12.4.09

B - 20oz. black decaf, 1 gala apple, 2c. meat sauce (w/spinach) (3P/3C/3F)

L -

S - peanut butter cookie Larabar, 2 hb eggs (2P/2C/4F)

D - roasted chicken, 1c. brussel sprouts, 9 olives (3P/1C/3F)

Blocks =
Carbs =
Fat =
Protein =
Calories =

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12.3.09

Well, since my workout regime will be pretty quiet for now, I'm really going to focus on what I put in my mouth. It's so easy to revert back into sloth-dom when I don't have the immediate feedback I see when I work out.

B - 2c. meat sauce (w/spinach), 1 gala apple, 20oz. decaf coffee (black) (3.5P/3C/3F)

S - 1/4c. unhulled roasted/salted pumpkin seeds (1F)

L - 5oz. tuna fish (w/mayo & mustard), 1c. butternut squash soup (3.5P/1.5C/3F)

S - 1/8c. unhulled roasted/salted pumpkin seeds (1F)

D - Macado's w/Mom (CHEATED BIG TIME!) - spinach & artichoke dip w/pita bread, pastrami/corned beef/swiss cheese/coleslaw bagel sandwich, diet pepsi (3P/13C/4F)


Blocks = 10P/17.5C/12F
Carbs = 186g
Fat = 97g
Protein = 128g
Calories = 2,188

So much for keeping my eating in line! :) I was really craving carbs today, I guess. It was like a carb feast at dinner. I now, as expected, feel like ass. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning when my blood sugar evens out again. The pastrami was delicious, though. I should have just skipped the bagel & S&A dip, it wasn't anything to write home about.

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One last cheat... :)

I'm having pizza tonight, but will otherwise keep it clean today. Feeling the effects of all the crap I ate yesterday.

B - 20oz. black decaf coffee, 3oz. steak (leftover from Outback), 1c. collard greens w/bacon & onions, 9 walnuts (3P/0.5C/3F)

L -

D - Sal's "The Works" pizza (I've been thinking about this for weeks!)

Blocks =
Carbs -
Fat =
Protein =
Calories =

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Day 36 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

We're here, the last day of the challenge! Not sure how many people from the original group are still hanging in there, but hopefully everyone stuck to it!

Didn't do any baking last night. I did get my butt in gear & worked out again, but after that I was pretty much pooped for the night. Having tons of just out right exhaustion lately.

B - 20oz. black decaf coffee, 1 egg omelet (w/ 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 onion & 2 slices bacon), 9 walnuts (2P/0.75C/3F)

L - 2c. meat sauce, 2 large carrots, 9 walnuts (3.5P/2C/3F)

S - PB Cookie, 2oz. pork roast (2P/2C/4F)

S - 4 squares of dark chocolate (1C/5F)

D - 3oz. steak from Outback, steamed veggies, house salad (w/oil & vinegar dressing) (3P/2C/3F)

S - 16oz. black decaf coffee, 1 lemon square (okay, okay, this is a cheat, but I had to make sure they tasted good enough for tomorrow;)!)

Blocks = 10.5P/7.75C/18F
Carbs = 101g
Fat = 129g
Protein = 87g
Calories = 1,872

+ lemon square!

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Day 35 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

I'm starting some of the cooking for Turkey Day tonight! So excited!! :)

B - 20oz. black decaf coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices homemade bacon, 1c. broccoli, 9 walnuts (3P/0.25C/3F)

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. brussel sprouts, 9 walnuts (3P/1C/3F)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 PB Cookie Larabar (2P/2C/4F)

PWO S - 1 granny smith apple, 4oz. orange juice (STARVING before dinner) (3.5C)

D - 2c. meat sauce, 4oz. orange juice (3P/2.5C/3F)

Blocks = 11P/9.25C/13F
Carbs = 113g
Fat = 94g
Protein = 103g
Calories = 1,634

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Day 34 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

I think I'm getting a cold... and I HATE colds:).

B - 4oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1oz. pork roast, 1 apple, 9 walnuts (3P/2C/3F)

L - 5 mini paleo pancakes (went a little over here, but at least that's the last of them), 3oz. turkey breast (3P/4C/11F)

S - diet coke (I've GOT to stop this)

D - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. brussel sprouts, 1 apple (3P/2.75C)

S - 20oz. black decaf coffee

Blocks = 9P/8.75C/14F
Carbs = 100g
Fat = 104g
Protein = 84g
Calories = 1,608

Today was a disaster in eating, and I just feel off because of it. No more paleo pancakes left and I'm glad b/c I won't be tempted to eat a shit ton of them on a regular basis.

Also, my diet coke intake is really creeping up there, so I need to get that in check.

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Day 33 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 2 fried eggs, 5 small paleo pancakes, 1 cup of chamomile tea (2.5P/4C/11F)

L - Chicken Cobb Salad (no bread or dressing, lettuce, chicken breast, avocado, black olives, tomatoes, bacon, hard-boiled egg) @ Red Robin, 1 diet coke (3P/2C/4F)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 PB Cookie Larabar, 2 squares dark chocolate (2P/2.5C/7F)

D - 4 mini paleo pancakes, 2 hard-boiled eggs, 2 sausage patties (4P/4C/11F)

Blocks = 11.5P/12.5C/33F
Carbs = 127g
Fat = 184g
Protein = 149g
Calories = 2,660

Woah! Not sure what happened today. WAY overate and it was mainly due to the paleo pancakes. SOO many calories and fat blocks in those. They are delicious, but should have kept it to just breakfast today. Back in line tomorrow.

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Day 32 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

*First tailgate with NO alcohol. I'm really proud of myself:)haha.
B - 4oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1 slice bacon, 1 banana, 9 pecans (2.5P/3C/3F)

L - 1 hamburger, 2 slices tomato, chopped onions, 1/2 apple, 1 PB Cookie Larabar, 2 diet cokes (3P/3C/4F)

S - 1 diet coke

D - 3oz. pork roast, 1c. maple roasted butternut squash, 4 squares dark chocolate (3P/3.5C/5F)

Blocks = 8.5P/9.5C/12F
Carbs = 108g
Fat = 96g
Protein = 62g
Calories = 1,504

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Day 31 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 8oz. black coffee, 3 eggs (scrambled sans milk) w/leftover peppers & onions, 1 banana, 9 pecans (3P/4C/3F)

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. collard greens, 9 walnuts (3P/1C/3F)

S - 2oz. pork roast, 1 PB Cookie Larabar, 1 apple (starving for some reason) (2P/4C/4F)

S - 1/4c. raisins (3C)

D - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. maple-roasted butternut squash, 9 walnuts (3P/2.5C/3F)

S - 2 squares of 72% Lindtt dark chocolate (1C/3F)

Blocks = 11P/17.5C/16F
Carbs = 158g
Fat = 106g
Protein = 98g
Calories = 1,915

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Day 30 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

Less than a week left, but I don't really want to focus on the end of this challenge. If I do, then I'll go off the deep end and have trouble climbing back on after Turkey Day. Instead, I'm going to pretend that t-day is just a cheat day worked into this whole lifestyle:).

I have been thinking about pizza for like the past 3 days. Either I'll try to make a paleo pizza or I might just give in and have what I'm craving.

Feeling really good, though. I love how I'm never bloated or have stomach issues when I'm on these challenges. Remembering this and how shitty I feel when I "cheat" helps to keep me coming back.

B - 1 banana, 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices homemade bacon, 9 pecan halves, fish oil (3P/3C/3F)
*severely nauseated starting at 8:30AM... maybe this is a good sign!! (fingers crossed!)

L - Chef salad (lettuce, ham, turkey, cucumbers, tomatoes), no dressing (3P/1C/0F)

S - 2oz. pork roast, 1 PB Cookie Larabar, 1/2 glass of red wine (2P/2.5C/4F)

D - 2 sausage patties (3oz.), 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 onion, 9 walnut halves, 1 apple (3P/3C/3F)

Blocks = 11P/9.5C/10F
Carbs = 98g
Fat = 121g
Protein = 74g
Calories = 1,779

Ate lots of piggy today...

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Day 29 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices homemade bacon, 1 banana, 9 pecan halves (3P/3C/3F)
*nauseated around 11AM

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. collard greens, 9 walnuts (3P/0.5C/3F)
*nauseated from 1pm on

D - 1 guacamole bacon burger from Red Robin (no cheese, mayo, or bun), w/cantaloupe, 1 diet coke (5P/0.5C/2F)

S - 1 glass of wine, 1 PB Cookie Larabar (3C/4F)

Blocks = 11P/7C/12F
Carbs = 53g
Fat = 98g
Protein = 93g
Calories = 1,531

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Day 28 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices of homemade bacon, 1c. broccoli, 1/2 apple, 9 walnuts (3P/1.5C/3F)

L - 3oz. turkey breast, 1 pb cookie larabar - feeling really blah and not up to making anything real for lunch (real meaning heating something up:)haha) (3P/2C/4F)

S - 4 squares chocolate, 2 glasses of red wine (3C/5F)

D - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. collard greens, 1 glass red wine (3P/1.5C)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1/2 apple, 9 pecan halves (2P/1C/3F)

Blocks = 11P/9C/15F
Carbs = 79g
Fat = 85g
Protein = 94g
Calories = 1,668

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Day 27 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 16oz. black coffee, 2 slices of bacon, 2oz. pork roast, 1c. broccoli, 9 walnuts (3P/0.5C/3F)

L - 3oz. turkey breast, 1 granny smith apple, 2 carrots, 2tbs. raisins, 9 walnuts (3P/3.5C/3F)

S - 4 squares of dark chocolate (70%), 2 glasses of red wine (2C/8F)

D - 6 chicken wings, 1 apple, 2 carrots, 9 walnuts (3P/3C/3F)

S -

Blocks = 9P/9C/17F
Carbs = 161g
Fat = 115g
Protein = 78g
Calories = 2,105

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Day 26 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 1 fried egg, 2 slices homemade bacon (YUM!), 1 banana, 9 pecan halves (3P/3C/3F)

L - 3/4c. broccoli soup, 3oz. turkey breast, 9 walnuts (3P/0.25C/3F)

D - chicken breast on salad w/oil & vinegar, 1 chicken wing, 2 diet pepsi's (4P/1C/3F)

S - 1 banana, 6 chicken wings (3.5P/3C)

Blocks = 13.5P/7.25C/9F
Carbs = 92g
Fat = 100g
Protein = 97g
Calories = 1,854

I was a good girl and avoided the chocolate at the little chocolate shop we visited today. However, I caved & had some diet soda.

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Makin' Bacon - Part 2

It's been eight days of curing for the pork belly and now it's ready to EAT!:). After removing it from the packaging, I rinsed it thoroughly under cold water to remove all the excess salt (there wasn't much at all!).

Now comes the tough part, slicing. My slices were awful, but it's not like I'm trying to sell this or anything, so it's okay for now.


Hopefully, practice will make this easier. I found that it was MUCH easier to cut through if it was cold, so next time I'll pop it back in the fridge half way through.

And that's it! Just heat up a pan, slap in some slices and you've got DELICIOUS bacon with a hint of maple.

(Also, something to note, if you don't make the slices even all the way down, then the bacon will not cook evenly. I figured this out b/c my slices were a bit off the mark. The fat doesn't have time to cook down before the lean part is crispy.)

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Day 25 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1oz. turkey breast, 2oz. pork fat, 1c. roasted okra, 1 banana, 7 almonds (3P/3.25C/4F)

L - leftover chicken madras (1c.), 1c. broccoli, 1.5 carrots dipped in raita, 9 pecan halves (3P/2C/3F)

S - 1 cherry pie larabar, 2oz. turkey breast, 1 glass wine (2P/3C/4F)

D - 1/4lb. hamburger (1 egg, 1/2 small onion, garlic & tabasco), 1/4 small onion, 2tbs. salsa (4P/1C/0F)

S - 1 banana, 3oz. turkey breast (3P/3C)

Late night snack (too much wine) - 1/4lb. hamburger, 1/4 small onion (4P/0.25C)

Blocks = 19P/12.5C/11F
Carbs = 201g
Fat = 96g
Protein = 133g
Calories = 2,526

Once I started drinking wine.... the night went downhill with eating.

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Day 24 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2c. broccoli, 1oz. turkey breast, 9 almonds (I'm so happy that sunbutter is GONE! I can't help but eat the whole damn jar.) (3P/0.5C/3F)

L - 3oz. pork roast, 1c. broccoli soup, 9 pecans, 1 apple (3P/2.5C/3F)

S - 1 banana, LOTS of walnuts/pecans/almonds/sunflower seeds w/honey & pumpkin pie spice (*went a little out of control here...) (3C/13F)

D - Indian take-out (Chicken madras (~1.5c. of sauce & chicken), 2 carrots dipped in raita (not paleo, I know), 1 glass of wine (4P/4C/0F)


Blocks = 10P/10C/19F
Carbs = 167g
Fat = 132g
Protein = 92g
Calories = 2,455

WAY out of control today, but I felt like it. Back to normal tomorrow.

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Paleo Diet Blog

The Paleo Diet has an official blog now! Check it out for really fabulous Q&A's, plus the latest research impacting/supporting a paleo diet & info on what Dr. Loren Cordain's been up to.

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Day 23 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - no coffee:(, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon, 1/4c. broccoli soup, 1 apple, 2tbs. sunbutter (3P/2C/5F)

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. broccoli soup, 2tbs. sunbutter, 1/2 carrot (3P/1C/5F)

S - 4oz. orange juice (3C)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 peanut butter cookie larabar, 20oz. black coffee (2P/2C/4F) -- okay, couldn't make it a full day :)

D - 3oz. pork roast, 1.5c. roasted okra, 9 almonds, 2 glasses of wine (3P/1.5C/3F)

S - 1 apple

Blocks = 11P/9.5C/17F
Carbs = 123g
Fat = 122g
Protein = 99g
Calories = 2,132

I vowed to lay off the coffee, but didn't last even a day. My stomach issues were better today, though, so if things are bad tomorrow morning after a cup, I'll know the cause. It's like my own little mini experiment:).

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Day 22 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

I've had some sort of stomach bug for the past 5 days or so. Not sure what is going on, but I think it might be the "flavored" coffee. I'm going to cut it out starting tomorrow... SCARY! Hopefully I don't bitch anyone out at work:).

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1oz. pork roast (mostly fat), 1c. broccoli soup, 1/2 red pepper, 9 almonds, 1tsp. fish oil (3P/1C/3F)

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. broccoli soup, 9 almonds, 2tbs. sunbutter (3P/0.5C/8F)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 cherry pie Larabar, lots of sunbutter (2P/2C/4F)


D - 3oz. sausage, 1/2 green pepper, 1 small onion, 9 almonds, 2 glasses of red wine, 1tsp. fish oil (3P/3C/3F)

S - sunbutter, 1 glass of red wine (1C/5F)

Super indulgent today... ugh :(

Blocks = 11P/7.5C/23F
Carbs = 92g
Fat = 135g
Protein = 100g
Calories = 2,192

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Day 21 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 3oz. pork roast, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2c. cooked carrots, 1c. broccoli soup, 9 almonds, 1tsp. fish oil (3P/1.5C/3F)

L - lunch with the hubby! - salad w/turkey & ham, hb egg & veggies, no dressing, no cheese. (3P/1C/0F)

S - 2oz. pork roast, PB Cookie Larabar, 2tbs. sunbutter, 1 glass red wine (2P/2.5C/36F)

D - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. green bean mixture from last night, 1c. cream of broccoli soup, 1tsp. fish oil, 1tbs. sunbutter, 1 glass red wine, 1 gala apple (3P/4C/20F)

Blocks = 11P/9C/59F
Carbs = 109g
Fat = 129g
Protein = 80g
Calories = 2,044

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Day 20 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1/2 granny smith apple, 1/2 carrot, 1/8c. raisins, 1/8c. sliced almonds (recipe from Paleoblocks.com) (2P/2.5C/3F)

S - 18 brazil nuts (12F)

L - 4oz. tilapia, 1c. cream of broccoli soup, 1/3 eggplant, 1tsp. fish oil (3P/1C/4F)


*Finally got the fish oil in! Took some today with lunch and it was very pleasant.

S - 1 hb egg, 1 PB Cooking Larabar (1P/2C/2F)

D - 3oz. ham, 1c. green beans/celery/green pepper/garlic/almonds saute, 1/2 apple, 1tsp. fish oil (3P/1.75C/4F)

Blocks = 9P/7.25C/25F
Carbs = 111g
Fat = 108g
Protein = 93g
Calories = 1,936

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Paleo Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup

Apparently I like all my soups to be the consistency of baby food:). It seems that's the only kind of soup I make anymore. This would actually be good as a chunky vegetable soup, I think. Just don't blend it and add in coconut milk & spices after cooking broccoli through.

Ingredients:
2tsp. coconut oil (or olive oil)
3c. cut broccoli (I used frozen cut broccoli (which apparently means all stems:), but florets would probably be better)
2.5c. homemade chicken stock
1 can (14 fl. oz.) coconut milk
3 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
salt & pepper
1/2tsp. curry powder
1/8tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions:
Heat coconut/olive oil over medium heat and saute onion, carrots, celery & garlic until onion is soft. Add in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add broccoli, reduce heat, cover & simmer about 5-10 minutes (until broccoli is soft).

Blend soup to desired consistency. Return to pot and add in can of coconut milk. Heat through and add in salt, pepper, curry powder & cayenne pepper.

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Makin' Bacon - Part 1

Okay, my first attempt at homemade bacon was this morning. I got the recipe from HubPages.com












I started with a huge slab of pork belly and cut it into evenly sized slabs. I'm hoping I estimated the 5lbs. required in the recipe correctly. Otherwise, I'll need to adjust the salt in the next batches.

I'll store the other slabs in my freezer (double-bagged). If you have a freezer bag system, that would probably be a much better way to store these, but I'm not willing to spend the money on one just yet.






Recipe:

5lb. slab of pork belly
1/4c. salt (I used kosher)
1tsp. pink salt (bought from The Spice House
1/2c. maple syrup or honey (I used maple syrup)





Directions:

Slather the pork belly in the salt mixture (I didn't do this, but next time I'll mix the two salts together FIRST!).






Then slather with maple syrup.










Put it in a ziplock baggie and store in the fridge for 7 days (or until the bacon no longer gives when you poke it). Turn the bacon every day.

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Day 19 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon, 1/3 eggplant, 9 almonds (2.5P/1.5C/4F)

L - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 apple pie larabar, 20oz. coffee (2P/2C/1F)

D - 3oz. Outback Special (Outback steakhouse), steamed veggies, salad w/oil & vinegar dressing (3P/2C/5F)

S - 3oz. leftover steak, 1/3 eggplant, 1 apple, 9 almonds (3P/3C/3F)

Blocks = 10.5P/9.5C/13F
Carbs = 87g
Fat = 84g
Protein = 89g
Calories = 1,614

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Day 18 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

Halfway through!! Feelin' the after-effects of all that wine (and especially the cigarettes, ick!)

B - 20oz. black coffee, 3 fried eggs (olive oil), 1/2 orange bell pepper, 9 almonds, 1 apple (3P/3C/4F)

S - 1/2c. pumpkin spiced nuts, 20oz. coffee (7F)

L - 10 hot wings, celery (8P/1C/0F)

S - 1/2c. pumpkin spiced nuts (7F)

D - 2 hot wings, celery (1.5P/1C)

S - 1 apple (2C)

Blocks = 12.5P/7C/19F
Carbs = 91g
Fat = 172g
Protein = 120g
Calories = 2,585

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Day 17 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs (in 1tsp. coconut oil), 1oz. turkey breast, 1/2 bell pepper, 1/2 apple, 9 almonds (3P/1.5C/4F)

L - 9 hour fast

S - PB Larabar, 2oz. turkey breast, 3 glasses red wine (2P/3C/4F)

D - 2 chicken wings, 1.5c. spaghetti squash, 9 almonds (2P/0.5C/3F)

S - LOTS O'WINE + a few cigarettes... I know, I know, but I had too much to drink. I wonder how many blocks per ciggy? Maybe I'll punish myself by running tomorrow... THAT will be fun after smoking.

late night snack/meal - 2 eggs, 2 slices bacon, 1c. brussel sprouts, 9 almonds (2.5P/1C/3F)

Blocks = 9.5P/6C/14F
Carbs = 89g
Fat = 113g
Protein = 89g
Calories = 1,940

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Day 16 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1tsp. coconut oil, 2c. broccoli, 9 almonds (3P/1C/4F)
L - 1/2c. meat sauce, 1.5c. spaghetti squash, 9 almonds (1.5P/1.5C/3F)
S - PB Larabar, 2oz. turkey breast (2P/2C/3F)
D - Chicken leg, 1c. brussel sprouts, 1/2 apple, 9 almonds, glass of red wine (4P/3.5C/3F)
S - 20oz. black coffee

Blocks = 10.5P/8C/13F
Carbs = 85g
Fat = 57g
Protein = 93g
Calories = 1,251

Wonderful article that I will need to reference if we ever get pregnant and have bratty kids (just kidding). Great article, though.

We got some pink salt in the mail today, so this weekend will be an attempt at making homemade bacon. Stay tuned for a play by play of it's success (or possibly failure!).

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Day 15 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 1tsp. coconut oil, 1oz. turkey breast, 1c. broccoli, 1/2c. butternut squash, soup, 9 almonds (3P/1.5C/4P)

L - 3oz. chicken breast, 1c. butternut squash soup, 1/2 apple, 9 almonds (3P/3C/3F)
*Too much food... I feel disgusting

D - (Olive Garden - Apricot Chicken, no sauce) - 4oz. chicken breast, 1c. veggies (broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes), salad w/dressing
(4P/4C/2F)
*Fewer carbs & calories on this than what is listed below b/c I asked to have no sauce added and didn't eat the broccoli (it was yellowish-brown... ick!)

S - 9 almonds, 20oz. black coffee (3F)

S - 1 hard-boiled egg, 1/2 apple, 9 almonds (1P/1C/3F)

S - 1 apple, 12 brazil nuts (2C/12F)
*Seriously hungry about 9pm, so I ate more fruit & nuts, probably not the best choice, but I didn't feel like eating a cup or two of broccoli before bed:).

Blocks = 11P/11.5C/27F
Carbs = 138g
Fat = 111g
Protein = 108g
Calories = 2,086

*Craving some diet coke at dinner tonight, I actually thought about it all day... will I have some at dinner or no? Thankfully, I read the blog post today from Mark's Daily Apple and it hardened my resolve. Got water at dinner... counting every victory:).

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Day 14 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

I'll be tracking my blocks as well as my macro-nutrients & calories... can we say compulsive?? :) I'm aiming for 11 blocks per day to start out.

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs in coconut oil (1tsp.), 1oz. turkey breast, 3/4 green peppers, 1/2 apple (3P/2C/3F)

L - 1c. meat sauce (ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, beef broth, evoo), 1.5c. spaghetti squash, 9 almonds (2P/2C/3F)

S - 2oz. turkey breast, 1 apple pie larabar (2P/2.5C/3F)

D - 3oz. roasted chicken breast (w/skin), 1c. brussel sprouts, evoo, 1/2 apple, 9 almonds (3P/2C/3F)

S - 1 hard-boiled egg, 1/2c. butternut squash soup, 9 almonds (1P/1C/3F)

Blocks = 11P/9.5C/15F
Carbs = 97g
Fat = 69g
Protein = 97g
Calories = 1,345

Having hunger issues today, so I will probably eat a hardboiled egg and some butternut squash soup tonight. Feeling pretty good for a first day on the zone, though. Hunger early afternoon time, but that's pretty typical. I'll start bringing a few nuts to work to combat this.

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Day 13 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2hb eggs, 2tbs. paleo mayo, 4oz. turkey breast, 1/4c. green peppers
L - 2c. meat sauce, 1c. spaghetti squash
S - Apple pie Larabar, 1 gala apple
S - 30 almonds (pwo), 20oz. black coffee
D - Roast chicken (leg), 1c. roasted brussel sprouts

Carbs = 80g
Fat = 127g
Protein = 87g
Calories = 1,849

I watched a few of the videos on the CrossFit Journal from Dr. Barry Sears' presentation. I've decided to go back to the zone proportions, but with paleo food. I never felt better than when I was zoning (even though I was eating a ton of soy/meat substitutes).

This might be a bit of an adjustment since lately I've been trying to keep my carbs low and this will be much higher than I'm used to. What I'm currently doing is not working, though, so I'm going to experiment. That, and I'm going to get some fish oil and start taking that daily.

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Day 12 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 1/4c. mixed nuts (leftover from party), 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon, 1 banana
L - 2 banana nut cookies, 8oz. salmon, 1/3 roasted eggplant
S - 3 banana nut cookies
D - 2c. meat sauce, 1c. spaghetti squash, 20oz. black coffee
S - gala apple

Carbs = 128g
Fat = 133g
Protein = 99g
Calories = 2,137

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Day 11 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20z. black coffee, 1 gala apple
L - banana nut paleo cookies, 3 hot wings
S - 1c. butternut squash, more banana nut cookies
D - 8oz. salmon, 1 deviled egg, 1/3 roasted eggplant
S - mixed nuts, wine, deviled eggs @ party

Carbs =
Fat =
Protein =
Calories =

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Day 10 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 40oz. coffee, 1 banana, 1c. butternut squash soup
L - 3 fried eggs, 3 slices of bacon, 30 pecan halves
S - Apple pie Larabar
D - hot wings (smoked, no breading), celery, diet coke
S - 1 granny smith apple

Carbs = 94g
Fat = 250g
Protein = 112g
Calories = 2,122

Ate a ton today, I don't know what it is about my binge eating on the weekends. It is out of control. Also had some diet soda again today. It's so good... and so bad for me!

Really hung over from all the alcohol yesterday. Tired and irritable (this is a reminder for myself to NOT drink at our Halloween party tomorrow).

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Day 9 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 1c. butternut squash soup
L - 2 fried eggs, 2 slices bacon
S - 2 hb eggs, 2c. butternut squash soup
D (at tailgate) - chicken nuggets (Chick-Fil-A), 3 jello shooters, bottle of wine, turkey leg @ game, diet coke (w/liquor)
S - larabar apple pie

Carbs = 107g
Fat = 111g
Protein = 159g
Calories = 2,643

Okay, well I was a little bad, had a few jello shooters, some diet coke & liquor, plus the chicken was slightly breaded. Too drunk to care at the time, though.

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My Plan for a Paleo Halloween Party

Okay, so I know I'll be tempted for Halloween, but hopefully I'll be able to avoid the candy and instead opt for some of the recipes below:

Pumpkin Spiced Mixed Nuts:

Ingredients:
* 1 egg white—lightly beaten
* 1 tsp. water
* 1 cup blanched whole almonds
* 1 cup walnut
* 1 cup pecan halves
* 1/4c. raw honey (*next time I'll use LESS of this, too strong)
* 1 Tbs. pumpkin pie spice (or mix together ingredients:1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice)

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine egg white and water. Add nuts, toss to coat. Combine honey and spice, sprinkle over the nuts and toss until well coated. Place nuts in a single layer on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Immediately transfer the nuts to waxed paper; cool. Break up any large clusters. Store in a covered container.
**After making these, I would suggest leaving them in the oven a little longer. They were yummy, but sticky. I think longer in the oven would have helped with this. Also, add in some salt, they definitely needed salt.

Banana Nut Cookies from thisprimallife.com
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup almond flour
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
few shakes of salt
5 tbsp melted coconut oil
3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (I used maple syrup)
1 mashed banana
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 oz chopped almonds

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, set aside. Mix coconut oil, honey, mashed banana, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl, add to dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in nuts and seeds. Spoon batter onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-13 minutes until set and slightly toasty.

"Angelic Eggs"
(using Paleo Mayo recipe below)

Ingredients:
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut lengthwise
1/4 cup paleo mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
1.2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Paprika for garnish

Remove the egg yolks and mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika.

Paleo Mayonnaise: Yields 1.5c.

Ingredients:
1 whole egg
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tbs. lemon juice
1 tbs. boiling water

Place the egg, mustard and 1/4 cup of the oil in an electric blender. Turn
on the motor and add the remaining 3/4 cup oil in a slow, thin stream. Add
the lemon juice and water. Refrigerate.

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Day 8 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 3 eggs, 3 slices of bacon, 1/2 green pepper
L - 1 banana, 1 PB cookie larabar
S - 30 pecan halves
D - 8oz. tilapia, red wine
S -

Carbs = 68g
Fat = 93g
Protein = 83g
Calories = 1,633

Planned to fast, didn't make it:). Tomorrow will be my first Paleo Hokie tailgate. I'm hoping I don't cave (especially after a few glasses of wine), and I'm counting on the shame of having to admit defeat on the 36 Day blog to keep me in line.

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Roasted Eggplant

I don't know what it is about roasting vegetables, but it makes everything better!

Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant (peeled)
3 tbs. olive oil (or enough to spread on eggplant slices)
Salt & pepper
Lemon juice

Directions:
Peel eggplant and slice lengthwise into about 1/4 inch slices. Brush each side of each slice with olive oil, salt & pepper one side and place on a greased cookie sheet (I covered it in foil first and then sprayed with Pam).

Place in pre-heated 400 degree oven about 10 minutes. Flip when the bottoms are gold brown. Cook an additional 5 minutes. The eggplant will be soft and delicious. Squeeze lemon juice on top after removing from the oven.

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Day 7 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee (caramel macchiato beans), 1 PB cookie Larabar
L - Chicken Fiesta Salad (3oz. chicken breast, green peppers, picante, guacamole, romaine, black olives)
S - 30 pecan halves, 1.5 glasses red wine
D - 8oz. tilapia, 1/3 eggplant (roasted in EVOO & lemon juice)
S - 20oz. black coffee

Carbs = 53g
Fat = 56g
Protein = 80g
Calories = 1,175

Tried to fast this AM, but felt really nauseous, so I ate a larabar. Plan to fast through lunch tomorrow, longer if I can. We'll see.

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Day 6 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices applewood bacon
L - 1.5c. butternut squash bake, 1 pork chop, 2 paleo walnut/raisin/honey cookies
S - remainder of cookies (UGH!!)
D - 2 large glasses of wine, 3 fried eggs, 1c. butternut squash bake

Carbs = 182g
Fat = 169g
Protein = 76g
Calories = 2,657

Okay, this is ridiculous. Didn't work out today except for walking my pups and a pathetic excuse for a warm-up. Drinking too much wine, eating too many carbs.

Back on track tomorrow, for sure.

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Day 5 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 3 mini paleo pancakes (from Mark's Daily Apple), 2tbs. maple syrup (needed some comfort food this AM:), but now it's sitting like a rock in my tummy.)
S - 3 mini paleo pancakes + maple syrup, 1 granny smith apple
L - 1 pork chop, 30 pecan halves, 1 glass of red wine (okay, maybe 3)
D - 1.5c. butternut squash bake (garlic, EVOO, parsley, butternut squash), 2 slices bacon
S - 4 paleo walnut raisin honey tea cookies (gross, but ate 4, so what does that say about me)

Carbs = 183g
Fat = 123g
Protein = 62g
Calories = 2,240

Serious gluttony going on today. I ate a shit load of food and was never really satisfied. Must be the hormones. I was desperate for some chocolate:). Next time I should just fast through these cravings instead of trying to find a substitute.

Headache from the wine this morning.

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Day 4 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

First weekend day of the challenge!

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices applewood bacon
S - 1 PB Cookie Larabar
L - 1/2 chicken breast, 2c. roasted brussel sprouts, 1 granny smith apple
D - 1 pork chop (molasses & coffee marinade), 30 pecan halves, 12oz. black coffee (leftover from marinade)

+ a few glasses of red wine

Carbs = 101g
Fat = 99g
Protein = 88g
Calories = 1,951


Picked up our half a hog today. The chest freezer is now full of yummy pork for me to cook up! I also have a huge slab of pork belly that I'm going to attempt to make into bacon. I'll post my progress on this once I pick up some "pink salt" (which may or may not be paleo, I'm not sure, but apparently it's needed to make homemade bacon).

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Day 3 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs (fried in bacon drippings), 3 slices applewood bacon
(*seriously nauseated from about 9am on... ugh)
L - 1c. butternut squash soup, 1/2 chicken breast, 30 pecan halves
S - 1 cherry pie larabar, 1 apple, 20oz. black coffee --attack of the munchies around 3pm.
D - 8oz. salmon, 1c. brussel sprouts, 30 R/S almonds
S - 1 apple

Carbs = 102g
Fat = 127g
Protein = 113g
Calories = 2,017

Feeling like crap today, not sure if it's the weather (it's overcast here) or what. Also had a horrible case of the munchies early afternoon & evening. Really wanted to go for something sweet!! :) Overate on fruit & nuts instead, better than the alternative, right?

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Day 2 of 36 - Paleo Challenge

Meal Plan for 10.22.09:
B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs (fried in bacon drippings), 2 slices of applewood smoked bacon
L - 1c. butternut squash soup, 1/2 roasted chicken breast, 30 pecan halves
S - 1 cherry pie Larabar
D - 8oz. salmon, 1c. brussel sprouts (both w/olive oil)
S - 1 apple

Carbs = 84g
Fat = 104g
Protein = 104g
Calories = 1,697

Very hungry before lunch. I think I need to start bringing nuts to work for the 10-11AM hunger that always hits.

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36 Day Paleo Challenge Begins!!

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs (fried in bacon drippings), 2 slices applewood bacon
L - 1c. butternut squash soup, 1 roasted chicken leg + wing
D - Spinach salad (tomatoes, cucumber, onion, egg (2 HB), artichoke hearts, grilled chicken) --dinner with mom
S - 1 apple, 1 PB cookie Larabar, 30 pecan halves

Carbs = 71g
Fat = 120g
Protein = 123g
Calories = 1,826

Went a little crazy with the snack tonight, but that dinner just didn't stay with me long. Feeling good today, just wish I would've exercised.

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Easy Paleo Butternut Squash Soup

My estimate is this makes about 8 cups.

Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled & cut into 1" cubes
1 yellow/white onion
2-3 tbs. olive oil
2 c. homemade chicken stock
1 c. water (or more if you want a thinner soup)
generous shakes of cinnamon
few shakes of nutmeg
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Heat olive oil over medium heat and add onions. Cook until translucent. Add in butternut squash & chicken stock + 1c. water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer until squash is tender.

Put entire mixture into a blender (be careful of it exploding out of the top due to the heat), and puree until smooth. Transfer back to the stovetop & simmer until reheated through. Add in cinnamon, nutmeg & salt & pepper. Add in water to thin, if desired.

Nutritional information from The Daily Plate:
Calories = 932
Fat = 48g
Carbs = 100g
Protein = 19g
(divide everything by 8 for 1c. measurements)

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10.20.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs (fried in bacon drippings), 2 slices applewood smoked bacon
L - 2c. butternut squash soup (well, actually measured today and what I thought was 2c. is actually 1c!), 8oz. tilapia
S - PB cookie Larabar
S - white chocolate macadamia nut cookies
D - PIZZA!! 3 slices of 12" The Works pizza (hamburger, pepperoni, cheese, onions, peppers, mushrooms)
(Binging on bad stuff since the challenge starts tomorrow.)


Carbs = 195g
Fat = 113g
Protein = 111g
Calories = 2,243

Ugh, I feel miserable... like I'm going to puke. Happy to start the challenge tomorrow, now! :)

Tomorrow is day 1 of the 36 Day Paleo Challenge. Time to get strict!! :)

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10.19.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices applewood bacon (Niman Ranch, no preservatives)
L - 30 pecan halves
S - PB Cookie Larabar
S - 1 apple (PWO)
D - Roast Chicken - leg + wing, 2c. butternut squash soup (butternut squash, evoo, onions, chicken stock, cinnamon, nutmeg, S&P)

Carbs = 79g
Fat = 136g
Protein = 81g
Calories = 1,836

MMmm... nothing says fall quite like butternut squash soup. I'll post recipe shortly, it is about the easiest thing I've ever made.

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10.18.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs fried in EVOO
L - bowl of chicken soup from Carraba's
S - donut holes from Dunkin' Donuts + chips & salsa (ugh - feel sick)
D - 8oz. tilapia w/olive oil
S - 1 apple

Carbs = 200g
Fat = 79g
Protein = 87g
Calories = 1,862

Nothing to say really... I'm weak and I cannot resist donuts in my house. I blame Adam:), but not really b/c I'm the one with no self-control.

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10.17.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 3 fried eggs
S - PB cookie Larabar
D - Wedding (2 swedish meatballs, 1 slice of ham, 1/2c. pasta salad, 1/2c. broccoli & cauliflower, 1/4c. green beans w/bacon + 1 roll, 1/4 slice of wedding cake), 2 glasses of red wine, 2 diet pepsi's
S - McDonald's @ 11pm - 1 quarter pounder w/cheese, med. french fries, diet coke

Carbs = 207g
Protein = 71g
Fat = 96g
Calories = 2,345

WAY over on calories & carbs today, but I ate McDonald's, so... :)
Wedding was so awesome! Lots of dancing, so hopefully I burned off some of the carbs that way;).

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10.16.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 1c. paleo chicken salad, 2 lettuce leaves
L - 8oz. tilapia, 2/3 eggplant (about 2.5c), 15 pecan halves (uncomfortably full after this... too much eggplant:) or maybe my dress is too tight.)
S - 1 apple pie Larabar
D - *rehearsal dinner - BBQ sandwich (w/ bun), 1/4c. each of potato salad, coleslaw & pasta salad, 2 cans diet dr. pepper

Carbs = 102g
Fat = 129g
Protein = 143g
Calories = 2,118

Over on everything today, but that's to be expected since I couldn't control dinner. Could have fasted, but I didn't want to do that and the bbq was absolutely scrumptious:).

Weddding tomorrow, which means another day of non-paleo eating more than likely. Coming home tonight, I wanted to eat some other junk since the day was already a bad one, but controlled myself and went to bed instead. Small victory:).

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10.15.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 1c. paleo chicken salad, 2 lettuce leaves
L - 1/2c. meat sauce, 1c. broccoli, 15 pecan halves
S - 1 cherry pie Larabar
S - 1 apple (PWO)
D - 1/3 roasted eggplant (DELICIOUS!), 8oz. tilapia (broiled w/ olive oil), 30 pecan halves

Carbs = 83g
Fat = 122g
Protein = 93g
Calories = 1,735

I'm not sure if anyone else uses www.thedailyplate.com to track their food, but I always find it humorous on their "healthy alternatives" to the item you look up. For pecan halves, guess what a couple of the healthy alternatives were? Organic tortilla chips or a demi baguette (no clue what this is)... I mean, really?? :) I know it's probably just some random computer generated information, but it's funny nonetheless.

Score big for me today! I avoided the Dove chocolates despite watching Adam eat one.

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10.14.09

B - 20oz. black coffee, 1c. paleo chicken salad, 2 lettuce leaves
L - 8oz. salmon, 3/4c. collard greens, 15 almonds
D - Grilled chicken "burger" from Red Robin (no lettuce, no cheese, no mayo), w/tomato slices, pickles, lettuce bun, 5 french fries, 1/2c. chex mix (m&m's, chex mix, pecans), 24oz. diet coke
S - 20oz. black coffee

Carbs = 70g
Fat = 63g
Protein = 100g
Calories = 1,243

I feel like I should be eating more calories... I guess it really doesn't matter, but I don't want my body to start storing fat. That's the last thing I need when I'm trying to shed some! :)

Dinner was a bit of a disaster... ate french fries and then chex mix when I got home. I really cannot cheat in a small way. It snowballs.

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10.13.09

Cheated today, ugh. Adam came home with chocolate & "Moe's". I swear, living with him definitely gives me plenty of opportunity to work on my willpower. Still have a long way to go!

B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 15 almonds
L - 1c. paleo chicken salad, 2 lettuce leaves
S - Apple pie Larabar, 3 pieces of Dove chocolate
D - 8oz. salmon, 1c. collard greens
S - 1 apple, tortilla chips from Moe's + 1 bite of Adam's burrito.

Carbs = 99g
Fat = 73g
Protein = 89g
Calories = 1,423

Starting anther paleo challenge, but with some support this time. Rich Vos from Crossfit Northern Kentucky is putting together a group challenge starting 10/21. Looking forward to this!

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Paleo Chicken Salad

After my horrible eating this weekend, I decided to make something paleo for dinner last night that would be good leftover as well.

Paleo Chicken Salad (with green mayo per Paleofood.com)
Ingredients:
3c. cooked chicken, diced (used organic/free-range)
1/4c. raisins
2 stalks celery
1/4 medium onion (I used yellow, but red would be better)
1/3c. chopped pecans
5tbs. paleo green mayonnaise (recipe below)
1tsp. lemon juice
1/8tsp. curry powder
salt & pepper to taste
Green leaf lettuce (or any kind of big leaf lettuce)

Directions:
I pan-fried the chicken breasts in 1tbs. coconut oil and 1tbs. olive oil, after salting & peppering. While that was cooking, I chopped up the onion & celery (finely diced) and combined them with the raisins & chopped pecans. Once chicken was done, I added that to the mixture.

In a separate bowl, I combined the paleo mayo, lemon juice, curry powder, salt & pepper. Added this to the chicken & vegetable mixture. This is good warm, but better after it has been refrigerated.

Paleo Green Mayonnaise:
Ingredients:
3/4c. parsley
1/5c. fresh basil
1 whole egg
splash of water
3/4c. olive oil
2tbs. lemon juice
ground pepper

Directions:
In a blender, combine egg, parsley, fresh basil & water until herbs are crushed. While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add lemon juice & pepper. I played around with the measurements until I got it to a consistency that I was comfortable with. The original recipe calls for 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, but I didn't want waste an egg white, so I just used water instead.

Very creamy & delicious. This won't last long, a few days in the refrigerator due to the fresh herbs, so use it fast!

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Caved...

Had a bad weekend and drank... which led to eating crap. Back on track tomorrow. Feel like shit today.

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Paleo/Primal Challenge Day 5

Day 5 Meal Plan:
B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 eggs (fried), 2tbs. guacamole, 15 almonds
L - 8oz. salmon, 6 Raisin Walnut cookies
S - 1 Granny Smith apple
D - 2c. meat sauce, 1.5c. broccoli, 30 almonds

Carbs = 112g
Fat = 120g
Protein = 93g
Calories = 1,833

*Finished off the last of the cookies, I am NOT making any other baked goods that will sit around the house and tempt me anytime soon:).

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Spicy Collard Greens

Got this recipe off the back of a package of frozen collard greens. Very easy and very delicious.

Ingredients:
1 package frozen collard greens
14-15oz. chicken broth (I used 1c. homemade stock, and then 6-7oz. of water)
1 clove garlic, minced
few shakes crushed red pepper flakes (as much as to your taste, I like quite a bit)
1/4tsp. salt

Directions:
Add frozen greens, broth & garlic to skillet/pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 30 minutes. Add in salt & red pepper. Serve!

Super easy:).

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Paleo/Primal Challenge Day 4

Day 4 Meal Plan:
B - 12oz. black coffee, 2 eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 15 almonds
L - 2c. meat sauce, 1c. broccoli, 30 almonds
S - 3 Raisin/Walnut cookies (pre-workout)
S - 1 apple (post-workout - couldn't wait til dinner - HUNGRY!)
D - 8oz. salmon, 1.5c. collard greens (cooked with chicken broth, garlic, salt & red pepper flakes), 30 almonds

Carbs = 96g
Fat = 111g
Protein = 105g
Calories = 1,815

Dinner was delicious, especially the collard greens. I haven't had them in so long. Might have another cup of coffee tonight; if I do, that would up my total calories by 4 and protein by 1g. Still doing well today.

Felt like shit throughout my workout though. I'm going to omit the cookies pre-workout tomorrow:).

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Primal Raisin Walnut Cookies

Really fiendin' for some cheat foods. My mom gave me a loaf of baked sweet bread, so now that it's in the house and I know I can't eat it, I'm having a crisis:). So I took Shelley's cookie recipe and tweaked with the ingredients slightly to add a new flavor (& remove the chocolate chips since I'm on my challenge). The batter was REALLY yummy, you should try it raw if you make these:)!



Ingredients:
1 1/4c. almond flour
1/8tsp. baking soda
few pinches of kosher salt
5tbs. butter (melted)
3tbs. maple syrup
1/4c. chopped walnuts
1/4c. raisins

Mix almond flour, salt & baking soda together. Mix butter & maple syrup (vanilla would be good here as well, just didn't have any in the house). Mix wet ingredients into dry and then fold in walnuts & raisins.

Bake at 350 degrees (F), for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes or so.

Nutritional info (per www.thedailyplate.com):
Serving size: 2-3 cookies
Calories: 398
Carbs: 27g
Fat: 27g
Protein: 7g
*This is an estimate based on my calculations on The Daily Plate.

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Paleo/Primal Challenge Day 3

Day 3 Meal Plan:
B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 30 almonds
S - PB Cookie LaraBar
L - 8oz. broiled tilapia, 1c. brussel sprouts, 30 almonds
D - 4oz. chicken, 2c. spinach, 2tbs. bacon, 2tbs. walnuts, 1tsp. balsamic vinaigrette (maybe)
S - 1 orange, 3 raisin/walnut cookies

Carbs = 108g
Protein = 143g
Fat = 102g
Calories = 1,962

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Paleo/Primal Challenge Day 2

Day 2 Meal Plan:
B - 20oz. black coffee, 2 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 12 brazil nuts
L - 2c. meat sauce, 1c. broccoli, 30 almonds
S - Peanut butter cookie Larabar + Apple Pie Larabar... had a bit of a glutton moment b/c I was STARVING when I got home from work
D - 8oz. tilapia, 1c. brussel sprouts (roasted in olive oil), 30 almonds
S - 1 orange, 1 apple

Carbs = 145g
Protein = 118g
Calories = 2,194

High on calories and carbs today, but I was ravenous. I'm going to be mindful of the carbs & calories, but I'm going to focus more on WHAT I eat rather than if I overeat slightly. I'll worry about quantity once I'm through the detox portion:).

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New Challenge - Day 1

It seems I have no will-power when it comes to cheating if I don't put myself to some kind of challenge. My husband always kids me about this, but it's just the way I am. If I don't have a goal to work for, I talk myself into cheating "just a little" and it ends up being alot:).

Day 1 of full-on Paleo/Primal Challenge... not sure about the length. I want to try for 60 days, but that will run into Thanksgiving, so I might just allow myself 2 cheat days for holiday meals.

Day 1 Meal Plan:
B - 20oz. black coffee (no more equal), 2 eggs (fried), 2tbs. guacamole
L - 4 hot wings (no breading/sugar), 2 stalks celery, 45 almonds
S - Larabar - peanut butter cookie
PWO S - 1 orange
D - Meat sauce w/broccoli, 45 almonds
S - 20oz. black coffee

Protein = 74g
Carbs = 90g
Calories = 1,616

Timely post from Mark's Daily Apple on will-power. This post made me feel SO much better about my journey to a paleo lifestyle. While I've had many-a-setback, at least I'm continuing in the right direction.

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9.29.09

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9.28.09

Didn't drink nearly as much this weekend, so I'm feeling CONSIDERABLY better than I have in previous weeks:).

B - 3 primal chocolate chip cookies, 1c. tilapia mushroom soup

L -

S -

D -

S -

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Primal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made Shelley at This Primal Life's chocolate chip cookies today. It's been a weekend of so-so eating, so I figured I'd just go ahead and take care of the cravings in the best way possible:).

Ingredients:
1 1/4c. almond flour
1/8tsp. baking soda
1/4 - 1/2tsp. kosher salt
3tbs. maple syrup
5tbs. melted butter
vanilla
1/3c. chocolate chips (I did a mix of semisweet & bittersweet b/c it was what I had on hand)

- Mix dry ingredients together and wet ingredients together. Then put wet into dry and mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon onto waxed/parchment papered cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Came out DELICIOIUS!

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9.25.09

It's finally Friday... the longest week ever:). Hokie game tomorrow, I'm going to try to go easy on the alcohol (actually, the plan is to abstain completely, but I'm not sure I can hold to that since it's going to be cold & rainy).

B - 20oz. coffee (1/2c. vanilla light soymilk, 1 equal), 2 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole
*I'm going to cut out the morning coffee to see if this might be causing stomach upset in the mornings.

L - 6oz. tilapia

S - PB Cookie LARABAR

D - 1 chicken ravioli (waiting on beef to cook), 6oz. beef roast, 2c. cauliflower (made like rice w/ parmesan), eggplant chips (disaster, but I still ate a few)

Carbs= 54g
Calories= 1,593

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9.24.09

Still feeling lousy & nauseated with a headache. I am starting to forget what I felt like when I was healthy:). I miss it & want that feeling back!!!

B - 20oz. coffee (1/2c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 2 fried eggs

L - 3 hot dogs, 1 chicken drumstick (hot dogs were kinda yucky, but I have no food in the house!)

S - 1 Larabar (peanut butter cookie)

D - 6oz. tilapia, 2c. brussel sprouts, 1/8c. sunflower seeds (raw)

S - 1 orange

Carbs = 81g
Calories = 1,633

Finally a somewhat clean day!! :)

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9.23.09

B - 20oz. coffee (1/4c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 22 R/S almonds

L - 2c. meat sauce, 1/2c. spaghetti squash, 22 R/S almonds

D - 1 Red Robin Bacon Guacamole Burger, 3 cantaloupe wedges

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9.22.09

B - 16oz. latte (1 equal, 1/4c. soymilk), 5 crackers (feeling blah still)

L - 1c. meat sauce, 1/2c. spaghetti squash

S - 2 chicken wings, 22 R/S almonds

PWO - 1 orange

D - 2 tilapia fillets (~6oz.), 1c. meat sauce, 1/4c. spaghetti squash

*later... snacking on frosted flakes!!!!

Can't get my eating in line, I don't know what the deal is. I feel like ass and I'm sure it has something to do with what I'm eating. Gotta get it together!

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9.19.09

B - 20oz. latte (1/4c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 1 ham biscuit (my sister-in-law made), 2 eggs (fried), 2tbs. guacamole

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9.18.09

Yahoooo!! It's Friday, finally:).

B - 20oz latte (1/4c. soymilk, 1 equal)

L - 4oz. haddock, 1c. brussel sprouts, 22 R/S almonds, 1tbs. sunflower seeds (not R/S)

S - 10 almonds, 1 orange (pwo)

D - 1 chicken leg (drumstick & thigh), 1c. butternut squash (roasted with olive oil & maple syrup)

S - 8oz latte (1/4c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal)

Plan to do some baking this weekend since I finally have some almond flour in the house. Wish me luck!

Carbs = 79.9g

Calories = 1,328

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9.17.09

B - 20oz. latte (1/2c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 1 LARABAR - cherry pie

L - 1/2 hamburger patty, 2 eggs (fried in olive oil), 2tbs. guacamole, 1tbs. sunflower seeds (not roasted or salted), 1tbs. red onions

S - 20oz. diet coke, then 21 almonds at home

D - 1c. brussel sprouts, 8oz. broiled haddock, 1tbs. butter, 1tbs. olive oil

S - 20oz. latte (1/2c light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal)

Carbs = 65.9g

Calories = 1,530

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9.16.09

B - 20oz. latte, 1 LARABAR (apple pie)

L - 1 hamburger patty, 2 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 20oz. diet coke

D - Spinach salad w/chicken breast, bacon, walnuts & balsamic vinaigrette

S - bad bad bad - cornflakes, guacamole, potato chips & raisins (I'll pay for this tomorrow)

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9.15.09

I feel like ass today... most likely due to an overindulgent weekend of drinking and eating like crap. Plus, I think I'm getting a sinus infection. Super crabby today as well:).

B - 20oz. latte (light vanilla soymilk + 1 equal), 2 eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, a few dried cranberries

L - Burger patty, 1 slice tomato, red onions, 1tbs. guacamole

S - LaraBar (peanut butter cookie)

D - (@Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse in Roanoke) - 4oz. steak & 1/2 chicken breast + grilled veggies, a little rice, small slice of bday cake (couldn't be rude).

Had some anxiety again today and it seems to be closely tied to my diet. Back to clean eating tomorrow and I hope it helps again.

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9.10.09

B - 20oz. latte (1/2c. light vanilla soymilk + 1 equal), 2 fried eggs, 2Tbs. guacamole, 22 R/S almonds

L - 2 fried eggs, 1c. butternut squash salad (w/2tsp. vinaigrette, 2c. lettuce), 16 walnut halves

S - Dried cranberries, dried apricots (when making chocolate bark for tailgate on Saturday)

D - Meat sauce w/ spaghetti squash

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9.9.09

B - 16oz. latte (1/2c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 2 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole

L - 2 chicken drumsticks (hot sauce), 1/2c. butternut squash, 1c. salad, 1tsp. vinaigrette, about 8 walnut halves

D - Olive Garden - Venetian Apricot Chicken + salad w/dressing

S - 6 dried apricot pieces, 20 R/S almonds

S - 1/2c. butternut squash, 1c. salad, 1tsp. vinaigrette, 8 walnut halves

Carbs = 79.5g
Calories = 1,924

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Roasted Butternut Squash + Dijon Vinaigrette

This is the yummiest vinaigrette and it's super simple to make. You can use any kind of vinegar (which I know isn't EXACTLY paleo, but it's only a little bit).

Dijon Vinaigrette
1 clove garlic
1/2tbs. dijon mustard
1/8c. red wine vinegar
EVOO (to the consistency you want or a little over 1/4c.)
Salt & pepper to taste

Mix mustard, garlic & vinegar, then whisk as you drizzle the olive oil in slowly. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Roasted Butternut Squash
I got this recipe from Ina Garten off Food Network. I love her recipes, but most of them are hard to transform into anything resembling paleo. As soon as I get some almond flour, I might try a few, though.

1 medium sized butternut squash, cubed
1 tbs. maple syrup
2 tbs. olive oil
Salt & pepper

Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt & pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. I broiled mine for a little while as well.

Drain on paper towels and enjoy!

Like Ina's recipe, I added walnut halves, but I didn't toast mine and they were still delicious. Next time I have chicken breasts in the house, I'm going to add them to this.

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9.8.09

B - 20oz. latte (1/2c. light vanilla soymilk, 1 equal), 2 eggs, 2Tbs. guacamole

L - Fast (aka too busy at work for a lunch break) + 20oz. diet coke

S - 30 R/S almonds

D - 4oz. salmon, 1/2c. roasted brussel sprouts

D pt.II :) - 1/2c. butternut squash (roasted in maple syrup & evoo), 1c. romaine mix, about 8 walnut halves, 1tbs. dijon vinaigrette. --- This might be THE MOST DELICIOUS salad I've ever had. Topped with a grilled chicken breast or maybe some steak and it would be absolutely unbelievable!!

Recipe to follow shortly...

Carbs = 66g
Calories = 1,194 - gotta up this tomorrow.

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Back on Track - 9.7.09

I fell off the wagon, big time, while on vacation. All the lounging and lack of schedule during the day really took it's toll on me and my willpower. I feel awful... lethargic, bloated, and cloudy-headed.

The great thing about this is that I realize how GREAT I was feeling when eating clean. And to think that I used to feel this way all the time... this yucky diet was my life before. I'm fasting today to help start fresh. I'll have a light dinner tonight and then get back to normal tomorrow morning.

A habit that I might keep is having a soy latte every morning, though... they are just so good. If I still feel gross with them, then I'll cut it out.

B - 1 soy latte, 1 equal

D - 8oz. salmon, 1.5c. brussel sprouts, 30 R/S almonds

S - 1c. celery, carrot & almond salad (w/olive oil & lemon juice)

Carbs = 59.5g

I feel SO much better this evening than I have for the past week. Happy to be back on board! :)

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9.3.09

B - 2 fried eggs, 2Tbs. guacamole, 60 pistachios, 20oz. latte (1/2c. soymilk, 1 equal)

L - 1c. beef roast, 25 R/S almonds

S - 2c. tomato, celery, carrot & feta salad, 120 pistachios (not sure how many, I just ate a ton while watching tv)

D - 6 buffalo wings (spicy garlic sauce), 1 Woodchuck Cider beer

+ late night brownies. I now know I can do nothing in moderation... it's either no cheats or I'm out of control with cheats.

Carbs = 100.2g

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9.2.09

Not even going to post what I ate, it was so shameful. I feel awful and ashamed:). It involved donuts, white rice, corn flakes (not together, though).

Back on track tomorrow and I'm looking forward to not feeling icky. Good thing is that I don't want to cheat again any time soon. It's really not hard to eat clean, not when you make an effort.

I ordered some almond flour this week, so I'm hoping if I get some healthy baked goods recipes under my belt, I can avoid days like today when the urge to eat something yummy is overwhelming.

Great day with family, though! :)

Oh and my new favorite primal/paleo blog is "This Primal Life" by Shelley. She has so many great recipes and just wonderful information. If you haven't already (she was linked on "Mark's Daily Apple"), you should DEFINITELY check her site out. It's great!

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Beef Roast w/Veggies

Recipe from southernfood.about.com.
Ingredients:
* 1 boneless beef chuck roast, about 2 to 3 pounds
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* Salt and pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/2 cup red wine, such as cabernet or pinot noir, or more beef broth
* 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 3 large carrots, cut in 1/2-inch slices
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 red potatoes (omit if only paleo eaters)
* 2 sweet potatoes

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle the roast all over with salt and pepper, then rub the paprika into all sides. Cook the roast for about 5 minutes on each side to brown.

Meanwhile, combine the broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, vinegar, and honey; set aside. Put the sliced onions, carrots, potatoes and garlic in the bottom of a 5 to 7-quart slow cooker.

Remove the roast from the heat and place it on the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the broth mixture into the hot skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits; pour over the roast in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour. Reduce to LOW and cook for 7 to 9 hours longer, or leave on HIGH and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours longer.

I want to try this with butternut squash or some other paleo friendly veggies (instead of potatoes).

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9.1.09

B - 2 fried eggs, 2Tbs. guacamole, 60 pistachios

S - 20 R/S almonds, 1 apple

L - 1 chicken leg, 30 pistachios, 2tsp. peanut butter

S - 20 oz. latte (+ 2 equals), 1/4c. raisins

D - 2c. beef roast w/ carrots, onions & sweet potatoes (delicious!)

S - 20oz. latte (+ 1 equal), 6 strawberries

Carbs = 125.5g

I'm having a hard time keeping my carbs low lately. Especially since I'm at home most of the day. I'm actually kind of looking forward to fall, when the fruits won't be so delectable and tempting:).

Hopefully I'll be out of the house for most of tomorrow, so this should help. When I'm home, I always feel "snacky". Going crazy with the lattes lately, as well. I figured out how to make them at home... which means I'm in trouble:).

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8.31.09

B - 3 fried eggs, 2tbs. guacamole, 1 apple, 60 pistachios, 24 almonds

L - 1 chicken thigh, 30 R/S almonds

S - 20oz. latte (w/ 1 equal), 1 apple

D - 4oz. cod fillet

S - Medium Tagalong Blizzard from Dairy Queen

Carbs = 195.2g

Well, I had my first cheat in 90 days tonight. It was something I have been craving, especially since there are commercials for it like every other minute on tv! :)

It was surprisingly less tasty than I had imagined. It also made me feel nauseated and SUPER bloated. I wanted to stop halfway though, but didn't want to waste it:). I don't plan to have another one, it was that lackluster. I'm glad I cheated this way, though. It made me realize how wonderful I feel when I don't eat this kind of stuff. I would much rather cheat by eating too much dried fruit or a LaraBar or possibly something like french toast. The dairy with the cookie was just too much for my system. At least I'm assuming it was the combination; dairy in my coffee hasn't been a problem for me.

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End of Fat Challenge, but the Paleo attempt continues - 8.30.09

B - 1 paleo pancake (1/2c. almonds, 1/4c. coconut milk, 1 egg, 1tsp. honey, 1/2tsp. vanilla, 2tsp. maple syrup), 6 small strawberries

S - 4oz. steak (leftover from last night), 30 pistachios, 1 apple, 1/8c. prunes

L - 1 chicken drumstick (roasted in the oven with garlic, olive oil & cajun spices), 60 pistachios, large latte from Starbucks (+ 2equals)

D - 4oz. cod fillet (spice crusted & mustard sauce - GROSS! Had to throw the remaining out it was so nasty), 2c. brussel sprouts

I was insatiable today, probably b/c I was just hanging around the house. LOTS of snacking.

Carbs = 133.3g

For real, tomorrow I'll be back on track:).

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