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!