St. Paddy's Day Dinner

I love traditional foods.  Let me rephrase: I love ethnic and ethnically traditional foods.  I do understand that corned beef is not traditionally Irish (they usually eat pork), but I also know that the Irish don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day, either, so I don't care.

Since I've switched my diet to a Paleo/Primal lifestyle, I have found cooking to be so much more enjoyable.  I enjoy the scents, the flavors, the experimentation...  It's all fun for me.

Last weekend at our local farmers' market, the husbeast and I scored a grass-fed, 1.24lb buffalo brisket for about $20.  We decided to use this meat for our corned beef and cabbage dish for St. Patrick's Day.  

It was an amazing choice.  Using the recipe at Paleo Effect, this brisket was, hands down, amazaballs good.  The veggies weren't bad either, but the meat was amazing.  I may try to find a venison brisket next year.

 Browning the brisket....

 Cover with beef broth & water--at least 2" over the meat to make sure it doesn't dry out.  Add in the spices....

 Bring to a boil!

 Add the veggies!!!!  (Not pictured, the mutant parsnips)

 Beginnings of  paleo Irish Soda Bread....

 The buffalo brisket....aka, CORNED BUFF'LO!

 The lovely, lovely veggies....parsnips, carrots, onions, and cabbage....

 This is an Irish Car Bomb.  Sorta.  It's actually nothing like a car bomb, and everything you should see if you consider using chilled, 2-year-old Bailey's....  It's definitely a bomb, though...

 The final spread.... clockwise:

Paleo Irish Soda Bread
Cabbage, parsnips, carrots, & onions
Corned buff'lo brisket.













I think tonight's dinner was hugely successful.  I have a dessert I want to make, but...not tonight.  The Jameson's will have to wait to be mixed into icing....for Black Velvet cup cakes....

Weekend Cooking - Fritatta Recipe

Since my discovery that I can have pineapple, I'm making sure to keep up with my Paleo lifestyle.  Pineapple is delicious and I will have it as much as I can.  I need to make up for 35 years of not being able to!

March 3 was also my spiritual birthday!  Just like my tattoo says, March 3, 1982.  I was 4.  Best decision, EVER!

(this is freshly done)

Sunday had an epic meal plan for dinner: Bacon-crusted meatloaf; creamy, spicy collards; and pineapple upside down cake.  My husband was impressed with my pineapple upside down cake, even though I used the wrong pan.  It was an awesome first attempt.

Now!  Breakfast Saturday was fun.  I wanted to make something tasty that would be filling and feed all three of us...so, I made a fritatta.  Usually, I follow strict recipes on making fritattas, but no one seems to ever want to use tomatillos in anything other than puree sauces with avocado (which sounds amazing, don't get me wrong).  Here's what I did.

Ingredients
4 tomatillos (sm/med), large dice
3 strips of thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, diced
1/2 onion
2T minced garlic
1/4c coconut milk
6 eggs
bunch cilantro, chopped (optional)
1/4c feta cheese (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400* and make sure you use an oven-safe skillet.

Start by dicing your onion and sauteing it in the oil of your choice (olive or coconut...I used olive oil).  This will take approximately 7 minutes; during this time, dice your tomatillos. Once the onions are mostly translucent, toss in your garlic and saute until aromatic (so, about 30 seconds).  Add the tomatillos and saute for a few minutes.

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced bacon, coconut milk, and eggs.  Whisk to a smooth, satiny texture, then poor the mixture over your veggies.  Let the mixture cook on the stove top for about 5 minutes, or until eggs set up.  Sprinkle the feta (if using) on top and stick in the oven.  After 20 minutes, take the mix out and sprinkle with cilantro.  Put it back in for another 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, crank to broil, and stick it under the broiler for about 1 minute.  Cut into your preferred serving size and enjoy!  Use some salsa for a little bit of an added kick.

Please note: cooking times vary and a lot of this is approximation.  When I create recipes, I don't tend to measure...just eyeball it.  I'm terrible, I know.

Day 28 & 29 - The Whole30

This is it.  These are the final days.

....and I'm sick.... fml.

So, I didn't recap yesterday...and, honestly, I don't remember much of it.  I remember I ate eggs for breakfast...I think I skipped second breakfast and eventually had a salad for lunch...then Ken took me to dinner where I had a steak and shrimp, mashed potatoes, ice cream (I KNOW I KNOW!) and a glass or three of red wine. I don't honestly remember much.  It was an emotionally and physically exhausting day.  I helped my best friend and chiropractor for 6 years, Kara Nania, sell off her equipment and clean her office.  There were so many times I wanted to cry...but, I didn't for her sake.  I couldn't bear seeing her beautiful face streaked with tears.  It's a long story, but suffice it to say she'll be greatly missed.

I skipped the gym today because I feel like crap.  I have zippo energy and whatever energy I appear to have is likely from sheer adrenaline.  I'm skipping the gym tomorrow because I think it will be about the same.

...but, I'm not skipping today's recap...

RECAP

Breakfast: buffalo chicken salad (this was left overs from a few nights ago...I left it in my boss' fridge from the other day when I only ate half.

Lunch: Southwest chicken salad.  Nothing paleo about this, but it was 3pm and I was starving.

Dinner: GF Chicken Noodle Soup to make me feel better.

I also had two bananas and 3 whiskey & sodas because...well... I feel like crap.  The whiskey and soda is my form of medicine, seriously.  It's making my voice sound less crackly.

I've been knitting tonight.  I can't wait to fit into it! It's a backless halter and I hope to make it look amazing.  If I finish it before March 10, I'll wear it to the Comedy & Magic Club when we go to see Jay Leno. :D

Day 27 - The Whole30 Program

Today was pretty painful on the muscles.  I loved it!  I already posted my gym update for the day, so this is really about the food intake.

Doesn't help that I'm coming down with a cold or pollen-related allergies or both.  Regardless, I hate not being able to breathe.  Especially when breathing becomes integral to working out.  Sleep would have been nice, too.  I managed to snag about 15 minutes this afternoon.  It helped.  I blame the drugs.

So, here's my recap of food for the day!

RECAP

Breakfast: half a tray of Fresh & Easy rotisserie chicken breast;

2nd Breakfast: the other half of said tray;

Lunch: buffalo chicken salad, but only about half of it; 

Dinner: Piña colada cicken & confetti f'rice.  This was an experiment in allergies.  I have a pineapple allergy.  The Whole30 has had testimonials of folks who've kicked various allergies--food and otherwise--so, I figured, hey, why not!  It was TOTALLY WORTH any hives I may break out with later.

Day 26 - The Whole30 Program

I've been remiss in updating like I should be.  I have no excuse other than I can't seem to brain lately. :P

Brief entry so I can get to the Day 27 entry...

RECAP

Breakfast: Scotch egg

Lunch: 1 cutie and 1 dill pickle...and coffee

Dinner: steak, mashed sweet potatoes with a little ghee, and roasted carrots.  2 glasses of red wine.

Snack: handful of mixed nuts.

I did the whole couple tablespoons of nutella, as well, because, frankly, I was starving by the time dinner happened. 

Day 23 - The Whole30 Program

Just a few more days...

I've already reincorporated alcohol.  Such a weakness I have.  Makes me sad, really, but it's my choice.  My vice, as it were.

Today was a long day of work...again.  Here's the recap, since it's late and I just finished one of my favorite movies, Air America (Robert Downey, Jr. is not allowed to be that hot).

RECAP

Breakfast: uncured back bacon, 2 eggs, 1 orange, copious amounts of coffee,

Dinner: kick-ass hamburgers made by my darling hubby!!  I have no idea what all was in them, but he was very proud of the fact they were Paleo (just for me!)  I had 3 of them.

...and 3 whiskey & sodas....from about 7pm til now (1am).  Oh, and I sneaked a few spoonfuls of Nutella....because...Nutella.

I'm going running tomorrow!  I've never been excited for running which is a clear sign I need to return to my beloved barbells.

Seven more days--one week.  We'll recheck progress and start reintroducing cheese........

Day 22 - The Whole30 Program

Zoiks!  What a wild ride this week!  I totally spaced out yesterday, but that's alright.  Food was not on my brain, but I managed to eat breakfast (egg and a half with some bacon and 2 clementines), and a snack of an apple and 2T of peanut butter.  Dinner was steak, swiss chard, and sweet potatoes.  So yum!  I had a gin and tonic that lasted me from about 8pm til about midnight, just because I needed some sort of flavor.

I'm not drinking enough water.  I know this.

My ankle's doing much better from last week.  Given that the hotel still has a hold on my account (I paid for incidentals in cash) and that hold has now caused my account to have an overdraft fee...and I have a ton of work to do for work plus knitting projects to finish and list, I have yet to make it to the gym this week.  My plan is to go running on Saturday.

Still, all in all, I'm pretty happy with my progress thus far.  I'm also excited because I now have a new cosplay goal!  I'm supposed to be Zatanna, Mystique (as Emma Frost), and Sister Psyche over Memorial Day weekend (who knows, maybe I'll throw in a female Captain America, just for kicks!) and I'm totally stoked!  I know I can pull off the looks and not have to worry that someone's thinking I'm too fat (even if that someone's me).

So, to recap food today...

RECAP

Breakfast: 1 mollet egg & copious amounts of coffee

Lunch: I was bad and skipped it...

Dinner: Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad.  It's very tasty....very tasty.

Back to knitting my epic pet sweater!!

Orccon2013 Wrap Up - The Whole 30

WHAT a WEEKEND!

Holy crap!  Okay, so we remember back to Thursday when I was up til 2am, cooking.  It was so worth it.  The scotch eggs were perfect; the chili, miraculous; the chicken salad, awesome; the bacon bowls totally non-functional (but delicious!) and the pork roast amazing!

So, here was my weekend... in a recappy kinda fashion...

Friday

We got to the con right around 11:30...which was good because minor crises were going on and Ken and I were the deflectors of disasters (or, at least, I like to say we were).  I was trying to knit for the afternoon, but that didn't work because I have too many friends I only see three times a year and I like to socialize.  I honestly don't remember what we grabbed for food on Friday.  I think I had a scotch egg for lunch and I remember Ken brought me some fruit and a grilled chicken breast for dinner.  I was going to play a game at 8pm that night, but was talked into running a Pathfinder game, instead.  It was interesting...that's a good word for it.  There was a player that made me question the state and future of humanity, but I didn't think much of it...how wrong I was to not do so...

Saturday

This was Daphne day.  And Daphne was a smashing hit.  I had a ton of people tell me I was spot-on for her, too (which made me feel awesome).  I had another scotch egg, tons of fruit, some chicken salad, bacon...and this was chili night.  I ran a session of Pathfinder as Daphne and it was awesome because I had two kids at my table.  They were twitterpated to be playing with Daphne Blake!  This is part of why I cosplay.

Sunday

This was Velma day.  I, apparently, was an amazing Velma.  I also was unrecognizable as myself to even the staff who knew I was going to be dressing up as Velma.  Many of them questioned who I was.  I, again, had a scotch egg, bacon, chicken salad, fruit, etc throughout the day.  This was the slow-cooker pork day and it was mouth-gasmly awesome; especially with the salad.  We forgot garlic and it was still delicious.  I picked up a stalker this day, however; that's never awesome.

Monday

I had a scotch egg for breakfast and some bacon for lunch.  Since it was load-out day, we just went to dinner.  I had a burger with grilled onions and hot peppers (no bun, no cheese) and rather vapid steamed veggies.  And a glass of wine.  Because I played in a session today with that guy from Friday.  The one that made me question humanity.  I wanted to stab him with my pencil, so I rolled vs. Willpower and just said I needed to step away from the table for a few minutes.  Fortunately, we were nearly done with the scenario, so his death wasn't as imminent as it probably should have been.

I admit it.  We went straight to BevMo and got two bottles of the Cabernet I had with dinner.  I'll be on my second glass here after I finish this blog.  I now remember why I drink at conventions....

Day 16 - The Whole30

Today started out beautifully.  I slept in, I felt refreshed, and I had a list of things and a schedule and I knew everything was going to be great!

Went to the bank and deposited my check, taking out some cash; went to the post office to pick up the Valentine's gifts for Ken and Dave...and this is sorta where the day fell apart.

You see, I have no depth perception.  Well, I have about 17% depth perception, but that really doesn't help me.  Most of the time, I function very well and know one would know...then there are the days I fall off the sidewalk because I don't realize I'm at the curb.

Like today.

What felt like eternity, I sat on the ground uncertain if I'd actually managed to break my ankle this time.  I'm sure it was only about 5 minutes, but I had several people offering to call an ambulance for me.  Why?  It's just a sprain--and even if it's broke, the car is right there.  Save the ambulance for real emergencies.

Finally decided nothing was broken, so I got up and limped over to the car and climbed in.  We went home, got some ice packs, then went on to the rest of our errands--which seemed to double in time.  What was supposed to take 20 to 30 minutes took us 120 minutes.  And my ankle was throbbing.

Needless to say, today has not been a good eating day.

RECAP

Breakfast/Lunch: 3oz steak, 2 strips bacon, 2 eggs

Dinner: Kung Pao Chicken

It's after midnight and I'm still cooking epic food for the weekend.  This weekend is Orccon2013, the first of three cons for Strategicon.  Ken is on staff (Quartermaster) and I am on staff (Assistant-soon-to-be-Marketing Director).  We stay at the hotel for the convention to, basically, make sure everything runs smoothly.  Our hotel room has no microwave or fridge, and the restaurant is too expensive to eat at for all meals.  SO!  I'm making food.

So far, we have the base of chili, bacon cups for salads (or whatever will stay in them)...and on tap, tarragon chicken salad, and scotch eggs.  We have plans to pick up more salad stuff near the hotel, as well as a pork roast for a great slow-cooker recipe (which, we're taking both of ours).  I figure, if Dave ends up making it down for the weekend, we will have plenty of healthy food to nom on and make the rest of the con jealous of our epic nutrition!  I don't know how much recapping I'll be able to do there, but I'll do my best to let you know!  May have a "Tales from the Con" section...we'll see. :) 

Halfway on The Whole30 Program

I suppose, mathematically speaking, tomorrow would be the actual half way point of the Whole30 Challenge, but, y'know what?  It's been two weeks since I started and that is just awesome.  So, how's the last two weeks been?  Here's a bit of a recap of things.

Things I'm not supposed to know...
I've lost 10 pounds.  I started with 172 (I listed it as 170, because that's what I'd say to people) and I'm at 162.  I've also lost inches.  I always pull the tape tightly because I *hate* those numbers, but lets be realistic--I'm only hurting myself when I do that.  My numbers to start were 38-33-40 and the abdomen (2" from navel) was at 38, as well.  Today, my measurements were 38-31.5-38 and 36 at the abdomen.  I admit it.  I squeed.

Things I have learned...
When they say no alcohol for 30 days, they mean it.  I had a total of 4 vodka tonics in the last 14 days.  The first two didn't do much other than taste icky; the second two plastered me and made me sick to my stomach.  Enough for me to say I'm not doing that again in the next 2 weeks.  Don't care.  Not worth that pain.

I've also learned I need to eat before my workouts.  If I don't, I just can't push the weight (HA! punny!).  I also really need to pay attention to time and eat.  Three times a day is not that difficult.  Protein! Protein! Protein!

Things that have improved...
MY SLEEP! Mostly.  I still have off nights, but for the most part, I'm falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up semi-refreshed.

So, what did I nom on today during one of the most emotionally stressful days of my last few weeks?

RECAP
Breakfast: Chicken livers and coffee.

Lunch: The salad from last night....yum!

Dinner: Spaghetti squash spaghetti with meatballs from last night, chicken, and black olives.  I finished off the meatballs....SO YUM!

Now, I'm getting my magnesium (the powder, coconut milk, a banana and a little bit of unsweetened cocoa powder), knitting this sweater for the weekend (you can read about that kinda stuff here), and watching a movie before passing out so I can go to the gym tomorrow and be SHE-RA! 

Days 12 & 13 - The Whole30

I didn't log yesterday.  Obviously. So here's a recap from yesterday.

RECAP
Breakfast - Mollet egg, bacon (2 slices), and sautéd Nappa cabbage.

Lunch - I think I skipped it.  I was having a very bad emotional day.

Dinner - Chili.  It was awesome.  The recipe is here.

I had 2 vodka tonics last night and pretty much instantly regretted them.  I was kinda nauseated and in pain.  I think the coconut milk that went with my banana and magnesium powder curdled or something.  Who knows.  

Today... I at least ate 3 times.  I'm proud of me!  But, it was also a training day...so, I should have eaten 4 times.  Oh, well.

I don't have any epic stories from the training room today, so you get this one post.

RECAP
Breakfast - Chicken breast tenderloin & half a sweet potato

Second Breakfast - 2 eggs, and 4 strips of really bad bacon and about 2 cups of coffee

Dinner - SO MUCH FOOD!  We made this great salad, these awesome roasted carrots, and these amazing meatballs.   This was a masterpiece of taste sensations!  And we have a ton of leftover salad (YAY LUNCH TOMORROW).  

Drinking water today.  

Overall, I'm feeling pretty amazing and I'm starting to see how some foods negatively impact my system.  This makes me happy, too.  Not thrilled that I need to rid myself of Vodka (unless I can drink the more expensive gluten free vodka), but maybe I'll be able to drink my wine.  I do like a dry white.

Day 11 - The Whole30 Program

I totally forgot to do my recap from yesterday, so I shall do that below.  I will chalk the forgetfulness up to the pinched finger and the bruises on my rib cage.  It is always easier to blame injuries than to just admit to failure.

Results, not excuses!

...and I'm getting results.  Seriously.  I know I said I wasn't going to weigh in, but I have no willpower, like, at all, when it comes to the scale.  So, I weighed in yesterday.

164.2lbs.

That's almost 10lbs in less than 2 weeks.  This is inspiring to me, so I'm glad I did it.  I'd like to lose another 10lbs by the end of this challenge.  That would put me right around 150-155lbs which, I think, would be a very good weight for me.  Realistic goal.  Now, that doesn't mean that I won't try to lose more fat and see if I can drop that number to 140, but the more I work out and get stronger, the more I realize my once-set-in-stone goal of 130lbs is unrealistic for me.  I'd love to LOOK 130lbs, but, really... no.  Too thin, given what I lift.

So...

RECAP

Breakfast: Sweet potato, 2 scrambled eggs

Lunch: 4 egg omelette with peppers, diced ham, salsa, and avocados, and hashbrowns (we went to a restaurant...and I'm sure there was butter in the hashbrowns because...intestinal distress.  All I'm gonna say)

Dinner: Crispy Spiced Chicken Livers and squash with bacon.  This is what it looked like: 

Hungry yet?  GO EAT!

Day 10 - The Whole30 Program

Today was craptacular.  Actually, the past two days have been craptacular.  I found out that I need my undergrad transcripts, as well, for the doctorate program I'm trying to apply to; I screwed up my bench pressing; my back's killing me; and, I found out, today, my Valentine's Day plans are pretty much null and void.

AWESOME!

So, I made a conscious choice: I chose to drink 2 vodka tonics tonight.  The good news: I had two and it took me 6 hours to finish them.  Also...I didn't like the taste.

Why did I choose this?  Honestly?  Because I had about a pot and a half of coffee so I could make it through the day without the panic/anxiety attacks becoming overwhelming.  But, the news about my Valentine's plans pushed me over my ability to cope.

Here's a recap of my (not so great) eating today:

RECAP:

Breakfast: 3 eggs, scrambled with homemade pico de gallo

Lunch: ...what is lunch?  1 orange, 3oz of chicken, 1 handful of peanuts (it's what my boss had)

Dinner: Two chicken breast fillets, roasted beets, and sauted beet greens.  And a banana.

...and a pot and a half of coffee throughout the day, plus 2 vodka tonics.

Too frustrated/hurt/upset/whatever to go make my magnesium shake, so skipping it.  The alcohol will probably help me enough.  Tomorrow's another day...and it will be so much better.  Gym day!  Squats, deads, and push presses!

Day 9 - The Whole30 Program

If you read my earlier post today, then you already know about my gym experience today.  My first thought as I lay there, pinned under my barbell was, "I have got to start eating before my workout..."

Which means...I have to get up earlier...which...has been the problem, in the first place.  I'm still waking up tired, though my sleep quality seems to be improving.  I'm hoping it continues to improve.

Anyway!  Recap of today's fooding...

RECAP

Breakfast: 2 chicken breast tenderloins, 2 eggs, and 1 sweet potato with mint chutney

Lunch: 3oz chicken, 1 banana

Dinner: Moroccan salmon with curried frice and an apple.

Epic food was epic for dinner; but I think I just need to eat more during the day.  

Magnesium shake with coconut milk and strawberries rounds out my day.  My husband is making dinner tomorrow night.  I am excited for what he comes up with!  He's been hugely supportive in my Whole30 program and I'm very thankful. 

Day 5 - The Whole30

Superbowl Sunday.  Probably if I did the research, I could substantiate my claim that it's one of the biggest junk-food days during the year.  And, naturally, I'm on the Whole30 Program.  I picked a challenging month.

No, seriously!  I did!  Look:

February:
2 - Groundhog Day
3 - Superbowl Sunday
14 - Valentine's Day
15-18 - Gaming Convention

I'm sure there are other holidays in there, too, that I could celebrate, but those are the biggies--especially the gaming convention.  Four days of non-stop gaming and not many Paleo-friendly options.  Fortunately, I have some ideas for breakfasts and lunches.  Not so sure on dinners.

But, today, I slept in a bit and woke up feeling rested and refreshed and, *gasp* HAPPY!  I donned my workout gear and proceeded to have a craptacular workout because of the idiot men at the gym, but came home to a mostly-made breakfast.  This made me really happy.  I was a bit bad, though, so here's the recap.

RECAP:

Breakfast: 2 eggs with home-made pico de gallo and a baked sweet potato

Lunch: ....what's this?  I did not haz...mostly because I was preparing for....

Dinner:  'Tandoori' Chicken with curried frice and mint pesto (totally stollen from Miss Melicious).  It was amazingly good...in fact, here's a picture!

I, also, have drunk 3L of water at this point in my day and it's only 8:30pm.  I anticipate more water to come!  I will also have another epic shake like last night's...

Speaking of last night...I was bad, again!  I hadn't eaten much yesterday; wasn't feeling it and wasn't hungry...until about midnight, at which point I devoured an orange bell pepper and about 5oz of chicken.  It was the best midnight snack EVER!

Day 4 - The Whole30 Program

I can't shake this fatigue.  It's like I'm getting my cycle symptoms two weeks in advance.  I should have just finished ovulation yesterday (not that I ever have any clue when that happens), but... my gosh, I'm exhausted.  Slept in til about 9am and didn't go to the gym.  I couldn't even bring myself to put on clothes until around noon (that was after I went back to bed).

I'm so tired of being tired.  I can't figure out what's wrong; really hoping the Whole30 can help with this problem.  I started taking my magnesium powder, again, but I don't like taking it with plain water--I don't like the flavor and it makes me feel like it's eating my tooth enamel as I drink it (fun stuff, there).

Tried laying down for a nap, but I spent 15 of my 25 minutes awake--not helpful.  The other 10 were a restless sleep which, also, is not helpful.

Anyway.  Recap will be in a few hours.  I'll even set it up for you now...

RECAP

Breakfast: Shrimp scramble (that's shrimp with scrambled eggs; very tasty!)

Lunch: ...when I eventually ate, it was an avocado with chicken breast. 

Dinner:  Left overs from last night!  Beef roast and the cucumber salad.  Delish!

I also had a glass of coconut milk whilst preparing the Tandoori chicken for tomorrow and two cups of tea with coconut creamer.  I'll probably blend up some berries and coconut milk with my magnesium as I learned today that my protein powder is off my diet list for the next 26 days.

Confession...I stepped on the scales when I got out of the relaxing bath I took. >_<  Good news: Down about 2lbs...  Bad news: I have no willpower when it comes to the scales...

Day 3 - The Whole30

Today seemed much better on the eating front.  Though, waking up is still *extremely* difficult.  In fact, I took a protein shake last night with my magnesium powder and fell asleep fine....but, woke up frequently....and did not dream peacefully.

I woke up just as tired as when I went to bed and barely remember the first part of the morning.  I remember certain things, but not in any sort of sequence or duration.  At least I can sleep in a bit tomorrow before my workout.

In general, though, I'm feeling pretty good, though I'm definitely craving a vodka drink.  Nothing sweet, really, just a vodka tonic.  Or a caesar. Anyway....

RECAP!

Breakfast: 2 jumbo brown eggs and 3oz of steak (+2 cups black coffee)

Lunch: Brussels sprouts/cabbage and bacon sauté with 3oz of chicken

Dinner: That fabulous cucumber salad, again, and about 6oz of beef roast from the crock pot.

Naturally, water to drink.

I am considering whip---oh, wait, I forgot to get more bananas.  Won't be making the banana "ice cream" tonight!  But, I will take my protein shake later, likely with my last banana, again.  It's very good and my feet didn't cramp at all in the night! 

Day 2 - Food Recap

Today was a workout day.

These days always throw me off. I also realized that I need to (at least at the start of this) do something not entirely Whole30 approved--I need a protein shake at night because it's how I drink my magnesium.  I need the magnesium (for now) to help me sleep so I don't have days like today...

6:00am - Alarm goes off.  Killed it.

6:45am - Second alarm goes off.  Killed it.

7:15am - Husband stumbles in to search for a towel...I notice the time and immediately....curl back up and groan.  Despite sleeping the night through, and sleeping soundly, I did not sleep well or restfully.

At this point, I crawled out of bed and got into my workout gear and got ready to leave.  I remember being at the gym and doing my bodyweight squats.  I remember crying about my pathetic OHPs, and I remember empowering myself with 175# dead lifts.  I don't remember driving home.  I remember making breakfast (which I'll share in a sec) and knitting...and the nap I ended up taking...and from there, I remember pretty well.

So. 

RECAP
Breakfast: 3 eggs and 3oz grilled steak
Lunch: I almost missed this and it wasn't balanced at all.  It was simply 3 oz of grilled steak.
Dinner: From The Clothes Make the Girl, I made the Moroccan Pork Chops with cucumber salad.  My husband (who has no interest in being Paleo) loved this meal and was sad there was not more (Note to self: Make large batch of salad).  Despite it being a training day, I haven't really been all that hungry.  Just lethargic.  I'm going to have a banana to cleanse my palate and then have a protein shake later for the magnesium powder.  Probably use 2 scoops of the protein powder, coconut milk, and another banana.  Have a lot of muscle cramps and knots...magnesium and potassium for the win! 

Whole30 - Day 1

Today is day 1 of my Whole30 Program, so I figured I should probably do a "before" journey chart so that in 30 days, we can see progress, ja?  So!  Here it goes....

Approximate Weight: 170# (+/- 2lbs)
Measurements (dear lord, I hate these)...

Bust: 39" (this does not budge, sadly... Thanks, Mom).
Waist: 33.5"
Hips: 40"

Approximate Dress Size: 12

I'll update this later this evening once I have a progress shot taken.  I'd list BF% but the wonderful BF scale I have insists I have more body fat than Ken (which I so totally don't).  I have yet to get a set of calipers, but they're on my list.

Other health issues:

Depression
Anxiety
ADH--ooooh, sparkly!
Muscle cramps/aches
Joint pain
Sleep disorders (mostly insomnia)
Acne
Blood sugar issues
Allergies (seasonal & food)
Poor body image

The goal is to ease any of those issues (especially the anxiety, depression, and poor body image).  I'd like to lose body fat, so we'll see how that goes.  I do heavy lifting 3x's week (which I think I mentioned previously), so we'll see!  This is the only time I am allowing myself to take weight & measurements before March 1.

My goal is to update this blog every day with a recap of the food I've eaten and how I'm feeling, etc.  The 15-18 of February is a gaming convention, so I won't be able to necessarily update over the weekend, but I will recap that weekend and how it went.  So far, I have breakfasts and lunches planned.  Not sure about dinners, yet.

Since I'll be updating this later, I'll throw the recap of today in there, as well.

So, that's me.  I'd like there to be less of me by the end of this, but... whateve's. :)

RECAP

Breakfast: 2 jumbo brown eggs with shrimp, cup of tea with coconut creamer

Lunch: Baby arugala with broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and grilled chicken, seasoned with olive oil and salt/pepper.

Dinner: Liver, steamed brussels sprouts with garlic & rosemary, and roasted tomatoes stuffed with homemade Paleo pesto (basil, mint, olive oil, garlic, macadamias).  

Water to drink... tea with dinner.

NOT HUNGRY AT ALL, HOLY CARP TOO MUCH FOOD... >_>  I'd like a vodka tonic, though.  I somehow doubt this craving will go away.

Blackstrap Cherry Granola (Recipe)

I'm very bad at updating blogs.  I recognize this.  I just get so busy! 

Over on Twitter, @NickKelly and @StaciaKelly host a #healthcat each week. If you're on Twitter, you should be following these two lovely folks.  They're both amazing and talented folks, plus, they're just plain nice!

Anyway!  Nick had asked for tips for avoiding winter poundage and I stated about prepping up some gluten free snacks in advance (Type Os really should do this), then mentioned a blackstrap molasses granola recipe and, naturally, everyone wants it.

CAVEAT!  I don't like cherries, so I substituted blueberries for the cherries and took it with me to a 4-day gaming convention.  It was a hit--with everyone.  It's technically a breakfast cereal, but I like it as a healthy snack--and the dried fruits are perfect for winter (at least to me)!

Blackstrap Cherry Granola (NS*)

*Non-Secretor, if you're following a strict Type-O diet

4c. crispy rice cereal

1c. chopped walnuts

1c. chopped pecans

1/4c. whole flaxseeds

1/4c. blackstrap molasses

2tsp olive oil

1T agave

1/8tsp sea salt

1/4c. water

1c. halved dried cherries

1/2c. halved dried cranberries

Pre-heat oven to 350*F.

in a large bowl, combine rice, walnuts, pecans, and flaxseeds.

In a small sacuepan, warm molasses, olive oil, agave, and salt with water over medium heat for about 2 minutes, whisking to combine.

Pour the liquid over granola mixture, toss to coat and spread onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.  Bake 10 minutes.

Take granola out of the oven, toss, and place back in the oven, reducing the temperature to 300 degrees.

Bake an additional 25 minutes.

Toss granola with cherries and cranberries.

Serve warm or cool fully and store in an air-tight glass container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to two months.

....but, really, this is so good, you'll be lucky to keep it for two weeks!  This recipe is from the Type O Diet Cookbook, part of Dr. D'Adamo's series.