Please! PLEASE try this recipe: Bacon Beef Butternut Squash
It is incredible. Mom and I noted that you want to make sure you cook the squash long enough for it to get tender, make sure you have enough onions (don't skimp), and add as much (or even a pinch more) of the cinnamon as is recommended. You will NOT regret it!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
PIZZA!!!!
Mmmmmmm....piiiiiizza.....
It sounds SO weird, but it is fantastic!! I topped with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, mushrooms, green onion, and pepperoni. It was so so so so yummy. Glad I have leftovers :)
It sounds SO weird, but it is fantastic!! I topped with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, mushrooms, green onion, and pepperoni. It was so so so so yummy. Glad I have leftovers :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Recipes!
Here's the first recipe that I insist you all try IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Pumpkin Pucks
FABULOUS "muffin-type" pumpkin yummy-ness.
I also recommend getting some of the condensed organic soups at Trader Joe's or a place like that and thinning it with equal parts water and COCONUT or ALMOND milk instead of cow's milk...then add fun ingredients (whatever you have laying around). I thinned some cream of chicken soup with water and coconut milk and then added pieces of bacon, rotisserie chicken, and green onion (as a garnish). It was great! AND EASY! Easy is key :)
Pumpkin Pucks
FABULOUS "muffin-type" pumpkin yummy-ness.
I also recommend getting some of the condensed organic soups at Trader Joe's or a place like that and thinning it with equal parts water and COCONUT or ALMOND milk instead of cow's milk...then add fun ingredients (whatever you have laying around). I thinned some cream of chicken soup with water and coconut milk and then added pieces of bacon, rotisserie chicken, and green onion (as a garnish). It was great! AND EASY! Easy is key :)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
What now?
Well, even though the challenge is over (officially anyway), I think we're all just at the beginning. I've seen tremendous results and I feel comfortable adapting certain things about the Primal lifestyle to fit my needs/wants/desires...and obligations. I am very anxious to complete the chapter of my life that includes my ridiculous commute and sitting behind a desk for several hours each day. I am looking forward to traveling and spending lots of time playing outside with my family next year! I will try to make the most of the little time I do have off until then...163 days left!
So, I think we ought to use this blog to primarily share recipes and any other advice we have for one another along the way. What do you all think? I'm going to try out some pumpkin recipes tomorrow -- so I'll be sure to share with you the results (and I'll include pictures if they're pretty). I'd like to try to use fresh pumpkin at some point...but I'm not sure I'm ready for that at this point...not that it's hard, but just that it requires a little more attention than a can of pumpkin does and I have very little extra attention to give at this point ;)
Well, I hope you all are having a good weekend. I love you all heaps!
So, I think we ought to use this blog to primarily share recipes and any other advice we have for one another along the way. What do you all think? I'm going to try out some pumpkin recipes tomorrow -- so I'll be sure to share with you the results (and I'll include pictures if they're pretty). I'd like to try to use fresh pumpkin at some point...but I'm not sure I'm ready for that at this point...not that it's hard, but just that it requires a little more attention than a can of pumpkin does and I have very little extra attention to give at this point ;)
Well, I hope you all are having a good weekend. I love you all heaps!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Day 28!
Can't believe it! Only two days left! I guess it doesn't really matter, because I'm no where near done with this challenge...hope I'm never "done." I've spent a great deal of time today salivating over recipes I've found by becoming a Facebook Fan of several Primal/Paleo pages. I recommend you do the same. It's exciting to look at all the yumminess that is out there. I know we're all just scraping the surface at this point. I'm inspired to be able to contribute recipes of my own one day...maybe sooner than later...
I had a great weekend with my little man. He had a rough day yesterday with very little quality naptime...but we had fun nonetheless. He let me ride Cora for an hour or so. My trainer thinks we are both getting so much better. We might be able to compete in shows next year and do pretty well :) I am so excited! Today, we ran errands (picked up some things to send to Kev) and spent the day watching football and playing. We took a nice long walk together around the property and then Riley obliged me and sat quietly to let me do some lifting :) Good boy!
Well, I've just finished off a salad and I'm going to dig into the pot roast I have had cooking all day. I got one of the preseasoned/marinated roasts from Trader Joe's. If it turns out well, I'll recommend it to you. Certainly makes an easy meal option...and you know how I love those!
Well, I hope you're all well. I love you!
I had a great weekend with my little man. He had a rough day yesterday with very little quality naptime...but we had fun nonetheless. He let me ride Cora for an hour or so. My trainer thinks we are both getting so much better. We might be able to compete in shows next year and do pretty well :) I am so excited! Today, we ran errands (picked up some things to send to Kev) and spent the day watching football and playing. We took a nice long walk together around the property and then Riley obliged me and sat quietly to let me do some lifting :) Good boy!
Well, I've just finished off a salad and I'm going to dig into the pot roast I have had cooking all day. I got one of the preseasoned/marinated roasts from Trader Joe's. If it turns out well, I'll recommend it to you. Certainly makes an easy meal option...and you know how I love those!
Well, I hope you're all well. I love you!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Routine is the name of the game...
Well, I can't believe this 30 day challenge is nearly over! Let's do it again! I've lost probably close to 10 lbs since we started. Pretty amazing since I wasn't really trying to lose weight. I've been able to do this with lots of help from my Momma (who feeds me amazing primal meals and provides good primal snacks when I'm at her house) and a pretty fail-safe routine.
I've found that my routine is my saving grace. I try and set myself up for success each week by preparing meals on the weekend which will provide plenty of leftovers throughout the week (I'm cooking pot roast tomorrow). I hard boil a bunch of eggs. I make myself lunch each morning. I have old standbys for times when I just don't want/have time to cook -- Primal Fuel shakes, Greek Yogurt (not the fat free crap), Quest Bars. When I really have my sh*t together, I prepare salad fixin's in little tupperware containers so I can just throw it on some lettuce for a quick salad during the week.
Especially with my circumstances now (single parent mode), the routine has saved me and kept me on track.
What have you all figured out that works for you?
I've found that my routine is my saving grace. I try and set myself up for success each week by preparing meals on the weekend which will provide plenty of leftovers throughout the week (I'm cooking pot roast tomorrow). I hard boil a bunch of eggs. I make myself lunch each morning. I have old standbys for times when I just don't want/have time to cook -- Primal Fuel shakes, Greek Yogurt (not the fat free crap), Quest Bars. When I really have my sh*t together, I prepare salad fixin's in little tupperware containers so I can just throw it on some lettuce for a quick salad during the week.
Especially with my circumstances now (single parent mode), the routine has saved me and kept me on track.
What have you all figured out that works for you?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Day 26
Still going strong. I'm really enjoying myself too! I love feeling this good about what I'm eating with NO guilt!
Thank you all for making my birthday so nice! My mom made me an incredible PRIMAL meal -- it was truly a feast. I loved all the leftovers too! They made taking lunch the next few days no-brainers when I was getting ready in the morning. She left the recipes too, so I'm anxious to try these out on Kev when he gets home -- I think he'll love them.
So, my major vice right now is dark chocolate. I just can't completely kick the sweet tooth. Now I am very cautious about the ingredients -- no added crap (soy lechtin, blah, and stuff like that) and very high quality chocolate. I only have a piece or two a day -- but still more than I probably should. Oh well. 80/20 right?
I'm glad to see you are back, Aunt Libby! And it's great that your heartburn is gone!!!! wooo!!
Love you all!!
Thank you all for making my birthday so nice! My mom made me an incredible PRIMAL meal -- it was truly a feast. I loved all the leftovers too! They made taking lunch the next few days no-brainers when I was getting ready in the morning. She left the recipes too, so I'm anxious to try these out on Kev when he gets home -- I think he'll love them.
So, my major vice right now is dark chocolate. I just can't completely kick the sweet tooth. Now I am very cautious about the ingredients -- no added crap (soy lechtin, blah, and stuff like that) and very high quality chocolate. I only have a piece or two a day -- but still more than I probably should. Oh well. 80/20 right?
I'm glad to see you are back, Aunt Libby! And it's great that your heartburn is gone!!!! wooo!!
Love you all!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I confess. I have been AWOL. I'm a stress eater and a birthday celebrator. Too much cake and whatever, has been too handy. Plus, we did an M&M math activity and I had M&Ms left over. Guess where they went. Well, now that that's out of the way, I have discovered that the good break from grains and sugar that I had given myself has paid off. My heartburn is non-existant after two weeks on the Primal journey. That is reason enough to continue. I'm back.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Day 23
Can you believe the challenge is almost over? I can't. But I also am not giving up any of this when the 30 days comes to an end...
Right now I just wanted to share that I am THRILLED that my friends at Quest have come out with bars that are made with STEVIA instead of Splenda or whatever they were using before. Their first flavor was Cinnamon Roll (SOOOOOO GOOD!!!) and the second was Chocolate Peanut Butter (boo, legumes, but I got some anyway). You all should try them if you're looking for quick meal solutions. Plus they satisfy the sweet tooth superbly! Hooray for Quest Bars!
Well, I'm off to tend to Riley. He has good timing with his little stomach bugs and eye goopies...I got to stay home with him on my birthday!! Woo hoo! Best birthday gift ever!
Love you guys!
P.S. I meant to tell you all that the pumpkin pancake recipe makes about 4 medium sized pancakes...
Right now I just wanted to share that I am THRILLED that my friends at Quest have come out with bars that are made with STEVIA instead of Splenda or whatever they were using before. Their first flavor was Cinnamon Roll (SOOOOOO GOOD!!!) and the second was Chocolate Peanut Butter (boo, legumes, but I got some anyway). You all should try them if you're looking for quick meal solutions. Plus they satisfy the sweet tooth superbly! Hooray for Quest Bars!
Well, I'm off to tend to Riley. He has good timing with his little stomach bugs and eye goopies...I got to stay home with him on my birthday!! Woo hoo! Best birthday gift ever!
Love you guys!
P.S. I meant to tell you all that the pumpkin pancake recipe makes about 4 medium sized pancakes...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
End of Week 3!
Lemme start by saying sorry for not updating in a few days...life.
Riley and I have been hanging in there pretty well...but we sure do miss Daddy. I'm doing my workouts primarily during the week (sometimes at home, sometimes at work). I focus on making weekends about playtime. Although, horseback riding is a workout, stress relief, and playtime all in one :) I had a great ride on Saturday and only had to get off twice to pop the pacifier back into Riley's mouth (otherwise he was content to just sit in his stroller).
I've been silly and I continue to weigh myself. I've lost about 6 lbs since we started the challenge...I'm down to the same weight I was as a Senior in HS. Crazy. But I need to gain muscle. That's my major battle right now. I know I'm fueling my body and getting a lot of the elements of the Primal Blueprint Fitness plan into my routine, but I'm not lifting enough. Gotta get that back!
This morning, Riley and I hung out for awhile. I made a yummy Costa Rican coffee that I bought at Trader Joe's yesterday and then I made PUMPKIN PANCAKES! SOOOOO GOOD! Here's how I did it.
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree
1/3 Cup Almond Butter
1/4 Cup Almond Meal/Flour
1 T Pure Vanilla Extract
2 T Agave Nectar
1 t Cinnamon
1/4 t Nutmeg
I think that's it. You can adjust it however you want...You probably don't even need all that Agave Nectar (I didn't actually use the full 2 Ts). They were delicious! Just cook them like you would any other pancakes...but be careful not to let them burn. They are actually pretty easy to flip too and you'll probably have to flip them while they're still pretty runny on top to keep them from burning. They were quick and delicious. Try them. You won't regret it!
Off to grocery shop at Target w/Riley before FOOTBALL! Love you guys!
Riley and I have been hanging in there pretty well...but we sure do miss Daddy. I'm doing my workouts primarily during the week (sometimes at home, sometimes at work). I focus on making weekends about playtime. Although, horseback riding is a workout, stress relief, and playtime all in one :) I had a great ride on Saturday and only had to get off twice to pop the pacifier back into Riley's mouth (otherwise he was content to just sit in his stroller).
I've been silly and I continue to weigh myself. I've lost about 6 lbs since we started the challenge...I'm down to the same weight I was as a Senior in HS. Crazy. But I need to gain muscle. That's my major battle right now. I know I'm fueling my body and getting a lot of the elements of the Primal Blueprint Fitness plan into my routine, but I'm not lifting enough. Gotta get that back!
This morning, Riley and I hung out for awhile. I made a yummy Costa Rican coffee that I bought at Trader Joe's yesterday and then I made PUMPKIN PANCAKES! SOOOOO GOOD! Here's how I did it.
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree
1/3 Cup Almond Butter
1/4 Cup Almond Meal/Flour
1 T Pure Vanilla Extract
2 T Agave Nectar
1 t Cinnamon
1/4 t Nutmeg
I think that's it. You can adjust it however you want...You probably don't even need all that Agave Nectar (I didn't actually use the full 2 Ts). They were delicious! Just cook them like you would any other pancakes...but be careful not to let them burn. They are actually pretty easy to flip too and you'll probably have to flip them while they're still pretty runny on top to keep them from burning. They were quick and delicious. Try them. You won't regret it!
Off to grocery shop at Target w/Riley before FOOTBALL! Love you guys!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Steady on
Other than wild Maine blueberry pancakes this morning, it has been another steady day. We tend to eat two meals per day up here. The pancakes didn't hold me - duh - so I made an enormous salad, added a hard-boiled egg, and ate that on the way to the restaurant for dinner!!! At the restaurant, I finished my meal with beets and a bunless hamburger. I am very satisfied and I'm happy that little "cheats" are not able to derail me. That is a new concept for me. In the past, I'd be more likely to say, "screw it" and decide to start again tomorrow. Now I feel so much more in control. I think it has to be because I understand what I am trying to do and it makes sense in the LONG run. I want to be healthy and to provide my body with the appropriate fuel for feeling energized and strong.
Have a great rest of your weekend! Lib, I hope your birthday was wonderful and Dave, I hope yours is, too!!
Love, Gin
Have a great rest of your weekend! Lib, I hope your birthday was wonderful and Dave, I hope yours is, too!!
Love, Gin
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