, I was hoping to jump on and find I'd lost something), I have to keep my chin up and keep going.
So April is my "no sushi" month. I have a serious weakness for sushi and I love my sushi rolls. But... with my staying away from gluten and sugar (and corn and dairy), sushi is not the best choice for me. And frankly, if I get takeout, I can put away 3-4 rolls by myself and that's a lot of calories I really don't need all in one sitting. So... that is my April challenge... no sushi. The longer I stay away from sushi, the easier it is for me to stay away, but if I eat it one day, I tend to eat it for a few days in a row, like a crazy sushi obsessed person. Moderation is key, I realize, but I haven't quite figured that out too well unless I'm sharing sushi with someone, then I'm better. But since I generally eat sushi alone, I'm shooting for 30 days without it at all.
I'll let you know how it goes... wish me luck! And if you think of any other good monthly challenges that you have tried or think I should, let me know!
In coming to the end of my "no scale" challenge for the month of March, I'm remiss to find I put on 4 pounds. I am not entirely convinced it's not just situational. Easter brunch with mimosas still digesting in my belly, a handful of glasses of wine this weekend and the timing of the month that always lends itself to water retention. I may not have lost weight this month (darn it!) but I don't really believe I gained weight, either. Although I'm bummed that this is the note my March challenge ends on (I won't lie, I was hoping to jump on and find I'd lost something), I have to keep my chin up and keep going.
So April is my "no sushi" month. I have a serious weakness for sushi and I love my sushi rolls. But... with my staying away from gluten and sugar (and corn and dairy), sushi is not the best choice for me. And frankly, if I get takeout, I can put away 3-4 rolls by myself and that's a lot of calories I really don't need all in one sitting. So... that is my April challenge... no sushi. The longer I stay away from sushi, the easier it is for me to stay away, but if I eat it one day, I tend to eat it for a few days in a row, like a crazy sushi obsessed person. Moderation is key, I realize, but I haven't quite figured that out too well unless I'm sharing sushi with someone, then I'm better. But since I generally eat sushi alone, I'm shooting for 30 days without it at all.
I'll let you know how it goes... wish me luck! And if you think of any other good monthly challenges that you have tried or think I should, let me know!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
*enter catchy blog title here*
I'm feeling particularly hopeful this week. I'm not sure why, nothing much has changed, but I am. My feet are feeling better and I'm excited about MAYBE having a summer full of walking and hiking (moderate, of course!).
I'm going to start working with a new acupuncturist on several things. My feet, my food sensitivities, weight loss and overall body balance. If I had known 2 years ago that acupuncture would help my feet I would have saved myself several thousand dollars in other, more traditional (and non effective for me) methods. I'm SO happy to start this journey.
Said acupuncturist says the spirit is strong within me (boy, do I feel like a Jedi!) and she thinks I'm probably a fire element (duh, I'm a Leo! I'm all fire!) But I left the consultation with her thinking... if she thinks the spirit within me is strong, when I'm in constant pain/discomfort, I'm always tired and/or frustrated and also in a strange place in my personal life, then what would my spirit look like if some of those things were cleared out? Wow.... watch out world! I'm really excited!
My love is back from Juneau and I've only seen him for 2 hours. I hope I get to spend some time with him soon. I really miss that guy! He's faced with a tough decision now, though, about what to do with some of his job choices and it will be interesting to see what (and why) he chooses what he chooses. Selfishly, I hope he stays here with me, but I truly do want what is best for him, no matter what. Even if that doesn't include me right now. So we will see. I'm in a weird holding pattern that would normally make me extremely anxious and freaked but I'm actually feeling more of an uncomfortable calm about it. I can't control anything, so I just have to wait and see how things turn out.
I'm enjoying my days at the gym lately. I feel SO GOOD after I go. Jess said something to me the other day that I hope I remember. She said "When I'm dragging my feet to go to the gym, I try to remember that I always regret NOT going, but I NEVER regret going." Such a good point! I DID NOT want to go to the gym yesterday but not only did I feel great afterward, but I also did 10 minutes on the stairclimber which I haven't done in FOREVER because of my feet. So on top of being happy I got to the gym, I was proud I did something I haven't been able to do.
On that note, best get on with the day. Happy Hump Day to everyone!
I'm going to start working with a new acupuncturist on several things. My feet, my food sensitivities, weight loss and overall body balance. If I had known 2 years ago that acupuncture would help my feet I would have saved myself several thousand dollars in other, more traditional (and non effective for me) methods. I'm SO happy to start this journey.
Said acupuncturist says the spirit is strong within me (boy, do I feel like a Jedi!) and she thinks I'm probably a fire element (duh, I'm a Leo! I'm all fire!) But I left the consultation with her thinking... if she thinks the spirit within me is strong, when I'm in constant pain/discomfort, I'm always tired and/or frustrated and also in a strange place in my personal life, then what would my spirit look like if some of those things were cleared out? Wow.... watch out world! I'm really excited!
My love is back from Juneau and I've only seen him for 2 hours. I hope I get to spend some time with him soon. I really miss that guy! He's faced with a tough decision now, though, about what to do with some of his job choices and it will be interesting to see what (and why) he chooses what he chooses. Selfishly, I hope he stays here with me, but I truly do want what is best for him, no matter what. Even if that doesn't include me right now. So we will see. I'm in a weird holding pattern that would normally make me extremely anxious and freaked but I'm actually feeling more of an uncomfortable calm about it. I can't control anything, so I just have to wait and see how things turn out.
I'm enjoying my days at the gym lately. I feel SO GOOD after I go. Jess said something to me the other day that I hope I remember. She said "When I'm dragging my feet to go to the gym, I try to remember that I always regret NOT going, but I NEVER regret going." Such a good point! I DID NOT want to go to the gym yesterday but not only did I feel great afterward, but I also did 10 minutes on the stairclimber which I haven't done in FOREVER because of my feet. So on top of being happy I got to the gym, I was proud I did something I haven't been able to do.
On that note, best get on with the day. Happy Hump Day to everyone!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Weekend recipes - pure comfort food
Per request, here are the recipes I made this weekend. They all turned out amazing, as usual, and I highly recommend them!
Country Fried Steak (Paleo) - I originally found on receipes.sparkpeople.com but couldn't seem to find it again today when I looked for it.
1 lb top round steak (or cube steak)
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1/4 coconut flour (I usually use garbanzo bean flour, though)
Enough oil to coat pan well (4+ tablespoons)
Season steaks with sat, pepper and garlic powder. Dredge through flower and shake of excess. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. While resting, heat oil over med-high heat in skillet (I use cast iron). When oil is HOT, place steaks in pan and sear about 5 minutes per side or until crispy (they won't need more than 5 minutes each side if the oil is hot when you put the steaks in). Let drain on a wire rack (I just use a paper bag or some newspaper) for a few minutes before serving.
Makes 4 servings. Calories: 299. Fat: 18.7. Carbs: 2.5g. Protein: 28.9
2 tbsp arrowroot powder
1 can coconut milk (shake it up VERY WELL before you open it)
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp dried, rubbed sage
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
This morning I made breakfast for my momma bear and made my favorite tried, true and EASY breakfast hash with two perfectly poached eggs on top with grapes on the side for "dessert"
Sweet Potato Hash (from everydaypaleo.com)
1 lb ground pork sausage
3 sweet potatoes grated
3 tbsp coconut oil
cinnamon
Brown the sausage in a large soup pan. Add the coconut oil and shredded sweet potatoes to the cooked sausage (sometimes I’ll also add about 3 tbsp of organic butter as well). Stirring often, let the potatoes cook until they are soft, about 7 minutes. Add a TON of cinnamon and a dash of salt, if needed, and serve.
Tonight for dinner I'm steaming up some simple broccoli to serve with lemon marinaded chicken thighs per this blog/ recipe I found: Baked Chicken Thighs 3 ways!
Happy weekend!!
Country Fried Steak (Paleo) - I originally found on receipes.sparkpeople.com but couldn't seem to find it again today when I looked for it.
1 lb top round steak (or cube steak)
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1/4 coconut flour (I usually use garbanzo bean flour, though)
Enough oil to coat pan well (4+ tablespoons)
Season steaks with sat, pepper and garlic powder. Dredge through flower and shake of excess. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. While resting, heat oil over med-high heat in skillet (I use cast iron). When oil is HOT, place steaks in pan and sear about 5 minutes per side or until crispy (they won't need more than 5 minutes each side if the oil is hot when you put the steaks in). Let drain on a wire rack (I just use a paper bag or some newspaper) for a few minutes before serving.
Makes 4 servings. Calories: 299. Fat: 18.7. Carbs: 2.5g. Protein: 28.9
Paleo Sausage Gravy - from http://robbwolf.com/2011/01/05/gluten-free-sausage-gravy-paleo-biscuits/
16 oz. country style pork sausage2 tbsp arrowroot powder
1 can coconut milk (shake it up VERY WELL before you open it)
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp dried, rubbed sage
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
- Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage. Break up the sausage into fairly small pieces so it will cook easily, but I like to leave some bigger chunks in there too. Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Discard most of the fat, but leave about a tablespoon in there, and leave all the stuck-on brown bits of sausage in the bottom of the pan.
- Turn the heat down to medium. Add the arrowroot and stir it into the fat & brown bits, whisking constantly for about a minute so it doesn’t burn. It will get pretty thick and almost dry.
- Add the coconut milk about 1/3 of the can at a time, and whisk together with the “roux” you just made, incorporating it thoroughly. Some of the browned bits should start to come off the bottom of the pan, too. This is what we want. Keep adding in the coconut milk until it is all incorporated. Add the fennel, sage, cayenne, salt and pepper and mix it in.
- Add the sausage back in and incorporate throughout the gravy. Cook for a moment so everything is heated evenly. Serve immediately
This morning I made breakfast for my momma bear and made my favorite tried, true and EASY breakfast hash with two perfectly poached eggs on top with grapes on the side for "dessert"
Sweet Potato Hash (from everydaypaleo.com)
1 lb ground pork sausage
3 sweet potatoes grated
3 tbsp coconut oil
cinnamon
Brown the sausage in a large soup pan. Add the coconut oil and shredded sweet potatoes to the cooked sausage (sometimes I’ll also add about 3 tbsp of organic butter as well). Stirring often, let the potatoes cook until they are soft, about 7 minutes. Add a TON of cinnamon and a dash of salt, if needed, and serve.
Tonight for dinner I'm steaming up some simple broccoli to serve with lemon marinaded chicken thighs per this blog/ recipe I found: Baked Chicken Thighs 3 ways!
Happy weekend!!
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