Whole30/Sugar Detox/AIP Journey - Day 22 (What I ate for the day)

Day 22 and what I ate!

Be warned!  It is not perfect Whole30/Sugar Detox.... that being said this is based on my functional MD's recommendations.  Since my labs are not where I want them to be I am determined but vowed not to be stressed about it!

After yoga instead of my coffee I had hot water with lemon and sea salt.  I would have coffee later once I got to work.  I am waiting on my protein powder to be shipped and may only have it a few times a week, but it does have a lot of vitamins an minerals I need.  So I had this Paleo protein powder that I mixed with a whole avocado and some coconut milk.

Work was pretty slow so I needed up doing an inventory and a few other things that so I didn't need to go in on my day off later this week.

I ate my lunch between 10:30 and 11am.

From Real Plans I made AIP Meatloaf and OMG it was so good!  It is loaded with a ton of veggies!  Zucchini, carrots and onions.  So happy I have 3 more pieces to enjoy this week!  I paired it with brussels and spaghetti squash with sea salt and coarse ground black pepper.  Can I say again how good it was?!  I did add a little bit of mayo too.  I was also good and drank water, which I have been lacking on.

I thought I would showcase the double decker grilled cheese I make at work.  Doesn't it look fabulous!  I'm seriously going to make some AIP cheese and make myself one this week!  If you are near Birmingham stop by (Birmingham Roast) and have one!  We have gluten free bread that is locally made too from Celiac Specialties in Rochester!

I got out of work a bit late but as soon as I got home I sat down to meditate for 30 minutes.  It feels good to get back into it.  I'm committed to those 30 minutes no matter what.  After I sat down to look at my DoTERRA oils to see what could benefit me and my digestion.  I have a few I may try.

I got word from D that he was going to be a bit late, so I held off and had dinner ready for 6:30.

Tonight's dinner was a burger with sautéed mushroom (coconut oil) with a fried egg.  I paired it with some greens and on the side roasted cauliflower, asparagus and green beans.  After I snapped this picture I decided to top it with Sir Kensington's mayo.  I think it was a mayo kinda day!

Now to more relaxing and some dandelion tea.  Until day 23!

Whole30/Sugar Detox/AIP Journey - Day 20

It's Sunday Work Day!

Up 30 minutes than what I needed to be!  Typical!

Yoga with the big dawg got started right after I turned on the coffee pot (decaf).  I put collagen and MCT oil in my coffee today.

I would be recipe testing some whole food smoothies, no added sugar at work so definitely didn't need to eat right away.  I did have my Whole Foods hot bar meal from yesterday that I would take along with some greens.  Needless to say, work was stressful! I got everything done that I needed and I was busy cooking on top of that.  The smoothie recipes came out great too.  That certainly makes me happy.  I cooked up some chicken and bacon (sampling!)  But, I knew I needed to eat a full meal, which happened after 9:30.

Below the greens are Nom Nom Paleo's brussels, cauliflower rice and grilled mushrooms.  I added a couple slices of avocado too.

Not much else for the rest of work except baking some almond butter bars (yes, I ate some almond butter) and gluten free carrot cake (no sampling).

I got home but didn't do any food prep for the week, so I know I will be doing that tomorrow at some point.  I have an appointment with my functional MD to go over labs and a dentist appointment later in the afternoon.

D got home from riding and said he wanted to get a gluten free pizza.  He was going to try Domino's this time because Buddy's Pizza wan't very good.  The crust was thin and crispy, he likes it that way.  He was thrown back by the price ($13 for a small) but I told him Buddy's was more.  I had leftover vegetables and chicken mushroom sausages to cook up.  Broccoli, spaghetti squash, kale sautéed with onions in coconut oil.  Then I added a whole small avocado and topped everything with Green Goddess dressing from Trader Joe's.

Another short post but going to spend time with D and it's going to be an early morning!

Whole30/Sugar Detox/AIP Journey - Day 16!

Ah, Wednesday morning! My day off, I should be sleeping in.

It started with the cat jumping on the bed and my phone flying behind the bed.  Needless to say I had a hard time digging it out.  But she got what she wanted, me out of bed!  It was 6:30, perfect for coffee but still too early to be up when I didn't need to be.

I had my collagen coffee.  I think this is going to be my thing in the morning.  I need to get more collagen because of my hip and just because it's good for me.  I had some Kettle & Fire bone broth, an excellent source for collagen.  I also would got some Epic bone broth, since Whole Foods had it on sale.

The usual routine followed and I got ready to head out to the gym.

She's cute and oh so dang sassy!

Treadmill warm up before lifting.  I go for 20 minutes and usually max out the incline at 14%

It's too bad you can't see it but I'm up to 100# on gluten kickbacks and I think I can go higher next week, if my hip cooperates!  I finished my workout which was gluten and hamstring focused and headed to Whole Foods to pick up a few items I missed from my meal prepping.  I needed more vegetables since I knew I would run out and chicken breasts.  I checked for sriracha brussel sprouts and they had zero!  WHAT?!?  It was too early for the hot bar, so no Nom Nom Paleo brussels either. It was fine anyway.  I would be going home to make soup for lunch and Whole Foods is a mile from my house.

Kettle & Fire bone broth!  I was excited to try the Mushroom & Chicken in my soup.  It certainly delivered.  It's thicker than stock, as it should be.  The depth of flavor is phenomenal.  I know why people are drinking it straight!

Pork, bok choy and mushrooms (and onion).  The recipe called for kale but I thought the bok choy would taste better.  After lunch I had a massage scheduled at Massage Envy.  It was my first time going and honestly I was hooked!  I loved the massage therapist, she was wonderful.  Her technique for massage was so different from any other massage I've had.  I've been wanting to get monthly massages anyway so this was perfect.  D did great for that Christmas gift.  I stopped at Starbucks after for a coffee and Vitamin Shoppe for some turmeric.  I'm also on the hunt for a desk as I build my home office and having a hard time finding what I want, but hopefully soon!

I promised the pups I would take them to the park down the street to run around after my errands.  They didn't do much.  Jack did fall a few times on some slick spots but it didn't stop him at all.

After we got back I finished my coffee I got earlier and did some cleaning around the house and prepped my lamb for dinner.  I'm glad I looked at my recipe because it needed an hour to marinate in the olive oil, rosemary, garlic mix.  So while that marinated I had to run out and do an errand for work.  I really didn't feel like doing it in the morning so I figured before dinner would work.  

Dinner is served!  I seared the lamb on both side for 3 minutes and then threw it in a 375 degree oven for a couple minutes.  It came out perfectly medium rare.  I paired it with some sriracha brussels.  Not Whole Foods but still nice and tasty!

So now to relax because I am tired and extremely sore.

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Whole30 Journey Day 15 - Hello AIP!

Well it's Day 15 and technically the half way point.  But I'm starting an AIP version of Whole30/Sugar Detox.  Why do it now?

Well, while I will continue beyond 30 days a sugar detox, I need to be on AIP more than what I have been.  Now it won't be the textbook "AIP" with every elimination, like coffee (it stays).  I will focusing on offending (for me) foods that I eat too much of.  Anyway, my work day began as usual.  Yoga with the big dawg and D needed to be up early too.  So after yoga the house was crazy busy!  I had a collagen coffee and packed up what would be my brunch at work.

I prepped this last night from my Real Plans menu.  It's a sausage, spaghetti squash and mushroom hash (AIP).  I used ground pork instead of sausage.  Such a good dish, it was satisfying and filling.  I ate around 9:30 since when I got to work I had to make a few things and a good chef always taste to make sure everything is seasoned well.  I only had a bite of chicken and a bite of a spread.  Oh yeah, I had another cup of coffee... I do work at a coffee shop!

The rest of the workday was uneventful.  I got home and wanted to do a workout.  I had a tablespoon of sunflower seed butter and headed downstairs with my laptop.  I tuned into BOD and 80 day Obsession.  It just started yesterday and it wasn't bad.  Today was Total Body Core.  I didn't break a sweat but it was a nice change.  I may try Day 2 tomorrow as my warm up for the gym, maybe.

Once I finished I started to prep dinner.  Dinner was Italian Chicken with cauliflower and broccoli.  I had to cut up some chicken but everything was ready to go into a pan.  So I threw everything in the skillet and cooked up the chicken with onion and celery.  I broke up the cauliflower and placed it in a casserole dish.  I placed the chicken mixture with some seasoning on top of the cauliflower and made a roux with cassava flour, water and coconut milk, re-season and put it on top of the chicken.  I throw it in the oven to finish cooking while I showered.  15 minutes and perfect timing, dinner was done.  Another winner!

I had some more sunflower seed butter before I got rid of the rest.  I can see myself jumping into it every day, somethings I just can't trust myself around specially after it's already open.  I know it's a waste but it's a nut/seed butter and this would be one thing that would throw me off.

Time to wind down.  Until Day 16!

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Whole30 Journey - Day 8

Day 8!  It seems like longer.

I knew today was going to be a busy day for me at work.  I might not be cooking a lot but I had enough computer work to keep me busy and some finishing touches to the POS system.

I began my work day as I usually do.  I wake up before my alarm goes off, around 15 minutes.  I get up and let the pups out so I don't get disturb while practicing my yoga.  I've been using the Down Dog app and can customize it for more hamstring opening.  I can't say that my hamstring really feels any better but I know there are other things I need to do to rehab the tendonosis.

The big dawg always next to me during practice.  He is much calmer when I practice in the bedroom versus the living room.  I'm not sure if it's competition with Stryker or not.  After my 30 minute practice the beasties get fed and then I change and get to my breakfast.

I threw the cocoa roasted cauliflower in the skillet with some brussels and bacon.  Add to that some coffee and it was a great breakfast.

I try to limit my use of plastics and the easiest way to bring my lunch to work, specially a stew, is in a mason jar.  I try to repurpose all the glass jars I can.I took the last of the Taj Mahal Chicken with me. I think it tasted even better today that the flavors got to sit together longer.

D told me later that he thought this meal was prison food.  UGH!  Sometimes, ya know!  I'm just glad he ate it and didn't complain like he use to!  Next week I think I'm going to go with Nom Nom Paleo's recipes.  I don't think she meal plans it like Melissa does, but I'm going to give it a try.  I think D will like them a bit more.

The walk home from work was pretty nice, it was the warmest it's been in weeks.  I think it was around 36 and felt like a heat wave!  I certainly felt overdressed, at least I didn't sweat.  Once I got home and fed the animals and did a 20 minute yoga practice.  I decided that I didn't want the beef stew I made tonight, I would save it for tomorrow.  Instead I would make the ahi tuna steaks with veggies.

Ok and bacon.  I pan seared broccoli, asparagus and arugula.  I added some of the sunshine sauce but I wasn't feeling it so I topped it off with some salsa verde instead.  

It's been a long day so I am turning in early!  Until Day 9.

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Whole30 Journey - Day 7

Day 7!

Seriously you guys this day was crazy!  I don't even know where the time went, but I accomplished a lot!

I woke up around 6:30.... naturally I'm hungry but damn it I can't eat because I have to get my labs done.  Oh bother! (It snowed overnight!!)  I start to get ready, get the pups and cat fed, put D's lunch together and in his bag.  I'm starting to run behind because I need to run an errand for work and doing it before the bank opens  (they use the loading dock to park!!) so I can unload and get to my appointment.  I debated about having eggs but don't want to overdo it.  I remembered I have complaint mini beef sticks.  So I grab 2 of those, scoop out a whole small avocado and some pea pods, throw on the sea salt, put a lid on it and run out the door.

I did my work errands, went to get my labs and quickly dove into my breakfast.  SO was not enough but I wanted to get to the gym which was the time I wanted to get there, 9am.  

I stopped at Starbucks for a coffee on my way to get lunch at 7Greens.  No worries about it being busy there since they would just be opening when I got there.

I wanted to try something new.  The blake bowl is just so good, but I got the Yoga Girl and got rid of the quinoa, tofu sauce and miso.  I added chorizo and avocado.  It had kale, spinach, carrot, roasted beets, roasted brussel sprouts and I want to say I am missing something else!

I got home with my goods but realized I really needed to take care of all the snow on the driveway and sidewalk.  I put my bag in the kitchen and brought the pups out with me.  I started the snow thrower and was done in 15 minutes.  My hip was hurting, so I probably shouldn't have done it but it had to get done.

What's in the bag?!!?

It wasn't as filling as I hoped, not much protein but it was super tasty!  Loved it.  About 2 hours later I was eating a few strips of bacon.  I started to meal prep as I snacked on my bacon.  It took me a couple hours but they really did fly by.  Before I knew it it was time to finish up what I needed to have dinner ready just in time for D to get home.

I know dinner doesn't look like much but it really was good.  D wasn't a fan but he ate it anyway.  He had broccoli instead of brussels.  The recipe from Melissa Joulwan, of course.  I am following her Whole30 plan from a few years ago.  This one is Taj Mahal Chicken.  It makes 2 to 4 serving - easily 3 good size servings.  D is into how many calories everything is so I plugged the recipe into myfitnesspal and for 3 servings it was 381 calories.  Not too bad at all.

I've been feeling really good following this plan.  I also signed up for Meal Planner and Stupid Easy Paleo for when Whole30/Sugar Detox is over.  I'll still follow the same guidelines anyway.  I don't feel deprived at all so why not?!

Until tomorrow!  I've been on the computer too much this evening.

Whole30 Journey - Day 6

Happy Sunday and Day 6 of the Whole30/Sugar Detox Journey

It was my typical workday.  Yoga when I get up with the Big Dawg Jack!

I decided to go downstairs to practice.  Jack did his usual "burger flip" on the couch.  Love that dog, he can be so super quirky!  When I finished I wasn't hungry so I decided to just have coffee with collagen to start off my day.  It typically happens where I get to work and I'm hungry, fingers crossed I can hold out.

I ended up with a Lara Bar.  I'm glad I took it with me, not the best but it is Whole30 emergency food right.  Ugh!

For lunch which was around 10:30 I revisited my tuna avocado salad from last week.  Sir Kensington's mayo, a can of tuna, just under a half a avocado, some red onion and a roma tomato.  I also had a piece of bacon.

Once I got home I had a tablespoon of coconut manna before taking the dogs for a quick walk.  It's still pretty cold and the dogs didn't want to be out.  They kept lifting their paws.  I had a little prep work to do for work and then D said he was ready for dinner.

Tonight's dinner was a burger topped with bacon, a fried egg and salsa verde.  The veggies I sautéed are tomato, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale and arugula.  I added some salsa to that as well.  It was simple and I think it could've used something more.  If I had meal prepped when I got home the veggies would have been different.  That's ok.  Tomorrow afternoon I will meal prep.

I have to fast tonight from 9pm to 9am, since I have blood work in the morning.  I hate fasting.  I'll be up early with D and won't be able to have coffee, nothing!  I know I will be fine and debating on what to eat after since I have errands to run and the gym to go to.  I guess I'll figure it out tomorrow.  I don't have much else, so until tomorrow!  I should have a lot more to post.

Whole30 Journey - Day 5

Hello Saturday and Day 5 for me!

Going to be a pretty great day today!  I was up at my usual time for a day off on the weekend (7:30).  I got the beasties feed and headed out to get coffee.  D doesn't have cream at home so that's why I typically go out for it.  It was a Dunkin' kinda morning.  It's still super cold out and I didn't feel like going to multiple places today.  Plain black decaf for me (added collagen, sea salt and cinnamon).  Not the best quality but I'll probably get more coffee later.

I got home and the dogs were going nuts for 2 reasons.  Usually they get a sour cream doughnut when I go BUT they were also cleaning up after the cat, since she got sick!  Ugh!  So I had to clean that up before I got to my breakfast.  

I think I under did the amount of food though.  2 slices of sugar free bacon, and leftover vegetables that consisted of red pepper, onions, green beans and wilted down spinach and arugula.  I figured the fat that everything was cooked in would fill me up, but I'm thinking no!  I have a video of it cooking up if you head over to Instagram to see it here.

I headed out to the gym and grocery shopping at Trader Joe's which is conveniently in the same stripmall.  Can't get any easier than that!  I debated several times on picking up a salad there to make it easier but figured I was buying or had everything on hand that I would have spent on one.  So here is what I did when I got home.

I had some leftover ground turkey from D's lunches this week.  So I combined that with the remaining onion, cauliflower and arugula.  I scrambled up an egg for some extra protein.  A little hot sauce on top and an easy Whole30 lunch was ready.

I really didn't do much else after lunch, at least nothing good to talk about (laundry).  

We were suppose to go to dinner with D's family but that was canceled at the last minute.  I had cancelled our previous reservations at Kona Grill but was lucky enough to get another.  It's typically so full we can never get in.  Tonight we were lucky and got in no problem, even with the reservation.

I think I did quite well for eating out on Whole30/Sugar detox.  I got the blackened maki-mahi with green beans and asparagus.  It also came with a grape avocado salsa.  I removed the grapes so it really ended up being guacamole.  

We had a few errands to run after dinner and it's so cold here that I just couldn't keep warm!  We stopped for coffee just before we got home.  It kinda helped but not enough.  I really need to go look for my electric blanket but that would require getting out from underneath my current blanket.  I do need to get ready for work tomorrow so I need to accomplish a few things.

Overall I'm feeling really good.  I'm not hungry in between meals and I have increased my vegetable consumption.  This way of eating is nothing new, but the focus to get back to the roots of good eating can be started at any point.  I said to my mom the other day when I asked her how her eating was going she made the excuse of all the treats in the house.  I said to freeze them, because they are not bad, but she can have some every now and then and not worry about a bunch of them going to waste. I said eating well doesn't have to begin on a magical day in the future.  It just needs to begin with your next bite of food.  Simple right?!  Yes!  

Until tomorrow!

  

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Whole30 Journey - Day 4

Ah Friday, a work day and Day 4 of Whole30/Sugar Detox.  Why both?  Because I don't really follow one in particular, I like a mix of both worlds.  And really, aren't they just the same with a few minor tweaks?!  Some say Lara bars are good, others say they are not.  I did get a couple even though I find that they have too many carbs for me and they are made with nuts.  For emergency hunger situations I figured 1 every now and then is ok.  Days in a row and I face break outs!

So my day began as usual for a workday.  I get up early (4:30am) and immediately jump into 30 minutes of yoga.  The big dawg is always there by my side.  If I stay upstairs he is good and doesn't bump into me.  Today I started upstairs and then came downstairs to finish (he had to go outside) and he just kept running into me.  Oh that big dawg!  I just love him!

Breakfast on this 4th day was the last of my chorizo sausage (insert sad face!), some sriracha brussel sprouts (put smile back on face!), arugula and red pepper all sautéed up together and my swiss water processed decaf from Allegro (with cinnamon).  So much flavor and just so good!

I cleaned up everything, the fur babies were all taken care of and D was going to drive me to work since it was like negative 18 degrees this morning and walking wouldn't be the best!  Though I would walk home since the temperature would be better.

I was having a busy day at work and took the last of my chocolate chili for lunch.  As I was finishing I forgot to document it!  Haha, how else would you know what I had?!  Like I said I was busy and just all over the place (nothing new there).  I didn't even warm it up.  I was taking bites between doing all the things so it kinda got to room temperature which was perfect.

After getting home and taking everyone out, picking up the slight disaster in the living room and feeding them I ate a few bites of coconut manna and did a little more yoga to wind down.  Day 4 of Yoga with Adriene was on the floor and I was having a hard time just sitting/laying there, so I ended the video early.  I should have made myself just do it, I should get credit for doing 90%!  I was also getting hungry and needed to get my dinner going.  D was going to the gym after work so I prepared mine, I didn't want to wait 2 hours.

I broiled some salmon and topped it off with half a avocado and a drizzle of salsa verde.  I had leftover white sweet potato, green beans and asparagus, all of which I placed in the broiler as well and just added salt when finished.  I love simple meals.  It's even better when you prep ahead and can easily throw it together in under 10 minutes!  It was a good amount of vegetables that I hope will keep me satiated for the night (think I will be!).

I don't know if people complain about being hungry while doing a "detox" or not.  I know that I haven't been.... well unless I'm just totally being out of my mind and under eating which for sure has happened.  Probably a lot more in the past than now, another time to go into that!

Until Day 5!

Whole30 Journey - Day 3

Day 3!  Woot!

Early yes, but I don't feel different, but then this isn't anything extreme to me!  If anything I am just more prepared than I have been previously!

I went to bed really late and still got up around 7:30.  I had some coffee first in a fun mug I got when I was at Universal Florida.

About an hour later I decided to have some breakfast.  I was going to the gym later since I had to wait to hear from a service guy and when he was coming.  I also decided to get some other things done while waiting around.  Multi-tasking at it's best!

Breakfast skillet bowl!  Leftover chicken thighs sautéed with collard greens, arugula, red peppers, and caramelized onions.  I decided to hold off on the chorizo sausage till dinner tonight and re-create the Blake Bowl at 7Greens.  It's seriously so good and at some point I will go back and maybe try something else! Yeah right!

Lunch was a revisit to Melissa Joulwan's Chocolate Chili.  I wasn't really hungry but figured it was best to eat something since I just lifted heavy.  The good thing is I have enough for lunch tomorrow while I'm at work.

I finished off a few other things and decided it was a good idea to do some yoga to stretch out.  It was day 3 of Yoga with Adriene's True.  It was all about stretching today, so totally perfect!

I was super excited for dinner, I wanted to re-create 7Greens Blake Bowl, but I made a few changes.  Spinach and arugula as the base then on top is a scrambled egg (1), chorizo (1 link), roasted white sweet potato (used 1/2 of a large), avocado (1/2) and salsa verde.  It was seriously so good!  While I was getting it together and making D's dinner (pancakes) I had a few bites of coconut manna.  I tend to get pretty hungry all of a sudden and need to have something.  Apparently I just can't wait!

So now I am relaxing, drinking roasted dandelion tea and getting ready for work tomorrow.  Meals are already planned and prepped so nothing more I need to do now.

Until tomorrow for Day 4!

Whole30 Journey - Day 2

OMG!  I woke up with major hunger pangs!  Ok, I exaggerate but seriously I typically wake up hungry.  D can go hours and not eat.  I just can't and I refuse to!  I think about food a lot and I find it weird when keto or low carb people say they just don't think about their next meal because they are full.  WHAT?!?  I go from I'm full, still full, I'm ok to where is the food I need to eat now.  I can also tell when I need to get soon or the hangry will come out.

I played in bed for a moment and thought about what I was going to whip up for myself after I fed the cat and dogs.  The cat is like me, feed me now, right now.  Wait, that's every cat when I think about it!  I made a pot of coffee (decaf, swiss water processed) from Whole Foods 365 brand.  Side note on Whole Foods, I love them.  They have everything I need, the prices are great and bonus that they are a mile from the store.  But let's get back to what I had for breakfast.

I took my steamed broccoli and just warmed that (I over cooked it the other day!) and sautéed kale and a cabbage/carrot/kale mix from Whole Foods in some coconut oil.  I added chorizo sausage close to the end of cooking so it could warm up.  Salt and pepper and that's it!  So easy, but ya know.... I find myself a little hungry still.

After breakfast it was time for yoga.  Day 2 of Yoga with Adriene's Truth.  It was a good practice and just what I needed to get ready for the gym.  Then I got ready headed to the gym - quad and chest was the focus today.  After that was Whole Foods for some staples.

I was certainly ready for lunch when I got home.  Luckily, it was already done, all I had to do was reheat it and top it with avocado!

Chocolate Chili from Melissa Joulwan.  There is a theme going forward with this Whole30!  She makes it super easy.  Not having to put much thought into your meals everyday is just what I need.  The only thing I did different was use the Instant Pot instead of the slow cooker.

Dinner was a take on Twice Baked Sweet Potato from Paleo Running Momma.  I made a few slight changes due to some allergies.  I omitted the nutritional yeast, used horseradish mustard and I had removed the skins from the potato and mashed everything.  I scaled the recipe down to only make 2 servings.  D had white sweet potato and I had a japanese purple potato.  It was totally delish and something I will make again.  I think with that potato I had a ton of carbs and feel full where I know I won't feel like I need a snack later.  That always a good thing!

After a busy morning and afternoon I have the kitchen cleaned up and the big dawg sleeping next to me.  Time for some relaxation!

Until tomorrow, day 3!

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Whole30 Journey - Day 1

I know that it's January 2nd and most people started with their Whole30 on the 1st.  To be honest, I really started it the day after Christmas with a few tweaks here and there.  I mean I did drink some Moscato on New Years Eve, oh and a hot chocolate with peppermint mocha kahlua.  I was feeling some brain fog and just not feeling 100% like I was.  I certainly didn't go crazy during the holiday's and eat a bunch of junk!  I may have had a few drinks of almond milk eggnog here and there.  Overall, I stuck to my usual diet.  I think the week before Christmas was just a little too much.  My bestie was starting her next round of Whole30 today and I thought it would be great to do it with her.

I like to keep things simple.  As simple as possible!  Breakfast comes early.  On days I work (today) it's at 5am.  I like an easy meal, one skillet, so I had a chorizo sausage (only 7 ingredients!) sautéed (coconut oil) with cauliflower and kale.  Black coffee with cinnamon.

Lunch at work I wanted something that was going to be easy (see my theme?) and something I hadn't had in a while.  In walk my can of tuna and a packet of mayo (Sir Kensington's).  I mixed it with a diced roma tomato, red onion, salt/pepper and half an avocado.  It was fabulous!

Once I got home from dinner I had a couple bites of coconut manna.  I didn't think I would be able to wait the 2 hours till dinner.  Dinner was Pad Thai from Melissa Joulwan.  The Sunshine Sauce used on this makes you not even miss peanuts!  I subbed out red pepper for the onion since D isn't a fan.  I put a small amount of zucchini noodles with it and about a half a head of broccoli.  What makes this even better was the prep I did yesterday.  I cooked up the chicken thighs and made the sunshine sauce along with a few other things.  So dinner really was ready in 15 minutes.  No excuse to order out now and why would you want to with this dinner?!

I have to say that I eat a lot of food and can tend to eat lighter during the day and put the feed bag on at night.  Yes, I was still hungry and went back into the refrigerator for another chicken thigh.  

I'm keeping with my training schedule, which means what?  Strength 3 times per week and 4 times per week yoga.  I have noticed an increase in strength and I hope it continues.

Until tomorrow!

Sunday Run Day, Indian Butter Chicken & 1 Update

Today was an early day.  I woke at 6:30am but got out of bed an hour later and went to the market to grab what I needed for the week.  I stopped at Dunkin on the way home to grab D a caramel coffee, a cinnamon roll and the pups a vanilla sprinkle donut.

Later it was time to hit the gym and run.  It was a little trying but overall pretty good.  I did intervals the second half.  Funny you can see the top of my head in the reflection from the tv!

I did drink a bunch of water after and thought it would be interesting to jump on the scale, I know I wasn't dehydrated.  Two weeks into my protocol and I figured why not!  Down 4 pounds, not bad.  I really think things shifted toward the positive this week.  So I am happy with the progression so far.  BUT, right now I really want something crunchy to break things up and a latte!  Oh well, soon enough right.  Patience!

Not much else after that until it was time to make dinner.  The Castaway Kitchen has made a phenomenal dish that I was tackling for dinner!  Indian Butter Chicken

 

I've been in the need for new flavors!  This delivered.  Three great things about this dish.  It's paleo, Whole30 approved and nightshade free.  I think I do better without a few nightshades, tomatoes being the biggest one.  I think having them in small amounts and once or twice a week is okay, but more than that and I don't feel my best.

Look at all the steam!  The recipe called for skinless chicken thighs.  I used bone in skin on chicken thighs and I think the extra fat in the dish was worth it.  Nice thing about this recipe is that you can sauté in the instant pot and finish it there too.  This dish is super easy and nothing weird is needed in the ingredients.  You can make your own ghee if you don't have some already.

My final product!  I sautéed up some brussels and added some cauliflower rice.  This was so good and I'm so full from it.  I can't speak highly enough of it.  

I love all ethnic foods and need to figure out where the next stop will be!  Being mindful of my protocol and what doesn't work for me of course!