A New Kind of Coconut water I'm addicted to!!! Great for Post Workout!!

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I have a majorly sensitive stomach so for my post workout I have a hard time taking in Progenex as much as I love it.  The dairy in it does not agree with me.  Over the last week I have decided to try the above brand of coconut water post workout to help get fluids back in since it has been so hot.  I really like it and I immediately feel like I have taken in a gatorade minus the sugary chemicals.  This brand is also really good mixed with Progenex instead of water to help had some carbs in as well.  If you choose to give this a try you can find this brand at Whole Foods and Mother's market.  It really does taste like you cut open a coconut and pored out the water inside. 

Paleo "Crack" Granola

Steve's Club makes a really good Paleo Crunch cereal.  I decided that I could make my own better version to serve a granola or cereal substitute.  It is a great snack to grab and go.  For those of you that still drink almond or coconut milk it is great on top.  I have made this about 10 times now and I constantly keep tweaking the recipe,  It gets better and better every time!  I have to warn you it is hard to eat just a little bit.  So I would carefully measure out serving sizes.  Also I never measure anything when I make this so you will have to excuse my guesstimates.  :)

Paleo "Crack" Granola 

Ingredients 

• 1 Cup raw chopped Pecan Pieces 
• 1 Cup walnut halves and pieces 
• 1 Cup raw almond pieces 
• 3/4 cup almond meal  
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1 tbs pumpkin pie spice or to taste
• 1 tbs pure vanilla
• about 2 tbs honey or (coconut nectar or both depending on how sweet you prefer)
• 1/2-3/4 cup coconut oil (enough to cover mixture)

whatever unsweetened dried fruit you prefer such as dried apples, cherries, apricots, pears, etc 

Directions 

1. Preheat oven to 275 
2. In a bowl mix together all ingredients except dried fruit which you will add at the end to baked mixture. 
3. spread over a baking sheet covered in wax paper.  
4. You will bake for anywhere from 20-30 mins depending on oven.  I would use a spatula to mix around sheet occasionally.  You will know it is done when mixture starts to lightly brown. 

Directions 

Beet, Tomato, Apple, and Avocado Salad with Basil Balsamic vinegrette

I am all about Random.  Since my new obsession with beets I threw together this salad and it was surprisingly good. 


Beet Tomato and Avocado Salad

• 6-7 Beets Red or Golden (depending on size)
• 1-2 Tomato 
• 1 pink lady or granny smith apple
• 2 avocados 
• 2 limes 
• 6 pieces of bacon 
• 5 large basil leaves
• 2 Table spoons balsamic vinegar (I went and bought Pomegranate Balsamic)
• 2-3 table spoons Garlic Olive Oil (found at 5 Olives at Spectrum or specialty Oil store)
• a pinch of sea salt
• Cracked pepper to taste

1. Boil beets in water with skin on until tender.  Fork should be able to go all the way through when done.
2. Peel skin off beets and allow to cool in  Fridge before quartering.
3. cook bacon until crispy allow to cool.  Crumble into small pieces and set aside.
4. Cut apple, avocado and tomato and place in bowl with beets.
5. Chop basil into small pieces and mix with balsamic, lime juice, olive oil and spices. 
6. Mix all together and serve.  

It is a totally Random Combo with a great flavor. Enjoy!!!

Okay Now I am obsessed..... Health Benefits of Beets

 In order to keep things Interesting on Paleo I make myself try new vegetables all the time.  My new favorite vegetable is a beet.  I love even more now after reading all the health benefits that I looked up.  I do have to warn you though it has some interesting side affects that I will let you find out on your own lol.  I will follow up this post with a good beet recipe.  Try something new!

 

 http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-beet.html

 Health Benefits of Beet

The health benefits of beet include anemia, digestion, constipation, piles, blood circulation, kidney disorders, skin care, dandruff, gall bladder disorders, cancer, and heart diseases.

Beets or beetroots, as they are called, belong to the Chenopodiaceous family. Health benefits of beet roots can be attributed to their richness in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They are a source of carotenoids and lutein/zeaxanthin. Beets are also rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. Beet is a source of beneficial flavonoids called anthycyanins. They are very low in calories but have the highest sugar content of all vegetables. It is also used to make refined sugar.
Beetroot is also added as an ingredient to salads, soups and pickles and also used as a natural coloring agent. Even though beets are available throughout the year they are still seasonal vegetables.
The roots and leaves of beets have plenty of medicinal uses like:

• Good for heart: Beet fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL. High level of triglycerides increases the risk for heart related problems. The presence of the nutrient betaine lowers the levels of homocysteine in the body which can be harmful to the blood vessels. Thus, consumption of beetroot helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
• Avoids birth defects: Beet is good for pregnant women since it is a source of B vitamin folate which helps in the development of infant’s spinal column. Deficiency of folate could lead to the condition called neural tube defect.
• Prevent certain cancers: Studies revealed that beet are good in preventing colon cancer, as it contains the pigment betacyaninis, which counteracts cancer. Nitrates used in meats as preservatives, cause the production of nitrosamines compounds in the body resulting in cancer. Studies reveal that beet juice inhibits the cell mutations caused by these compounds. Researchers in Hungary have also discovered that beet juice and its powdered form slows down tumor development.
• Good for liver: Betaines contained in the beet juice stimulates the functions of liver.
• Prevent respiratory problems: Beetroot is a source of vitamin C which helps to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta-carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent lungs cancer.
• Boosts energy: Beetroot contains a significant amount of carbohydrates that provides fuel for energy and prolonged sports activities.
• Prevent cataract: The presence of beta-carotene (vitamin A) helps to prevent age related blindness called cataract.
• Capillary fragility: The flavonoids and vitamin C in beets help to support the structure of capillaries.
• Macular degeneration: The beta-carotene present in beetroot avoids macular degeneration.
• Stroke: Low level of potassium in body increases the risk of stroke. So potassium-rich beetroot is recommended in that aspect.
• The presence of the mineral Boron in beetroot juice helps in the production of human sex hormones.
• In ancient times Beetroot was used to cure fever and constipation. In the Middle Ages, beetroot was also used as a remedy for digestive disorders.
• Beet leaves are also good for curing wounds.

Precaution: Beets contain oxalates, which when in excess, can cause body fluid to crystallize. So people with kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid beetroots.

Great Read from Robb Wolf's website!!

This is an awesome read that was found on Robb Wolf's website.

Getting Back on the Boat – How to Recover From a Paleo Fall-Out

Posted by Amy Kubal on Jun 29, 2011 in Paleo Diet Basics 

 

You see and hear it all the time. It happens to the best of us, because in reality we are all human! Let’s start this out with a “hypothetical” story, (keep in mind the person in this story is in no way, shape, or form me…). Let’s say there’s this new frozen yogurt joint in town. It’s got 14 different flavors everyday AND you get to serve yourself; mixing up all kinds of crazy concoctions. The real beauty part – the stuff is gluten free, so even though the “hypothetical person” in this story, (not me), is celiac, she, (not me again), can still have it. Now, for all practical purposes this person’s diet is about as Paleo as you can get, but she’s, (it could be a guy too…), got this weak spot for creamy cold ice cream like treats. When this place opened she, (once again – NOT ME), couldn’t resist and everyday for a week went back to try a new flavor. (She had coupons and they were going to expire…). This person knew that she probably shouldn’t have went every day, (there was always the option of sharing the coupons), but did anyway. On or about day two she decided that the standard five-ounce size was just stupid. If she was going to ‘jump ship’ she might as well “go big or go home”. So, the larger size it was for the rest of the week. At the end of this frozen fiasco, (the coupons ran out…), she knew it was time to get back on the boat, but it was so far away…
We’ll finish that story in just a little bit. Now, how many of you have been in this type of situation? Maybe it was beer, pizza, Twinkies, or all of the above. Maybe you ‘jumped ship’ for a couple days, weeks, months, or years and can’t even see the boat anymore. What now? Well, the first step is to FOCUS. Stop feeling bad about what you can’t change – it’s done. Make a plan or get someone to “throw you a life preserver” – (or even a pair of those little arm floaties). It’s time to make a plan. Sit down and map it out – write it down. If you need help and/or accountability get it, (that’s what Robb’s Dream Team, friends, and family are for). Once you have a plan it’s time to put your head down and start swimming. It might not be perfect at first – it takes a little time to perfect your stroke; but whatever you do don’t give up. Soon you’ll be able to see the boat again and before long it’ll be “smooth sailing”. There will be obstacles and moments when your ‘stroke’ is less than perfect. Additionally, there are going to be times when the ‘water is rough’ and when you just want to ‘jump in for a quick swim’. It’s okay – you’re human! With a new focus and plan you can always get back on. Keep in mind that the longer you stay in water the farther away the boat will drift. Keep it in sight and if it starts to disappear put your head down and start swimming!
Back to the story… So, did the “hypothetical person” swim back to the boat or drown in the sea? What do you think? Let me give you a hint – she’s drying off right now! So, follow my – I mean her, lead and swim like you’ve never swam before.

About the author

Amy Kubal is a Registered "Paleo" Dietitian and the ring leader of Robb's RD consulting team. She works with a wide range of clients from competitive athletes to those dealing with complex health problems. Check out her bio and consulting options, and her blog Fuel As Rx to get your Paleo nutrition fix.

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Yummy Apple Cobbler

I wanted a sweet treat that I did not need to experience all the guilt.  I have made this with mixed berries as well and it is also good!

Yummy Apple Cobbler

• 2-3 Apples ( I like to mix Pink lady and granny smith) 
• 1 Egg
• 1 1/4 cups almond meal 
• 1/4 cup coconut flour 
• 4 Tbs coconut oil 
• 1 tbs cinnamon 
• 1 tbs pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup walnuts 
• 1/4 cup pecans 
• 1tsp pure vanilla 
• 2 tbs freshly squeezed orange juice
• raw honey to taste

1.  Preheat Oven to 350 
2. Thinly slice Apples mix in bowl with fresh orange juice, and cinnamon and pumkin pie spice 
3. place nuts in food processor for a 4 sec count.  still want a bit chunky
4. in a separate bowl mix, almond meal coconut flour, nut mixture, egg, vanilla, and coconut oil in a bowl until mixture clumps together.  
5. spread apple mixture over bottom of pie plate and crumble  flour nut mixture  over the top of apples.  Drizzle honey over the top to taste.
6. Cook for 35 mins

Meaty Paleo Pasta

So I was looking through a cookbook and I saw a few recipes that inspired me for this one.  I had seen some other recipes in some paleo cookbooks that I decided to tweak a bit.  It definitely curbed any kind of craving for pasta. This is a definite must make again.  I used the next day over eggs as well.  Enjoy!!!

Meaty Paleo Pasta

• 1 Red Onion 
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 1 lb grass fed ground beef
• optional Italian sausage
• 1 1/2 tbs dried oregano
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1 tsp cayenne red pepper
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 6oz can of tomato paste 
• 1 cup of mushrooms sliced 
• 1 can natural black olives sliced 
• 1 large zucchini
• 1 large spaghetti squash

1. In a large pan saute onion and garlic in a pan with two tbs olive oil about 3 mins  
2. Add meat and brown.  Before fully cooked dd in spices and chopped basil 
3. In separate pan saute sliced zucchini and mushrooms add to meat mix
4. Add can of diced tomatoes and tomato paste and olives to mixture.
5. In microwave safe dish place halved spaghetti squash in microwave and cook for 15 mins or until can shred squash with a fork 
6. Can place spaghetti squash in a pan and saute with garlic and olive oil or serve plain.