Some Food and an Update!

credit: www.idontwannagrowup.com

First, the update. 

Today is Day 4 of the Whole30 challenge. I seem to have more and more energy when I wake up in the mornings now. I feel like a completely different person, even a happy morning person! I can't remember the last time I felt that way. I always thought 6:30 was so early, but it's not so bad right now. It does help that it's light out; I have a feeling that winter mornings are still going to be a bit more difficult since they're still dark when I get up, but we'll see!

Until then, no more of looking like this in the mornings: →

Kill All Things!

I believe that hubby has moved into the Kill All Things stage of the process a bit more quickly than I did (or will... hasn't happened yet). He's had a stressful week though, so I'm sure that doesn't help much. If you remember from my post yesterday, here is the timeline that is expected:

Day 1: So what's the big deal?
Days 2-3: Hangover
Days 4-5: Kill All Things!!
Days 6 - 7: I just want a nap!
Days 8 - 15: Boundless energy, now give me a darned Twinkie!?
Days 16 - 28: Tiger blood! Feeling awesome!
Day 29: HolyOprahIt’sAlmostOverWhatAmIGoingToEatNow?!?!?!

Day 31: Deep breathing, and maybe some ice cream.

I feel like my emotions have been pretty mild up to this point. I did have headaches the first few days, but I think I may avoid that today. It would be nice! : )

Unfortunately, the days where you just want to take a nap (Days 6 & 7) fall directly on the day that hubby is planning on going on a kayaking trip with some friends from church... so, I hope he isn't too tired by then. It'll just be a day trip though, so hopefully it won't be too much for him.

Recipe: Beef Stirfry

This recipe is from Paleo on a Budget and works for the Whole30 plan.

Ingredients

Credit: paleoonabudget.com

• 1.5 lb ground beef

• 1 bag frozen veggies {Mixed bag… I used carrots, broccoli and cauliflower for mine!}

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 medium fresh tomato, chopped

• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder

• 3 tsp Basil

• 1 tsp Dill

• Salt + Pepper

• 2 tsp Oregano

• Lemon Juice to taste {Or Apple Cider Vinegar}

• Coconut Oil {or fat of choice}

 

Instructions

1.) Get a big ‘ol skillet heating with some coconut oil, and slice up your onions. When they’re all pretty toss them in the pan to start to sweat, you don’t want them caramelized just translucent.

2.) Once those get to a good spot, toss in your frozen veggies and let them cook for a few minutes, then add in your ground beef and continue to let it all cook.

3.) Once it’s almost cooked all the way through, add in your spices / herbs and Lemon Juice. Stir and finish cooking.

4.) Literally seconds before your ready to serve toss in your tomatoes and give a quick stir. That way you still have the cold bite of the tomato and still tastes “meaty” {and hasn’t softened}.

 

Note:

I will say that I added in a bit more garlic ( I really like garlic) and I added in some sweet potatoes rather than making them on the side.  This recipe was delicious though, and a balanced meal full of healthy protein, fat, and carbohydrates! To read the original post from Paleo on a Budget, click HERE.

Potato and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

I'm going to try to post a recipe or two each week as I get into writing more. Some of them will be recipes that I've come up with and some will be recipes that I've gotten from some of the great blogs and webpages that I like to follow. I have to admit that I don't typically follow a recipe when I cook, but instead end up "guestimating" the amounts and maybe increasing or decreasing them. For example, I LOVE onions so any recipe that calls for 1/2 of an onion will end up getting an entire onion in it. I just figure you can't go wrong with more onion! For the sake of the blog, I'll try to keep track of the amounts I use in case any of you would like to try them out yourself.

For today, I'd like to share one of my main go-to side dishes for a lot of meals. As I've gotten a better grasp on eating clean, I've resorted to a few staple meals and side dishes and have been branching out and getting more creative as I go. So when I don't have a lot of time and don't feel like being too terribly creative, I make my potato/veggie stir fry side dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes (diced, can peel first or leave skin on)

• 1 medium onion (diced)

• 1 (16 oz) bag of frozen vegetable stir fry (I use Great Value brand, but any will do)

• 1/4 cup chopped cheese of your choice (go for the good cheese, with just a few ingredients)
•  Coconut or Olive oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Italian Seasoning to taste
• Onion Powder to taste

Directions:

• Heat up a pan with a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil
• Add the onions and potatoes
• Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until mostly cooked, stirring occasionally
• Add frozen vegetables
• Cook another 10 minutes or until everything has cooked through and is soft, stirring occasionally
• Add cheese and cook 2 minutes or until it has melted

* May need to add more oil as you cook
* Again, I haven't measured the spices I use while I'm cooking, so you can feel free to play around there
* Serves 2 - 3 (we like big servings)

Typically, I pair this stir fry with a piece of chicken or pork chops and then make a salad on the side. The meat serving is usually 3 - 4 oz (or about the size and thickness of your palm) and the potato/veggie stir fry will take up most of the plate. It is delicious, full of different vegetables, will leave you full, and you can save the leftovers for breakfast the next morning!

I'm always open to suggestions or comments if anyone finds a yummy substitute or can recommend another recipe, so feel free to share!