Whole30 Day 3: The Elements- Water

Hydration is so important for your body. The body is made up of 60% water and helps with so many of your bodily functions such as absorption, tears, sweat, circulation. Water helps keep your skin and organs hydrated and nutrients flowing to and from them. I have read on several articles that drinking two glasses of water to get your day started helps control your cravings and calorie intake as well.

With my busy schedule, juggling two full time jobs, chores around the house, maintaining a consistent work out routine and ensuring that I take time for myself and loved ones, I have found that sometimes I forget to grab a drink of water. My body totally feels it- my skin feels tight, my mouth is dry and my lips crack, I feel lethargic, and want to snack all the time. For the past year, I fully cut out soda, Mios, and juices to also reduce the amount of sugar in my diet so my go to for hydration is water which is not always an exciting drink and does not come in a variety of flavors. My mother actually helped with making water a more desirable drink for me.

Flavored water can be accomplished in several different ways and can help with those "cravings" you may sometimes get for a sweet drink or alternate taste. My mom started with a cucumber, lemon and mint water- still water and there are additional nutrients from the citrus and vegetables. After that I looked up several other recipes on Pinterest and asked my friends what were some of their favorite flavors. My favorite is still my mom's recipe thought I have tried several with different berries, different herbs (basil is really tasty) and ginger.

Tip for the Day: Here's a few recipes to get you started that I like:

1 whole lemon, washed and sliced into rings
1 whole cucumber, washed and sliced into rings
1/4 cup rough chop of mint

Fill a pitcher with all ingredients with a cup of ice. Give it a quick stir to release the oils in the mint and fill the rest of the pitcher with water. Keep refrigerated. The water, if you can keep from drinking it all at once, will keep for 4-5 days.

1/2 box of raspberries
1 whole lime, washed and sliced into rings

Same as a above for instructions

Enjoy!

Whole 30 Day 2 Supportive Sources

Know your stuff!

The most irritating thing to me, are all the people who so quickly discredit paleo and primal lifestyles because of one article they have read or because they are bread lovers and do not agree with this particular lifestyle. These are also the most uneducated about paleo and do not look into the benefits or the causes of the negatives. They do not look at the science or what people are actually eating- it clearly must just be meat and vegetables, how do you live like that?! I admit I was skeptical at first and compared paleo to the Atkins diets and in some aspects they are similar. The important thing to remember is that everyone is different and different nutritional lifestyles work for all different body types. So it really benefits you to do your research and find out what works best for you!

One of the sources that was recommended to me that I have written about before, is the information dense It Starts With Food. This book breaks down the science of how food interacts with the body. This couple makes the science totally easy to understand and even has specific examples for particular aliments. They have even come out with an updated edition of their book that expands and accepts moderation of potato starch and salt for certain instances- continuing research!  It Starts With Food also comes complete with recipes for your Whole30.

If you have joined in the paleo lifestyle, you already know it is clearly more than just meat and vegetables that you are eating. I have used so many different proteins that I was unsure of how to cook before, liver, heart, lamb part, and developed an appreciation for a wide range of flavors. As a former culinary student and active member in the hospitality industry, I found myself regressing to the same flavors with no creativity because I figured there was only one way something could be made. I have been able to make several varieties of curries (from scratch!), I am able to differentiate certain spices that before just seemed to blend together into routine and my appreciation for food in general is much greater- I'm like Remey from Ratatouille. What really help get me started was the pantry lists from the Whole30 site. I did a lot of research on all the different spices, 'flours', fats and nuts to find out how they replaced, enhanced or interacted with food. To help with further variety I found Nom Nom Paleo who even has a section dedicated to Whole30.

All of these sources do talk about what works for them and how paleo has affected their lives. And these people are accountable and admit when something does not work. Like I said before you have to find what works for you- Hess and I eat the same meals but different foods affect me differently than they affect him.

Tip for the Day: Like in any situation, do your research. Have your facts to support your claims. I did the research and proved myself wrong :)

Post Holiday: Whole 30 Day 1 again...

What a whirlwind of a year! I have fallen off my routine and have enlisted my amazing Beach Body Coach Kelsey Ann, my supportive family and my "bustin' my chops" boyfriend to keep me in line. This means ensuring I post on ridiculousday EVERY DAY (Dad I'm counting on you!), I complete my PiYo and get that extra push when my P90X3 arrives (so excited!) and that my daily routine stays on track and that our grocery trips stay true to my goals.

Hess is focusing back to his primal paleo while keeping me on my Whole 30 goal. The holidays were not kind to us but we're not complaining! A wedding and a family union called for plenty of delicious food: prime rib, au gratin gruyere potatoes, an appetizer party with my mom's famous spring rolls and our Argentinean visitors made another 300 empanadas...you get the idea. With all of the delicious food, I definitely did not want any specials made while we were visiting so I made sure to moderate and ate a lot of foods that I probably shouldn't have eaten!

Exercise was always easy to incorporate especially when I had a holiday charity run to complete. However, after a shoulder injury and a mysterious broken pinky my exercise routine was put on hold. And I will admit, I have gained a lot of weight back and am back to several of my initial measurements.

So today is the day! I am starting Whole 30 again, we are moments away from our initial grocery shopping trip since the fridge is empty from our 2 week long vacation, lists in hand and meal ideas in abundance. My goals: to work out at least once a day and to complete this Whole 30 by January 29, 2015. After completion I will post another set of goals to keep me on track!

You can keep me on track too! If I don't post or if you would like to see a recipe comment below!

Tip for the Day: You know I'm a big fan of planning (oh that Type A personality) which also means I'm a huge fan of lists and things I can cross off. The above lists you can find on the Whole30.com site and are really helpful for your paleo shopping and guides.

Do you know the Muffin Man?!

Success! The first baked good that does not suck all the moisture out of your face. I can't remember how I stumbled across this blog with tons of GF and paleo recipes but this gal knows what she's doing. What I Gather's Lemon Blueberry Lavender Muffins are full of protein and most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I never used to eat too many baked good before moving on to paleo and the few times that I did they were usually bran muffins from a local bakery or the once a year Voodoo. The doughnut aside, even the bran muffins were full of sugar and were usually dry until I slathered it in butter and still not a favorite breakfast food or snack.

The LBL muffins- the most moist, filling muffins I've ever had and the majority of them were gone as I packed up a tin to share with co-workers. The consensus: they were awesome and this coming from all my "don't believe in gluten free" and "you can't eat anything on paleo" co-workers. I cut back on the dried lavender and they were still pretty pungent. When I make them again, I plan on cutting back a little more on the lavender, adding a little more lemon zest and making them into mini muffins. These guys are a perfect snack and make your house smell like a garden as they bake.

Tip of the Day: There are always different ways to make something your own. I believe in going by the recipe at least once to get a handle on it and then adding your own spin! Lemon raspberry muffins are next. Not everything has to go by the book all the time- it's more of a guideline :)

Trying new recipes

I have been house bound with a small case of bronchitis that turned into pneumonia. In my impromptu house vacation I have taken up quite a few hobbies- my love for Pinterest has only grown and I have completed an endless amount of crafts including some crayon art, wedding gifts, doodles and I've tried my hand at some more baking.

Baked goods aren't really something that I've missed moving to paleo; however, they are the one thing that seem to be the most difficult to get even close to right. Every cookie, scone and cake that I had made in the past seemed to just suck all the moisture out of my mouth. Store bought paleo cookies are also not completely paleo and some of them do not taste very good. I've tried a ton of recipes and each time they do get better and better!

A not so successful recipe were these Paleo Lemon Blueberry Scones. I modified them to have a little bit of lavender I bought at the Spice Exchange downtown and the blueberries were from the secret farm Sweeny and I went picking. I used an almond flour blend, which I think was the mistake- they came out crumbly and were only good if eaten with an extra handful of blueberries and a giant cup of tea. My next challenge are muffins. Scones may have been a little ambitious. In the meantime, I have been trying some new breakfast items to master- pancakes, which used to be my least favorite.

Coconut pancakes, banana pancakes have been a pretty consistent staple for weekend breakfasts so I was in need of some variety. Today I tried a new recipe that I just made up for Pumpkin Almond Butter Pancakes. Definitely not mastered but it was a delicious start to something great. They were tough if I didn't eat them right away which means that I just need to adjust a little bit- if you can find a better way let me know in the comments below!

Pumpkin Almond Butter Pancakes

1 egg

2 scoops homemade Almond Butter

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)

1/2 cup of pumpkin pie mix (brown sugar, almond flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt and black pepper)- I have a mix from my mom but after research pumpkin mix is easy to make and there are tons of different ones online through Food Network, Pinterest, etc

2 tablespoons of ghee, coconut oil or grass fed butter

Mix all the ingredients together until you get the pancake batter consistency. Heat your pan with some coconut oil or olive oil and fry them up just like normal! Stack them together and top with some real maple syrup and some more butter. Maybe some cream mixed in will help keep them moist and some baking soda may help them fluff up a little bit. They were still really tasty.

Tip of the Day: Everything tastes good with butter. But everything in moderation so that's why I always put alternatives. For the most part they usually all work the same and are equally as tasty!

Lost track of the days on the bright side...

...a hide-a-way pick your own berry farm has been found! Sweeny and I took a drive around the island and found tons of little farms. It seems that most people will hit up the first two larger farms right when you enter the island; however, the drive around it actually quite nice.

Blue Bee Farm is a small family owned farm that has rows and rows of blueberry bushes, a small garden where they sell lettuce, they make their own raspberry jam, which is quite good and they even have bee hives for honey! BBF is unfortunately not certified organic but they do not use any pesticides or sprays on their plants. In comparison to the other larger farmers, the rows are more spaced out so you don't have to fight your way to the berries.

They were actually closed the day that Sweeny and I went, but the owner still allowed us to pick and gave us a solid background of their farm. Complete with a pair of large German Shepherds and a gaggle of kids snacking while they run through the rows of berries. We were able to pick a flat of blueberries and I bought some jam with promises of returning for beets and carrots this week. So if you're in the mood for some good company and yummy berries, this would be the place to find! I have two types of berries, Rekas and Gold something or others ready to be snacked on and baked into noms.

Tip of the Day: Sometimes the effort is worth it for something great. I don't like blueberries- I'd eat the Rekas all day long from this place.

Whole30 Day 6 and 7 Bulletproof Coffee

Fell behind. Actual Day 15

Caffeine is a must start to everyone's day. I am a tea drinker and have found some great local tea shops here in Ptown and I get the same kick. E loves his coffee and some mornings he doesn't have time to eat breakfast, which we have all established is the most important meal of the day!

I try not to skip breakfast since it is usually the only solid meal I get to enjoy cooking for myself. One "meal replacement"that people have talked about is bulletproof coffee. It's like a coffee smoothie to tide you to your next meal. The added good fats that get blended in the coffee provide that full feeling and your caffeine fix. I have yet to try it but it is paleo, not Whole30, approved with the right ingredients.

For 2 cups of coffee, 2 tablespoons grass fed butter (I use Kerrygold butter and cheeses), 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Warm a blender with warm water and put in all the ingredients, blend together and enjoy! There is also a higher quality coffee brand that you can buy that doesn't necessarily give you the side effects like jittery or the anxious feeling- always something more to look into before purchasing!

Tip of the Day: Always do your research and look into all the facts. Everything has its pros and cons.

Whole30 Day 4 and 5

Exercise is a part of a healthy diet, they go hand in hand. This past year I have suffered from a abductor  hallucis strain and kept trying to work out and run mostly because I didn't know what was wrong. After seeing a specialist I was given Correct Toes to help release pressure off the muscle, different exercises to help circulate the blood and was told to hold back on the running. Going to the gym was difficult because of the pressure on my feet and the pool was always packed- so I was off my feet for three months.

When I was given the okay to start running again, my feet no longer fit comfortably in my running shoes. So I am in the market looking into Altras or another wide toe shoe which typically can be a little spending. In the mean time, I am getting cabin fever just going for long walks and working on my 30 day challenges and have started taking up yoga classes- almost like a challenge from my mom and brother- and you don't have to wear shoes for yoga, it is a lot harder than it looks. My mom and brother are advanced and can do all these poses that I hope to achieve one day without twisting myself into a permanent pretzel. Their flexibility is my goal!

Yoga has helped me work on my flexibility, strengthen my feet and find inner peace in the quiet to decompress from a long day of work. For the most part everyone is in their own space and everyone is very nice. The instructors are helpful and flexible with everyone's ability. And if I can't get out and run this is just as relaxing.

Tip for the Day: keep moving! Exercise is your balance to a healthy diet.

Whole30 Day 3 Eating Out

Fogo de Chao- a chain Brazilian steak house, has come to Ptown. As a work perk, I was given the opportunity to check out this place aka eat to my hearts desire. Now, I have never been to one of these since it is a chain and when you have to pay for it yourself, it's kind of expensive.

E eats modified paleo, strictly no gluten, no sugars, limited fruits and nuts but he will still eat small amounts of dairy and legumes. Fogo de Chao is the mecca of meat so he said he would go with me and honestly neither one of us knew what to expect. We were in for quite a treat.

Fogo de Chao is a huge beautiful room on a downtown corner floor to ceiling windows. Upon entry there is a small bar and then steps that lead down to the ables and salad bar. We were sat at a table with a direct line of sight to the oven where all of the meats were being roasted and just on the other side of the salad bar. We were greeted by several people and offered our bottle of wine and explained how it all worked with our green and red tabs. And then I was all over the salad bar. charcuterie, palm hearts, marinated artichoke, beans of all different sorts and several actual salads- build your own Cesar, quinoa salads. One area that seemed to be neglected was the hot buffet where there were potatoes au gratin, baked beans and roasted vegetables.

After hitting up the salad bar, we sat down and flipped our tabs to green and meat on a stick just appeared out of no where- 17 different cuts, all but one flavored with simple salt and pepper and cut to order. Turn the tab to red to stop the bombardment of filets, ribs, lamb and enjoy some other tasty morsels. The Brazilian gluten free cheese bread (I have a recipe for when the Whole30 is over), fried plantains, polenta fries and garlic and paprika mash potatoes.

In short, eating out doesn't have to be difficult and restaurants will accommodate. Especially a place like this, it's a self controlled paleo's dream. I did not have self control and pretty much had to be rolled out but it was totally worth it.

Whole30 Day 2 Shopping for the Goods

Prepping and shopping for the best ingredients as mentioned before is helpful and we've talked about shopping in other posts. One of the most helpful shopping lists that I have found comes directly from the Whole30 website. They provide your staples for the pantry and condiments and a seasonal break down of vegetables and fruits.

Part of the Whole30 recommends that you eat grass fed, lean meats and go for the organic fruits and vegetables. Other sources have said organic fruits and vegetables aren't necessarily a must. I have found that either way I am eating more fruits and vegetables on a regular basis organic or not anyway now. I do however try and purchase produce from the local farmers market- gets me out and about and helps support our local business.

The grass fed meats are sometimes more difficult to find at an affordable price. One helpful hint that E shared- check out the Manager's Specials bin in the meat section. I used to think "oh gross the meat is expiring and they want to sell it to people!" I never used to buy in bulk or keep things in the freezer besides ice, booze and ice cream. Now I will stock up on meat and store my prepped vegetables and fruits for the week. Stores like Safeway put certain meats on sale 30-50% depending on their sell buy date and since grass fed meats are pretty pricy there seems to always be a plethora to put on sale. Our recent find are grass fed sliders in a pack of four 50% off...and my freezer is now stocked to the brim and are so easy to defrost and make.

Even though the sell buy date may be a few days away, freeze that stuff and use it for your meal planning! Or if you find some beautiful marbled steaks grill those babies up that night! My brunch meal today- sliders, with grilled onions and pulled pork, fried egg, avocado, caveman ketchup on green leaf lettuce, check out my Instagram @ridiculousday for a delicious looking picture.

Tip of the Day: check out that Manager's Special meat section, and if you're feeling lucky befriend the people behind the meat counter to find out when they rotate out the meats for those deals...

Whole30 Day 1

The first few days are usually typically a difficult adjustment, but the start to this Whole30 went more smoothly. This is probably due to the fact that I prepped much better than before. I slow roasted this pork shoulder for meals for the week, just basic salt, pepper and olive oil at 275 degrees for 4 hours, low and slow.

This was the delicious goodness that came out of the oven and made the house smell awesome, pull a part noms. I pulled the meat a part and let it soak in all the extra juices. My goal was to be able to make, tacos, lettuce wraps, scrambles and salads. Here's what I've created so far:

Pulled pork with green onions, topped with Stubb's BBQ sauce had so much flavor and was extra juicy. I miss the crunchy foods like tortilla chips so pair this with a crisp green leaf lettuce for some yummy wraps. My second pork meal a quick mix of sun-dried tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, garlic and my homemade taco seasoning with the pork was pretty tasty.

Tip for the Day: It pays to prep! Instead of a pork shoulder, roast a whole chicken for the same things or even make a delicious brisket- cut on cost and meal plan for the week!

Whole30 2.1

Due to unforeseen circumstances my second attempt to Whole30 was postponed until today! However, I did stay relatively paleo during this period. Today is the purge day of all of the cheat day foods I have accumulated- beans and dairy (which I shouldn't be eating in large quantities anyway), sugars- I have a box of Thin Mint Cookies that I have resisted for the past 3 months in the freezer, the tortilla chips and other grains and the booze. The beans and dairy don't bother E as much as they bother me so now that he has left for his summer job, I won't have them around to distract the little self control that I may have.

Since I have had extra time, it has allowed me to find some more recipes and prep. I have made some pretty awesome Caveman Ketchup:

Combine in medium sauce pan and bring to a boil: 6 oz tomato paste (not out of a can), 2 TBS apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 c water, pinch of all spice and salt, 1/4 tsp paprika. Reduce to a simmer and add 1 bay leaf and 1 whole garlic glove, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes until reached desired consistency.

I have recipes from the Paleo Comfort Food Cookbook for Paleo Mayo and some easy chimichurri to slather on some sizzling steaks. As mentioned I have prepped some cauliflower rice, which after several attempts seems to cook best, roasted in the oven at 350 degrees. At the moment, I have a pork roast slow cooking in the oven with just oil, salt and pepper so that it can be separated for carnitas, pulled pork lettuce wraps and stuffed zucchini. 

Not only is this a way to help me meal prep for the week and/or month but this has saved me tons of money and time over the past few months. Tip for the Day: sometimes following a recipe is the only way to go...

Whole30 Round 2

Today I am starting my Whole30 again and am determined to complete it 100%. Another one of my relatives asked me for some recipes and resources as he begins a new gluten free diet.

As, I already know which food items hurt me and which ones make me feel better, I am doing more of a modified Whole30- still no legumes, no gluten, no added sugars, no alcohol to drink, no dairy but I'll use a little alcohol when cooking, I'm keeping my stash of cashews and almonds and my banana-egg pancakes have become a part of my breakfast routine. In case you are new to Whole30 or are looking for some resources here you go!

The Whole30 website
This site breaks down the rules, gives you shopping lists, pantry must haves and first hand success stories as well as more resources.

Nom Nom Paleo
This woman has been my savior! Michelle Tam is a mom, lives the paleo lifestyle and loves to eat- and that's all I need as a catch! She has tons of facts and articles and some bomb recipes. One of my favorites that I just tried her award winning Cracklin Chicken shown below with E's favorite arugula, roasted beet and goat cheese salad.

If you're just looking for gluten-free options Paleo Gubs has tons of recipes that are GF and paleo friendly but may not necessarily fall under Whole30. They've saved my sweet tooth needs and those times I have to bring a dessert to a potluck.

I'm usually not really into the self help or 'how to' books but this particular book really helped me kick start my paleo lifestyle and broke the science parts of everything, making it easy for me to understand. It Starts with Food has recipes, guides and truly makes everything so easy to understand.

Every recipe I have found can always be modified to be paleo and follow the Whole30 rules. I have made one pound of cauliflower rice and froze it- takeout how much you need and cook it to order, perfect for your stir fry cravings or to pair with my homemade Filipino food.

If you're looking for more recipes or resources, check out some of my previous blog posts and follow me on Instagram @ridiculousday . Feel free to share your favorite recipes in the comments below or if you are looking for a specific recipe let me know and I will create or find options for you! Good luck and happy grubbing from the Happy Panda!

The forgotten lean meat: Salmon

This if for my cousin in the Windy City! She's about half way through her Whole30 and asked for some yummy salmon burger recipes, which you will find below.

I think that a lot of people get really caught up thinking that paleo is a plate full of greens and a giant steak, when in fact it is so much more than that! Yes, the 'caveman' lifestyle focuses on meats, more specifically lean meats so certain steaks aren't necessarily a good thing since there is a lot of fat in them. When I go shopping I look in the grass fed section and can usually find some awesome cuts of lamb, beef and pork. My new favorite are trimmed down chicken thighs which you can use for just about any meal.

Fish in general sometimes get forgotten when meal planning and salmon is one of the meats that has tons of paleo recipes and doesn't get nearly enough credit! Like chicken, one piece can be cooked into several different meals- burgers, grilled, roasted, poached for tacos, etc. I mean as delicious as steak is, no one really fancies a poached t-bone. Granted salmon can be a little more on the fatty side and a little oily depending on how it is prepared; however, it is so versatile and filling.

Being in the PNW we have such a great selection of fish, especially salmon so pretty much anywhere you go there is always a salmon option if not two. Where I work we have a salmon Caesar salad, a cold grilled salmon nicosia salad, grilled salmon served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables and we often do a market choice special of a 4 oz crab cake on field greens. Obviously these are not all paleo approved but can see just how much you can get out of one piece of meat!

So, enjoy trying out new recipes and share some of your favorites!

Panda's Salmon Burger

1.5 oz grilled skinless salmon (or wild salmon in a can in water)
2 tbsp coconut oil for frying
Almond meal as a binding agent
1 egg
1tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp diced onion
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp paleo mayo
1 tsp fresh chopped dill
Salt, pepper and chopped green onions to taste

Mix the first group of ingredients together and fry in coconut oil. Mix the mayo with remaining ingredients for your sauce. Serve as a lettuce wrap or on fried plantain 'buns'

Here's a list of more I have found similar to ones I have tried to make:
http://www.theprudentwife.com/fabulous-food/main-dish/seafood/775-simple-paleo-primal-salmon-patties
http://www.thepaleoreview.com/2013/06/lazy-salmon-burgers-from-nourish-paleo.html

This woman has tons of yummy recipes that you can use salmon for http://nomnompaleo.com/

As I find more Pobe I will send them your way!

Sticking to

Despite my inability to complete my Whole30 100%, I have never felt so good. Sleeping through the night, my muscles only ache after a solid gym workout and I have never ate this many fruits and veggies voluntarily. I am determined to complete the Whole30 100% at some point within the first 6 months of this year.

Aside from some minor cheats (sliced cheeses with my meat and GF cracker snack boards) I have been able to maintain a 90% paleo lifestyle. With April just around the corner I plan on completing my Whole30 100%. My last few trips to the grocery store have been mostly to prepare myself and with my recent move I managed to get rid of all of the unhealthy snack foods and stock pile with nuts and healthy substitutes.

Breakfast seemed the hardest to vary for me, so here is my go to breakfast meal:

2 eggs
Homemade taco seasoning
Homemade breakfast sausage or lean ground turkey
handful grape tomatoes
cilantro and avocado (garnish)
jalapenos
2 small sweet peppers

Saute it all together in coconut oil and serve up with some sweet potato chips. For that 'cheat day' add some black beans and cheese and serve with corn tortillas hehe

I cheated...

I will admit I have failed at the Whole30. My friends tell me no I haven’t failed yet if I go by the book, oh man have I ever!

At the beginning of my Whole30 it was hard to consistently find items that were on the eat list and items to avoid. It was really amazing reading the ingredients to every day products that cause a lot of inflammation and imbalances to our bodies such as certain oils and added sugar is seriously in EVERYTHING. If anything, this experience has brought me back to cooking at home more often. It took me forever to go grocery shopping and worse I had to hide all the food that was already in the house that I was unable to eat but really wanted to J After using the lists, reading the ingredients from the foods I knew I would eat consistently, and reiterating to myself the ‘foods to avoid’ list I felt like I was on the road to success and there would be no cheat days!

Even with all of my precautions I still managed to either accidentally find something in my meal on the no no list or allow my self a ‘cheat’- reflects my lack of self control. Up until yesterday, I was able to count on both hands how much and what I have consumed on the no eat list on purpose and on accident. Since the start I have had (this does not include yesterdays consumption of a chocolate mousse cake and truffle from Pix which was totally worth the sugar overload):

• 8 drinks
• 6 french fries
• 32 corn tortilla chips
• ½ ounce of gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce of Guatemalan 80%+
• 2 ounces of roasted peanuts (which I have also found out, I should no longer have)

So I have decided that yes, I will finish strong and then attempt Whole30 again in a month or so. I realize that I have talked myself up to complete this but also realize that it may take practice to get through it perfect, not that it needs to be. I strive to finish everything 100% without cheating- I mean I have tried to beat every level of Candy Crush with 3 stars and no boosts, and that is proving to be near impossible. I am determined to try again and learn new recipes and finish this round strong!

Support System

One thing that is so helpful when trying something new like Whole30 is to have a good support system and good resources. Through my research on the Whole30 it recommends making your goals public such as through social media like Facebook or writing them on a sticky note for all to see, Instagram or Twitter. Not only does it help make you accountable for sticking with your goal but also it is nice to have someone to cheer you on when it gets tough or to find and share recipes when you feel like you’ve eaten the same thing again and again.

I really wanted someone to share this experience with to be each others cheering section. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone up to challenge to start cold turkey with me but it has worked out pretty well. Family members and friends have asked me for recipes and my favorite guy has gone back to his paleo routine and keeps me on track. Many people who I thought would be supportive and excited for me turned out to be many of the naysayers. On top of doing some intense book reading and web surfing I also took in some advice and wisdom from several colleagues who have already done the Whole30 and are a year or so into their paleo lifestyle. They have asked about my progression, been on top of catching me of eating something I shouldn’t, and cheered me on when I got frustrated.

Some of the best resources have been the detailed shopping and pantry lists. Reading several books to get the scientific aspects down and to understand the affects of certain foods on our system has given me a better understanding of why certain foods are omitted. Going grocery shopping with someone to help keep you on track helps save you money too. I used to think all the help books and downloads were silly, but in reality they can be the most helpful guides.

One thing that keeps me going is hearing the success stories and how others are fairing. I also find new recipes to try and get more words of wisdom to help me through my workouts and meals. A friend who has been an inspiration for my quest to healthy living directed me to her groups’ blog http://girlswhoclean.wordpress.com/ that follows their triumphs, hardships and inspirations. Their stories are part of my daily routine to remind me that I am not alone in my quest to become healthier.

If you’d like to see some more yummy recipes or need some ideas follow me on Instagram @ridiculousday

Happy Super Bowl!

Once a year I get together with friends and sometimes family, if we’re in the same area, and we watch, yell, stuff our faces with amazing food and yell some more at the sight of some of the nations top athletes run around and tackle each other all in the name of football. This is my holiday: Super Bowl Sunday.

I base a lot of my favorite holidays around the delicious food we bring to the table and yes the messages that the holidays bring. But a day of football like this brings a different sense of togetherness- where it’s okay to slap the person sitting next to you when your team brings their team to their knees or to curse along with the rest of the company that the ref was blind and what a stupid call that was. And more importantly, for the people who don’t normally cook or rarely get asked to bring something to share, this is your moment to shine.

Unless otherwise stated, Super Bowl is usually a form of potluck and BYOB. Well here you go- go ahead and bring that Velveeta cheese dip with the canned chili to share (I’ve made this and it was a hit- no not paleo approved), the frito pie that grandma wouldn’t let you serve at Christmas Eve dinner or easier still bring beer to share from each city that is represented. We are doing this, this year- New Belgium Folly pack, Fort Collins, CO, Red Hook Folly pack, Seattle, WA and Angry Orchard Cider folly pack for the gluten free drinkers. Yeah the last one isn’t from either but we must accommodate! Essentially Super Bowl calls for glorified bar food and no matter what you bring people will love it because it brought everyone together.

This holiday is not on your paleo or Whole30 approved list! Well neither is most of what I used to eat on this awesome day but we accommodate! Don’t let your desire to eat healthy even on a typically unhealthy holiday stop you from eating what you want or bringing something to share. Seriously, I made a gluten free, dairy free Thanksgiving last year and it was awesome according to the gluten and dairy consuming portion of the family.

This year’s menu for us consists of a taco bar, so you can add or omit anything you want! Pulled pork or shredded chicken does not have to always be in a shell- make it into a taco sala! We have romaine lettuce to use as “shells” for the gluten free folk and I have attempted to make fried plantain ‘shells’ from a recipe I found on Pinterest. Needless to say, before I bring those to a party they need to be practiced a little more. We make our own taco seasoning so we know exactly what is going into our meal and makes it even more homemade. Sweet potato chips taste just as good with guacamole and pico on them. You have so many options- bunless burgers and brats, make an awesome salad for a side or who doesn’t like homemade nut mixes. We're kicking off the day with a brunch of a hearty bacon and egg breakfast and mimosas to share. Yes, no alcohol on Whole30 my Cheats post soon to follow.

So go out there and root for your team, eat something you haven’t tried before and try not to throw anything at the TV when the Broncos kick the Seahawks butt. HAPPY SUPER BOWL everyone!

WHY?????

...is the most common question people ask me. At least once a day, someone asks me, “Why are you still doing this?” or “Why do you think you need to lose weight?” or “Why are you jumping on the New Year weight loss band wagon?” Though I really do not need to justify my habits to anyone, my answer is simple- to help kick off my healthy eating habits and to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35.7% of U.S. adults are obese, that is 1/3 of the U.S. adult population. Obesity can lead to health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, and certain cancers, all of which can rack up pretty intense medical costs. Last year I suffered from some intestinal inflammation that required several hospital visits. The doctors put me on a restricted diet and thus my first introduction to a gluten free life style. I have since then lost quite a bit of weight and found healthy alternatives. I don’t ever want to have to go through that again nor do I want to fall into an unhealthy percentage- help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

My diet before usually consisted of copious amounts of breads, cheeses, cured meats, ice cream and pretty much anything I could eat. So- to help kick off my healthy eating habits- I need to start eating foods that make me feel more healthy and energetic rather than sluggish and heavy. Yes, moderation is always the key; however, if you have little self-control… They say it takes two weeks for something to become a habit and after 30 days it becomes part of your routine.

Kick-start, maintain, routine. 

Success Food for Your Whole30

Here are some recipes that I have been using. Some of them I've found through several sites and Pinterest and some I have created myself. Enjoy and please feel free to post other recipes for me to try out.

*optional ingredient

Coconut Banana Pancakes
1 ripe banana
1 egg
1/8 c coconut flour (give or take)
1/8 c coconut milk (give or take)
pinch of salt
splash of vanilla extract*
Yield 6 small cakes (or two large ones as pictured below)

Mash banana and then add the egg. Add the flour, salt and milk and/or extract. Mix until desired consistency. Medium heat in a nonstick pan and I use coconut oil. Goes really well with steak and eggs!

My favorite guy loves my Sweet Potato Hash
2 sweet potatoes (cubed or hashed)
4 slices grass fed bacon sliced into small strips
1/2 jalapeno
1/4 diced onion
bunch of kale chopped
1 avocado sliced
cilantro

Medium heat in a non stick pan and fry up the bacon, remove and set aside. If you need more oil add some extra virgin olive oil. Add sweet potatoes. When those are cooked add onion, jalapeno and kale. At the end add the bacon. Plate it up and top it off with the avocado and cilantro. Can top off with fresh pico de gallo.

This recipe can of course be altered to suit your needs and wants! We've had it as a dinner has with burgers.

Speaking of burgers...they are my favorite. Particularly cheeseburgers. They're my weakness. So how do I kick these cravings? Lettuce wraps and tons of flavor. Butter lettuce or even kale for that wrap and I've started using lots of different toppings. Sun dried tomatoes, grilled onions and mushrooms, crispy kale, the options are endless. I've also just found a crunchy plantains recipe that you can use as "buns" or taco "shells". I haven't tried it yet but you all will be the first to know the outcome!

My new go to meal is also spaghetti squash with my mom's homemade pesto or some tomato sauce. Easy...cut the squash in half and scoop out seeds, olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400 for 30 minutes. Use a fork to scoop out the "noodles" and serve to your desire!

I would love to see what you have created and to try them out too! Cheers to a successful Whole30!

Keto Flu

One of the down sides to starting a low carb eating style is the "keto flu" also known as the "induction flu". This usually happens during the first few days where your body is adapting to burn ketones (an organic compound that comes from fats that are broken down for energy) instead of glucose. Some of the symptoms are typically headaches, nausea, upset stomach, lack of mental clarity, fatigue- all of which I have been suffering from. Essentially this is the transition period where your body is finding or creating new enzymes to burn the fatty cells instead of the carbs that you had been consuming. You're coming off of an addiction from carbs!

The most important thing that you should be doing every day anyway is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Lots of water intake and once your body starts getting rid of the excess water weight it's important to replenish your electrolytes (sodium, magnesium and potassium). Reading through so many websites and articles I have found so many different ways to speed up the transition and to help with the cravings.

Some suggestions for a happy keto experience that I have found:
- Supplement with 1 teaspoon of salt per day
- Gradually reduce carbs
- Eat chicken or beef broth or soups
- Kick it up on the fat intake
- Take vitamins and supplements
- Eat lots of eggs

On the bright side, I sleep through the night and am really eating better. And if these little tricks help to speed up the transition to kick the flu, then I'll try them! Day 4 down!

The Whole30

A few months ago my friend and colleague, Lauren gave me a book to read to help me kick start my desire to eat more healthy. It Starts With Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. I will admit I breezed through the first half of the book not really retaining anything and as I thought more about the science of food and how it reacts with our bodies, I realized that this book is packed full of information to help me be more healthy and maintain. And it's all in a language I can understand with examples and facts to support.

To back up, last year I had massive stomach pains and the doctors and specialists could not figure out what was wrong. Instead of undergoing multiple tests and invasive procedures they moved me to a gluten free diet and then a restricted diet hoping that would pin point the problem. After I started feeling better, I attempted to move back to gluten and was I surprised how sick all of my favorite foods made me. Of course everything in moderation but a slice of toast or a beer made my stomach turn. I started to really believe that my body honestly did not really like all the crappy food I was eating. So, I began to look into different changes to my diet.

Today marks the first day of my Whole30 program. No legumes, dairy, processed foods, sugars, alcohol or grains for 30 days. After the 30 days there is a 10 reintroduction of these foods to find out what really effects my system. I have taken my before shots to see how my new eating habits effect my lifestyle.

Take a look what I'll be up to for the next few weeks The Whole30. I have a great support system in place and a pair of people who would like to accomplish this program with me. Get ready for some healthy recipes and restful nights!