Thursday, February 24, 2011

How to Make Soup....

Hubby cooked tonight, so I thought I'd share my fiesta chicken soup I made the other day.

Having never made soup, I wondered just how hard it could be.  Now authentic soup starts off with home made chicken stock/broth - not that stuff in a can.  So being that our family devours at least 1 rotisserie chicken from Costco each week, I thought I'd see what happens if I boil the "left overs".

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Keeping it Simple


Cooking a good dinner can be tough after a long day at work for anyone, let alone for a mom of three.  I usually resort to something quick like leftovers.  But what do you do if you at the last of it yesterday and it's 5:30? Sometimes I like to have breakfast for dinner: omelets, bacon and/or sausages. In the past I've been tempted to warm up chicken nuggets, have a bowl of cereal, eat some chips and chicken or make a quick peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwich.

However, tonight, I knew I had to at least try to get a healthful meal together. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Pork Chop and Butternut Squash Stew




Here is a modified version of Sarah Fragoso's recipe from Everyday Paleo.  I didn't have all the ingredients, so here's what I did. (And don't mind the old school slow cooker! It was my mom's but never got used until I became a grown up and started cooking for myself!)

A Bit About Me and My Quest to Balance Life!

After a wonderful 3 1/2 day weekend, I threw myself back into the swing of things this morning.  Felt quite literal, too.  The importance of getting a good night's rest is no old wives' tale, nor should it be just something the doctor says we need and we shrug it off til the next visit.  No, sleep is absolutely one of the most important things for your health - both mentally and physically! Deprivation of sleep leads to, well, sleepiness. Nothing like falling asleep in class, at a meeting, or (heaven forbid) at the wheel.  It also leads to that thing around our waist that some people call the "spare tire" and others call the "love handles".

Sunday, February 20, 2011

So, What Do I Miss?

Hubby asked me that the other day, and I had to stop and think for a moment.  Gosh, if I had to choose just one thing, well, that would just be unfair to all of the other wonderful (and wonderfully bad) foods out there. 

I can honestly say that I do NOT miss fast food, greasy diner food, or any junk food (like candy or soda) that I wasn't consuming before going Paleo.  However, the fine delicacy of the Liliha Bakery Cocoa Puff, or a warm, crispy grilled cheese sandwich, those I do miss.  A bowl of cereal and milk filled the need for  a quick snack as well as served as a sort of "comfort food" for me. 

As I learn what going paleo means, I start to look at the reasons behind why I do it and how I can tweak it to fit my life.  LT mentioned that he was pretty impressed that I went cold turkey and cut out a lot of things all at once when it took him a lot longer to really get into it 100%.  I guess I did it that way so that I didn't have an excuse to "cheat". There would be no sneaking of the cookies waiting patient for me upon the kitchen t.v.  There would be no mindless snacking in the teacher's lounge on a break time. (And trust me, Valentine's Day was nearly impossible!) I would not get the full effect of the eating lifestyle if I kept sneaking one in.

But now amidst my "research", I hear on the paleo guru's podcast that cheating is okay once in a while as long as we keep it gluten free.  Hmmm, so the sugars once in a while are okay, but now I have to figure out what has gluten and what doesn't.  It's almost like I need to carry around a list with me to see what I can and what I can not eat.  =)

As of right now, I do plan on having a non-paleo meal or two this weekend. Gluten free or not. And we are also having a special event at school at which a well known chef from a soul food restaurant will be cooking.  I plan to enjoy my meal. Even if it means I'll feel sick afterwards. I'll just chalk it up as a casualty of war.

Now that I'm on my Day 48, I do feel pretty good.  I have lost all of my baby fat by now. Or, most of it, actually.  My muscle to fat ratio has changed and I'm sure I have lost a lot of muscle weight and still have more fat weight than before.  I know this because, well, my tummy is still there! But the clothes are fitting better and I'm getting in to most of my pre-pregnancy clothes.  =)

Overall, I continue to be pleased with my progress and I have many people and places to thank for that. I still stare at the Cookie Corner box knowing that no one will notice one little cookie missing.  Nor will anyone know that I kept one of my goodies from Valentine's Day.  But the only person who really will know will know.  The only person I'd be cheating on is myself.  Stay straight and stay strong.  =) 

Stay tuned for a recipe!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

DAY 30!!!

I've reached day 30 of this 30-day challenge!  And how do I feel, you ask?  Well, despite coming off of a cold and desperately trying NOT to lick my fingers when making frosting for my daughter's cupcakes, I feel pretty good.

Amazingly, this eating style is not as hard as it seems.  Of course there is the deal of going OUTSIDE the box: eating new things - kale, chard, new recipes; trying new things - cooking with coconut, using almond meal; learning new things - redefining "snack" foods, gaining nutrition knowledge.

Now I haven't really kicked in fully, as I have had to put my exercise regime into gear. I'm not one for excuses, but in these 30 days, I underwent surgery, dealt with sick kids, went back to work, was sick myself, and am still in the process of working out my schedule.  But this week, I think I can get into it, so I'm excited! 

All in all, I'm glad my husband talked me into this.  Yes, I do miss my pastries and cookies. Yes, I do work a lot harder at planning and preparing meals. Yes, I do feel better about myself and what I'm accomplishing. And just as a side note, I've reached my pre-pregnancy weight.  Now's the time to really get in gear and get those last 15 pounds!  Ha ha. It's not all about weight, but there is something about seeing that number on the scale. :)

Let's see if we can go a few days longer before I cave in for that apple napple!