Spinach Bread with Sloppy Joe

I got this Recipe From the http://thecavegirldish.blogspot.com/, has some great recipes!  I of course always add my special modifications. :) I included below.  Her blog post is copied below. 

Sloppy Joes on Spinach Bread

The 85/15 grass-fed ground beef from Trader Joe's has become one of the staple items of my weekly grocery store shopping spree. The Sloppy Joe is something I haven't tried but kind of similar to the crock pot tomato meat sauce I make, but a bit thicker, I guess - more like the traditional meaty dish. Truth be told, I don't think I've ever had a Sloppy Joe, but what the hey. I pulled this from the Paleo Solution's 30-day plan and modified it just a little. Also, to mimic this hardy meal, I baked a spinach "bread" earlier in the day to kind of "sandwich" the Joe. This recipe is courtesy of the Primal Blueprint Cookbook, by Mark Sisson. (See link on the sidebar.)

Pre-bake the spinach bread so it's cooled in time for your meal.

Spinach bread

4 eggs

16 oz chopped frozen spinach

1/2 cup pine nuts

2 tbsp butter

about 15 fresh basil leaves

1teaspoon minced garlic

Preheat oven to 350º. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and toast pine nuts until golden brown. (I used the 2 tablespoons, but I think 1 would have been sufficient. You can also use a tablespoon of olive oil if you're dairy free.) Pine nuts burn easily so make sure the heat isn't too high, and keep an eye on it. While the nuts are getting toasty, thaw your spinach under cold water, and using a thin towel or cheese cloth, wrap the spinach and wring out as much of the excess water from the spinach. Use a lot of elbow grease! Whip the eggs in a medium or large bowl.

When pine nuts are a golden brown, pulse the nuts, garlic, and  basil leaves in a food processor until the nuts are chopped - about 20 rotations. Add the mixture and spinach to the eggs and combine thoroughly. Evenly spread "batter" into a pie plate or a 9x9 baking dish. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Let cool.

It actually has a bread-like texture and the flavor is really mild, so it shouldn't overpower any dish. It also came out of the pie plate thick enough that I could slice it in half.

Sloppy Joe

1 lb grass-fed ground beef or turkey

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup tomato puree or sauce

1 1/2  tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground mustard seed/mustard powder

2 tbs organic yellow mustard

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium/medium-high heat until browned. Add the rest of the ingredients and let simmer over low/medium low heat for 10-15 minutes. Serve!

I only had tomato paste on hand so I watered down half a small can with 1 cup of water. Also, when first adding the unsweetened cocoa powder, the chocolatey smell seemed overwhelming, and I think I could have reduced it by half a tablespoon. Lastly, I threw in some diced tomatoes I needed to use.

Serve it over any vegetable you wish, or try the spinach bread for a more sandwich-like tactile experience. :D (I still used a fork, but I'm a delicate cavegirl.)

Other great options would be to add more pure tomato sauce and some Italian herbs to transform it into a spaghetti (squash) sauce, or serving it over some eggs and topping it with avocado and salsa for a paleo huevos rancheros breakfast! Nom nom nom.

Check out this website

http://cavegirlinthekitchen.blogspot.com/

There are a few recipes that I would like to make.  I thought I should share!  It looks as though some of them still contain some dairy, soy and honey.  They can be tweaked and replaced. 

Crock Pot Carnitas

My roommate made these in the crock pot the other day.  We posted this on the gym's recipe.  They tasted awesome with a little bit of Cholula sauce on top. (my favorite condiment)

From the Whole30.com

Lydia’s recipe submission is perfect for single-eaters, families on the go and those of us looking for an easy, no-fuss meal.  Crock pot cooking is fast and convenient – you do the prep, and the cooker does all the hard work for you.  It’s healthy – when fresh ingredients are cooked at a low temperature, you retail the natural juices, vitamins and minerals from your meat and vegetables.  And the cooker lets you make a big meal, perfect for freezing for later (or leftover lunches the following day).  Mix and match ingredients to suit your fancy – what could be easier?
Steal This Meal:  Crockpot Carnitas
(Serves 4)

• 5lbs of country-style spare pork ribs (or however many will fit in your crock pot)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 2 cups of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups of diced peppers
• 2 heaping tsp dried oregano
• 1 heaping tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1 heaping tbsp chili powder
• 2heaping tsp  cumin

Mix all dry spices in a small bowl. I use a heavy hand with the spices – season to taste.   Mix the diced tomatoes and peppers in a separate bowl.
Put down one layer of the ribs in the bottom of the crock. Sprinkle a spoonful of the spice mixture over the meat and spread around some of the tomato/pepper mixture. Top with onions. Make a second layer of ribs and continue until you are out of ingredients. I like to finish with ribs on top, not onions, so the layers are slightly uneven.
Turn crockpot to low and cook for at least eight hours.
Using a pasta-serving spoon, shred your pork ribs. This is the best use for a pasta-serving spoon ever. It allows you to pull apart the meat and remove the bones as well as any egregiously large pieces of fatty gristle.
Use this to make a hot salad, or serve alongside some cauliflower rice and cucumber slices. I especially like it as a salad because the cooking liquid can serve as dressing–no extra condiments necessary. My favorite is a hot salad topped with some avocado slices. It’s what’s for dinner tonight!   This freezes really well, too. Perfect for single-eaters or small families.

Green Omlet (yummy)

2 Eggs, 2 Egg whites
1 cup Broccoli
1 cup spinach
tsp minced garlic
3 basil leaves
2 tbs pine nuts
1 tsp Coconut Oil

Directions
-microwave broccoli until suitable crunchiness.  I like mine a bit softer for this purpose
-saute garlic in coconut oil, and add in spinach and cook, add in the broccoli, basil, pine nuts,  and eggs

Day 13 Getting back on track

I had planned to wake up early and get a workout in before the Saturday classes.  That did not happen, needless to say!  Today I tried to get my eating back on track. 

Meal 1
3 Eggs, 1 cup tomatoes, 1 cup spinach, basil, little bit of garlic cooked in coconut oil.  half an apple, pine nuts 1 tbs.
3 protein, 3 carbs, 6 fat

Snack:  3 oz chicken, Mini larabar
3 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat
WOD 1: CrossFit Mainsite, 50 BJ, 5 Rope ascents, 50 KB swings, 50 situps, 50 dbell HPclean 30lbs, 800M run, 50 Back extensions.  15:30

Meal 2

Crock Pot Carnitas with half an avocado
 4 protein, 1 carb, 2 Fat

Snack: banana with almond butter
3 carbs, 6 Fat

WOD 2 : 75 Burpee pullups for time every 2 mins 20 DU's 14:00mins

Meal 3
6 oz salmon, small bit of steak fillet, with grilled veggies

Day 12 still traveling

Still traveling and diet and zoning is off which drives me crazy.  But that's life we are not always in control and you have to do the best you can with what you have. Managed to eat fairly clean still, just not what I would normally pick.  I think that Jeff had to hear me say that I was hungry all day long.  I also had such a splitting headache I am sure I was not the most pleasant person to be around.  Yes I get cranky when I don't eat :)

Early am Crossfit 6:45 Dallas time
Can I note that I am not an early morning workout person. 
10 rounds 5 thrusters, 10 pullups, 100M row Rest 1 min

Meal 1
4 shots espresso over ice,
Omlet with a lot of veggies in it (mushrooms tomatoes, peppers, onions, spinach and sausage
Guessing about 3 eggs and 1 sausage cut up
5 Protein, 2 carbs, 4 Fat

Meal 2
Mixed Greens salad, 1 cup tomatoes, 5 oz chicken, 2tbs dressing
5 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat

Meal 3 at airport
(not a lot of options but took the best one, note it was not paleo and I am sure contained some gluten but better than not eating when starving)
4 oz Pecan crusted chicken salad over mixed greens, with goat cheese, and dried cranberries with balsamic dressing.
***I am guessing there was gluten because tummy did not feel so well after. 


Meal 4
Starving when I got home at 10pm so had 4 egg whites, half an apple, and small amount of almond butter
2 protein, 1 carb, 4 fat

Day 11 Travel Day/ Rest Day

So the next two days will be a bit off as I will be traveling.  One of my biggest pet peeves is not being able to be in control of my eating, as I mentioned before.  No I am not crazy or obsessive, or that high maintenance, but I like to be able to eat every few hours and at least know what I am putting into my body.  I really should have packed more snacks in my bag, note to self for next time. So here is my Day 11 that started at 3:15a.m.  I tried to eat as Paleo as I could over next two days. 

Meal 1 4:00am
Banana Breakfast (yes I have like every other day), 3 shots espresso over ice
3 protein, 3 carb, 6 fat

Snack: Starbucks Red Eye a.k.a drip coffee with a shot of espresso
Give me a break I woke up at 3:15 needed a lift :)

**I already feel crappy at this point because caffeine on an empty stomach when you are not used to drinking that much.  no bueno!!

Meal 2
Mixed Green Salad with Sundried tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies with 5 oz grilled chicken, light vinegrette. 
5 protein, 2 carbs, 3 fat

Snack: 9 almonds, 1 apple,
2 carbs, 3 fat

Meal 3

7oz Grilled steak fillet, with cooked carrots and zucchini with 2 tbs guacamole
At an upscale Mexican restaurant
7 Protein, 2 carbs, 3 fat

Day 10

I have already mentioned a few times that I feel a little bit off this week.  I added caffeine back into my diet a few weeks ago and I am not sure if I feel better with it or without it.  The nice thing about eating so cleanly is that I can usually figure out what is going on with my body by tweaking my diet here and there.  I have really felt that I needed a lot more fat this week.  It is probably because I have been on the go nonstop this week and had a few days with multiple workouts.  I bring this up because I keep hearing every week that people's energy is low and they feel sluggish.  I have been looking at more food journals and again it is easily identifiable, there is not enough fat and not enough protein.  Don't be afraid to add more meals, more fat and a little more protein if this is the case.  This will not make you fat!!!  You see how many meals and how much I eat and I have to say I am not in the least bit fat. 
Here is Day 10

Meal 1
Greens Omlette (Recipe to be posted) 
2 Eggs, 2 Egg whites, 1 cup broccoli, 1 cup spinach, with pinenuts, and a small sweet potato
3 protein, 2 carbs, 4 Fat

snack: mini size cherry pie larabar
2.5 carbs, 6 Fat

WOD 1: 100 Burpee penalty 7:30 secs for cheating

Meal 2
4 oz chimichurri salmon, 1 cup broccoli, 1 small sweet potato
about 3 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat

Wod 2: 20 X 100M sprints on 1 min

Meal 3 post wod:
4oz salmon, 1 apple, 1tbs almond butter
3 protein, 2 carbs, 6 fat

WOD 3: 6 min AMR SDHP/ Ring Dips   6 min AMR C&J/ DU's  6min AMR  BJ/T2B

Meal 4:
Jalapeno Beef Chili over spaghetti squash ( a weekly favorite, first time made with ground beef)
7 protein, 3 carbs, 4 fat

Day 9

I think it is really funny that someone was reading my blog and they are like wow, I had no idea that you ate so much food throughout the day.  I chuckled to myself because yes I do eat a lot through out the day based on my zone blocks.  I remember at first it felt like it was so much food and it was hard to get all in.  Now my metabolism has increased, I am hungry like clockwork every few hours. 

By the way I have to say that I am so proud of everyone during this challenge.  You all semm to be taking so seriously and all look amazing!  Keep up the good work!  I know that it may be a pain in the ass to hear me say more food, more food!  It will pay off.  The end is in site two more weeks!!!

Here is my Day 9.  I am still operating at about 85percent after the throw down and the Birthday "Incident" in which we are now calling it. 

Meal 1
1 apple thinly sliced and diced and cooked in a small amt of coconut oil with spices, then added 3 eggs and cooked.  1 tbs almond butter.
3 shots espresso over ice
Blocks; 3 protein, 2 carbs, 6 Fat

snack: 1 serving plantain chips testing out for client
2 carbs, 3 fat

Meal 2
4 oz chicken, 1 cup spinach, 1 red pepper, 1/2 avocado, 1/4 cup salsa
protein 4, 2 carbs, 2 fat

Meal 3
6 oz of tilapia w/ 2 tbs pinapple salsa, 3 asparagus spears and cup of zucchini
3 Protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat


WOD: 3 Rounds 200M run 3 Muscle ups, 200M row, 5 full snatch, 200M Run, 7 Thrusters.  65lbs

Recovery: Progenex shake, small piece of paleo pumpkin banana bread made by Alexa. 
3 Protein, 3 carbs,  4 fat

6oz  BakedChimichurri Salmon from Trader Joe's, 1 cup Broccoli, 1 granny smith apple
3 Protein, 3 Carbs, 4 Fat


Note: I noticed that since I have not been doing Progenex and I added back in it upset my stomach because of the dairy component in it.  :(

Wow I apologize for the late post but it has been a crazy week......

So I will be logging day 8 through 12 all today.  So I have to warn all of you that my eating has been a little inconsistent.  There have been days that have been a little out of my control, which have thrown me off completely.  Those of you that know me well, know that I am very on top of my zone blocks.  Many people think I am crazy for being so obsessed about them.  But let me tell you I can tell a major difference when I am off my blocks, with my energy levels, headaches, and mood. 

I also have to warn you that I cheated with a handful of chocolate chips this week.  Not only did I feel bloated disgusting and had a major tummy ache, I felt completely guilty because I had been doing so well.  The penalty this week for cheating was 100 burpees for time that needed to be completed by Monday.  If you cheated this week you know who you are!!!!! For the record I have proof that I completed my burpees as well in 7:30secs.  It was not fun!  With that being said here is my week:

Day 8

Meal 1
Banana Breakfast  with tbs of raw creamy almond butter (my favorite and I never get sick of.  so a creature of habit) 3 shots of espresso over ice- (I so love now!!)
Blocks: protein 3, carbs 3, fat 6

snack: 1 small larabar

Meal 2
4oz of taco chicken meat over bed of Romain, 1 small diced tomato, half an avocado, 1/4 cup salsa
4 protein, 2 carbs, 3 fat

WOD 1:  3 rounds 10 205lb deadlifts, 15 pullups, 50 DU's
Note still feeling a little sluggish from my self destructive weekend.  Energy not great!

Meal 3
4 oz chicken, half an apple, small sweet potatoe cooked in small amount of coconut oil and nutmeg and cinnamon, 1 small tbs of almond butter. 
4 protein, 3 carbs, 6 fat

WOD 2: 45 min trail run Hilly

Meal 4
4 oz chicken Paprikash leftover, 1 half apple
4 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat


Surprisingly I didn't feel as though I had enough fuel today.  the days that I do two workouts I try to increase fat and or protein depending.  I notice it helps my recovery and fight that feeling of being starving. 

Another Recipe to kill that sweet craving!! Spicy Sweet Apples

So to be honest I had a small piece of birthday cake on Sunday night.  My fabulous roommate designed a beautiful cake with fondont and butter cream frosting.  I would have thought it would have triggered a huge sugar craving but surprisingly I was barely able to finish my piece.  It was so overwhelmingly sweet since I have not had any kind of sugar other than fruit in two weeks.  This shocked me my sweet tooth is going away!!!!  So hang in there with the sugar cravings they go away.  I thought I would share the below recipe because it helped me in my times of need,  I have tried two different ways.

Spicy Sweet Apples with Almond Butter

1-2 apples depending on serving size (my favorite are Pink Lady Apples)
cinnamon
nutmeg
pumpkin pie spice
coconut oil
almond butter

thinly slice apples and put in frying pan with small amount of coconut oil, season with spices depending on how you like.  I like a lot.  Cook apples until mostly soft but slightly crunchy still.  Dip in raw almond butter.

I have also made this recipe with cooked yams.  the small ones from Trader Joes.  Cook in microwave or oven and then throw in pan and saute with spices and oil.  Dip in almond butter!  Very comforting !

Chicken Paprikash

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into 1/2 inch strips
2 small onions – chopped
1 red bell pepper – cut into strips
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
1 Tbsp coconut oil
3 tsp Paprika
3 Tbsp coconut milk (I used the cream part of the coconut milk from the can  if you don’t shake the can before you open it, usually the coconut cream is settled at the top and you can get a thicker sauce by just using this portion)
1 Tbsp coconut flour
1 Cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
Instructions
Heat 1/2 of  oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until there is no more pink.  Then remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the rest of the oil.  Add onions, garlic and paprika.  Cook for about 3-5 minutes until onions have softened. Add coconut flour and broth.  Stir it around and bring it to a simmer.  Add the bell pepper and cabbage.  Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are softened. About 5 min.  Add back the chicken and coconut milk.  Continue to cook and stir until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy. About 2 minutes.  Enjoy!

Day 7 The aftermath

I'm Just going to go ahead and not post anything for Sunday.  I am not going to lie nothing I attempted to eat stayed down and I pretty much laid in bed til about 2:30pm feeling like absolute hell!  NEVER AGAIN!

I will say at about 3 pm I was able to get a little food down.  It tasted so good after being so dehydrated and hungover.  If you have not been to Boneheads Restaurant in El Toro yet, you really must try it.  It is Paleo Challenge friendly.  Everyone in the challenge gets a few giftcards so please remind me at the gym. 

I also will be posting a few new recipes I have tried as well. 

Day 6 Birthday Celebration

Today was quite the interesting day.  The day of my fantastic Birthday celebration!  I ate super cleanly all day.  My night time activities however, reflect a lot more drinking than I am used to. I am only a level 3 because I knew that my birthday would fall within the challenge.  Therefore alcohal is not necessarily cheating.  Keep in mind I had not cheated in 2 weeks up to this point. I have to give a warning be extremely careful drinking alcohol on the paleo diet.  Without bready carbs to soak up alcohol, it is a little bit harder to keep in your body.  I had to learn my lesson the hard way!  You will see below.

Day 6

Meal 1
3 eggs, a cup of spinach, 1/2 cup tomatoes, basil, 1 red pepper cooked in coconut oil.  Put 1/2 avocado on the top.
4 espresso shots over ice
3 protein blocks, 3 carbs, 6 fat

Workout:
6X 2 min AMRAP barbell manmakers and 200M run

post workout:
Progenex shake, 1 small cherry pie larabar
3 protein, 1.5 carbs, 2 fat

Meal 2
4 oz chicken breast(leftover from huge pesto batch, 1 apple w 1tbs almond butter

4 protein, 2 carbs, 6 fat

Meal 3
2 Eggs, 2 egg whites sauteed in coconut oil and garlic with 1 Cup broccoli and 1/2 avocado
(trying to prep a bit with more fat so it will help with alcohol)
3 protein, 1 carb, 3 fat

Meal 4
before it all went down hill
6 oz salmon , steamed Veggies from Sapphire Grill( it was so hard to order so plainly at such a great restaurant)
4.5 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat


AND A WHOLE LOT OF VODKA SODA'S AND  1 TEQUILA SHOT....PRETTY MUCH UNTIL I HIT THE FLOOR.  NEVER AGAIN!!!!............I have never been so sick in my entire life.  Eating so cleanly and drinking a lot do not mix. 

Day 5

I apologize it was a busy eventful weekend so I am posting the last 3 days all today.  Also Not a normal few days for me.  As most of you know this past weekend was my b-day celebration since I was competing all weekend on my actual b-day.  I felt like on this particular day I was starving.  It may have been since I doubled up on workouts or just that I was not getting enough fat.  As you can see I have a small obsession with almond butter.  For me it tends to ease that sweet craving and peanut butter craving. 

Day 5
"Banana Goodness" B-fast, 3 shots espresso over ice
3 protein blocks, 3 carbs, 6 fat

workout 1: "Jerry" 1 mile run, 2k row, 1 mile run 23:42

Meal 2
6 oz Salmon
with small sweet potato
3 protein, 3 carbs, 3 fat

Snack

1 Apple tbs Almond Butter,  1 Hardboiled Egg, 3 pieces of Turkey Bacon
2 protein, 2 carbs, 6 fat

workout 2:  3 Rounds  15 pullups, 20 OH lunges, 30 KB swings, 200M run rest 1 min

post workout: Progenex (have been trying to stay away from, but since I did two wods it helps me to recover)
3 protein blocks

snack: Primal Pack (didn't have food and was starving )

Meal 3
Spinach salad, 5 oz pesto chicken, with celery 1 orange pepper, 1/2 avocado, and balsamic vinegar.
5 protein, 2 carbs, 5 fat

Day 4

Today was a bit of a off eating day.  I went a little longer than I would like to in afternoon without eating and then was put in position to snack on something paleo that wouldn't be in my normal daily routine. I still feel great! My performance is good I feel as though I have a lot of enerdy until about 9pm and then I am super tired.  I also noticed that I was craving a bit more fat yesterday, so I added a few more fat blocks in the evening.  Here is my day:


Day 3

Meal 1
3 eggs Cooked in Coconut oil with spinach basil and tomato and half avocado with a sprinkle of Cholulua sauce.  And1 apple 
3 protein blocks, 3 carbs, 6 fat


Meal 2

6.5oz of ground turkey taco meat let over spinach with 1 red pepper, 2 tbs guacamole, and 4 tbs salsa.
3 protein blocks, 2 carbs, 2 fat

Workout: 10-1 ladder 95 lb front squats, burpees, 100M row

Meal 3

Ate lunch at Boneheads in Lake Forest.  Great Paleo gluten free options.

6 oz Tilapia, 1/4 cup pineapple salsa, 2 zucchini strips and 3 spears of asparagus.
3 protein blocks, 2 carbs, 2 Fat

Boneheads Tilapia, with asparagus and zucchini

Snack
Paleo Banana bread made by Alexa.  I mean really I had to have a piece plus I was starving.
guesstimate  2 carbs, 3 Fat

Meal 4

7oz Chimichuri Salmon (From Trader Joe's all natural marinade and Paleo. A new easy favorite)
6 asparagus spears, 1 cup carrots, 1 apple with table spoon of almond butter.
6 protein, 4 carbs, 8-10 blocks fat

****This is where I was craving fat.  Cooked veggies in a little coconut oil, and added in the almond butter

Spicy Jalepeno Turkey Chili

What you need:
1 Package of lean ground turkey
6 strips of No nitrate uncured bacon
14 oz can of diced tomatoes 
1 diced Red Pepper
1 diced Green Pepper
4 stalks of celery
1 yellow onion
1/4 cup jalapenos
2 cloves of garlic
2 tbs cumin
2 tbs chili powder
cayenne red pepper to taste
Cholula hot sauce small amount 


Directions
Cut bacon into pieces and cook until crispy but not burnt.  Set bacon aside on paper towel.  Do not discard bacon grease.

Brown meat with garlic and a table spoon of bacon grease.

In a separate pan put a tbs of bacon grease and cook onions and vegetables over medium heat.  Do not want too done!  Just until softened and slightly crispy. 

Add vegetables in with meat with the can of tomatoes, bacon and seasoning.  Let simmer for a few minutes and then serve.

This has been a weekly favorite for me! I found a similar recipe online and put my own spicy twist on it.   It tastes great alone with sliced avocado or guacamole on top.  I  also really enjoy over spaghetti squash which I am slightly obsessed with.

Paleo Pesto

I got this recipe from the Paleo Cookbook by Loren Cordain.  I have put over chicken as a marinade, on turkey burgers, on fish like tilapia, tuna, and salmon.  It also tastes amazing over spaghetti squash!

What you Need:
2 packed cups of fresh basil
2 tbs garlic or two cloves finely chopped
2 tbs olive oil
1 tbs walnut oil
1 tbs flax seed oil
1 half lemon juice freshly squeezed

put in food processor and mix thoroughly.  Lasts for 4 days in refrigerator 

Day 3

I feel great so far! The interesting thing is that I am sleeping better, am better able to wake up in the morning without that sluggish feeling.  The last three mornings I have woke up at 4 am without an alarm.  My energy feels pretty even throughout the day.  I did the "Fighter" workout at the gym today and I felt like I was consistent and had a lot in the tank despite being sore and recovering from last weekend's brutality.  This week has been busy so I have not been able to cook as much as I would like.  Last weekend's throwdown disrupted my cooking day.  So will be sticking to simple meals most of which I prepared on Sunday and Monday night for the week.

I am past the point of craving sugar, after a week that went away.  It has switched to craving more fat.  Many people have been asking me why they feel so tired and their energy is lagging.  In looking at many journals it is because there is not enough protein and or fat.  Keep in mind that now all you are eating is veggies and fruit, you body will burn through that energy quick and is looking to use other energy sources such as fat.  Keep up the good work, and stay with it!  This will bring with it many rewards.


Here is my day 3 I will post two recipes as well that people have been asking about. 

Day 3

Meal 1
"Banana goodness Breakfast" (note it gives me that sweet comforting feeling)
3 eggs, 1 mashed up banana, nutmeg, 1 heaping tbs raw almond butter (TJ's my fav)
3 shots of espresso over ice (I love it now, surprising don't miss  HWC)
3 blocks protein, 3 carbs, 6 Fat

Meal 2
4 oz of pesto chicken, 1 cup of carrots, 1 apple
4 protein, 3 carbs, 3 fat

Meal 3
5 oz Turkey Tacos over Spinach, 2tbs guacamole, 2 tbs salsa,  1cups carrots
3.5 protein, 2 carbs, 2 fat

Meal 4 
2 cups berries and cherries (Trader Joes) and 1 tbs almond butter
3 carbs, 6 Fat

Workout : "Fighter" RX plus  (score: 106, 96, 90)

Meal 5
7.5 oz Ground Turkey stuffed in a bell pepper/ with onions and seasonings , 2 tbs guacamole
small sweet potatoe
5 protein ( ground turkey is 1.5 oz to one block), 3 carbs, 3 Fat

1 small glass of red wine ( needed it about 2 blocks carbs) :)

Lettuce Wrapped Turkey Tacos

So I like to create my own little concoctions based on what is in my refrigerator and what sounds good.  My new favorite kitchen addition is coconut oil.  It makes everything taste better.  This was an experiment and turned out well  with a lot of flavor and will definitely have to be made again. 

What you need :
package of extra lean ground turkey
1 half sweet yellow onion
1 tbs garlic finely chopped
Red Pepper chopped (dependent on how many serving)
tomatoes chopped (same)
Large Romain Just leaves from Trader Joes
2 tbs cilantro
1 tbs cumin
1 tbs chile powder
1 tbs coconut oil
Trader Joe's Guacamole (the 4 ingredient kind)
salsa (check ingredients)

Directions:
saute garlic and onions in coconut oil add in meat  with spices, and cilantro.  Cook until meat slightly browned.

put meat on Romain leaf like a shell  add tomatoes, peppers, guacamole and salsa. 

Day 2

Okay so Day 2 is now done. So how am I feeling?  I noticed that since I had been eating cleanly prior to my competition and I did not go crazy after with a huge cheat meal, my body has been able to recover faster.  I am not denying that I am completely still sore I just feel like my body is healing and still has energy.  It does not bother me to eat cleanly.  I am a creature of habit,  Unlike some people I am okay eating the same things over and over again.  During the Challenge I made a commitment to try two new recipes every week just to make things more interesting and fun.  Here's what day 2 looked like:

Meal 1
3 Eggs, 1 apple, 1 tbs almond butter. 3 shots of espresso
3 protein, 3 Carbs, 6 Fat

Meal 2
4 oz chicken breast with paleo pesto, 1 cherry pie Lara bar (don't usually eat)
4 protein, 4 Carbs, 4 Fat

Workout
4X400 M sprints with 2 mins rest

Meal 3
5.5oz of Tilapia w/pinapple salsa, with grilled zucchini
3 protein, 3 carbs, 2 Fat

snack
banana (again unusual, starving so had to eat)
1 oz of chicken breast
1 protein, 3 carbs

Meal 4
Lettuce Wrapped Tacos (will post Recipe)
1 Red Bell pepper, 1 cup tomato, 4 tbs paleo guacamole, salsa
1 cup carrots 
5 protein , 4 carbs,  5 Fat

To kill the sugar cravings try this!!!

Paleo Banana Bread

1 Cup Almond Meal can use coconut flour to change up
3 Bananas mashed up
1 Cup Almond butter
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda


Set oven to 400 degrees, Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well mixed.  Pour batter into a a baking loaf pan.  I greased with coconut oil.  Bake for 35-45 min depending on how well done middle is.

Day 1 Paleo challenge Down!

So as you all may have known I started implementing the challenge non officially two weeks ago.  I was a very clean eater before, but after reading a paleo article I decided to take the extra leap and cut out my weekly cheat meal and the small amount of heavy cream in my coffee in prep for my competition last weekend.  The thought of black coffee made me want to gag so I tried no caffeine for 2 weeks.  It is amazing how the little things that you put into your body matter.  So now here we are day two of the Official paleo challenge.  I decided I am a level 3 Paleo/Zone, which means no dairy, no gluten,soy, grains, and sugar done to zone blocks.  I have been easing myself into this so my body feels great on the inside.  As far as cravings the main thing I have noticed is that the sugar cravings have shifted to fat cravings since the first week. I am very particular about Zoning. Here is an example of my Day 1 food Log 16 Block Day with slightly higher Fat

Breakfast
"Banana Goodness"
1 banana mashed up mixed with 3 whole eggs, with a small addition of pumpkin pie spice. After cooking together in a frying pan put a heaping tblspoon of almond butter on side.
Zone Blocks 3blocks protein, 3 Blocks carbs, 6 blocks Fat

Snack
3 oz chicken with paleo pesto
1 apple
Zone Blocks  3 blocks protein, 2 blocks carbs, 2 blocks fat


Meal 3
5oz chicken
8 inch sweet potato
2 cups of broccoli
cooked in coconut oil
Zone Blocks  5 blocks protein, 3 blocks carbs, 2 blocks fat


Meal 4
chicken and veggie leftovers from earlier
Zone Blocks 3 blocks protein, 2 block carbs, 1 block fat

Meal 5
1 egg , 2 egg whites
1 Cup mixed berries
1 tbs almond butter

Zone blocks 2 blocks protein, 2 blocks carbs, 6 blocks fat

Day before Paleo Challenge started a few weeks ago

Paleo Challenge Starting Jan 17th!

Check back soon for all the details regarding this year's Paleo Challenge starting next Monday, January 17th!