Whole30 Days 20-26

As our Whole30 program starts to wind down, our energy and excitement are still through the roof! We feel better, look better and are so excited that this program is changing our lives and will continue to. I want to share my recipes for Days 20-26 on the program with you, which includes a healthy, Whole30 approved Super Bowl menu! For those of you who think eating healthy for the Super Bowl is impossible, let me be the one to change your mind! I have proof because...we did it! And I can honestly say it's probably the first time in my entire adult life that I have not felt awful the day after a Super Bowl. (See following post specifically dedicated to my Whole30 Super Bowl recipes). Enjoy the recipes and if you are also on day 27 today like I am....keep going! We only have three more days! Woooohooo:)

Nothing like a down-home country breakfast in your own living room on a lazy Sunday morning! Courtesy of my awesome boyfriend-- eggs topped with salsa and some paleo bacon. We found a great brand at Whole Foods. Just make sure your bacon has no added sugars and is uncured. A side of fruit salad that I just HAD to dig into before the Super Bowl, a Paleo coffee and FRESHLY JUICED OJ!!! I can't think of anything that is more delicious than oranges just put through the juicer. Don't make  a habit of juice as it is still full of sugar (the naturally occurring kind) but once and a while it is an amazing treat! 

This Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chili was incredibly delicious!!! Also, it made so much that we are still eating on it! You will need: 2 lbs. hamburger, 1 red onion chopped, 1tsp. minced garlic, 1 29.5oz can tomato sauce, 2 cups petite diced tomatoes with juice, 3 cups Whole30 approved beef broth, 3 carrots chopped, 5 small sweet potatoes peeled and cubed, 2 bay leaves, 1/2tsp. thyme, 2tsp. salt, 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 2tbsp. chili powder, dash of oregano, dash of red pepper flakes. Brown the ground beef and then add to crock pot. Add all additional ingredients to crock pot, stir and cook on low all day 6-8 hours OR on high for 4-5 hours. Great with some diced avocado on top as well:)  

Always opt for wild-caught seafood! This was a delicious light-in-taste white fish (mahi-mahi) from Trader Joe's. We seasoned with Penzey's chicken and fish seasoning and a little salt and then threw it on the pellet grill for about 30 minutes. You can also broil in the oven or cook in some coconut oil on the stove top. Served with sweet potatoes that are first softened in the microwave for about 7 minutes and then baked in the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender. Coat the outside in a little ghee and salt and throw on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet (Don't cook them wrapped in Aluminum foil people!!!) Then sauteed up some broccoli and french green beans with about 2tbsp. coconut aminos and lots of seasonings. So yummy! 

Leftovers are gggggreat!! (did this remind you of Tony the Tiger? It did me. Too bad frosted flakes are so full of crap) In all seriousness, I. love. leftovers. Saves me major time in the kitchen. Here, we took a scoop of leftover chili(recipe above) and topped it on an applegate farms grass-fed hot dog served up with some french green beans. How can you possibly go wrong with a Whole30 Chili Dog?!?!?! I think YES;) 

Hey! Did I mention how great leftovers are?? Same chili, different dish. I was really craving something BAD last Friday and this baby did the trick. A "loaded" potato if you will. Took a couple scoops of the leftover chili (recipe above) and topped it on a russet potato. Added a little salt and some avocado. Perfect easy Friday night dish! 

Ok...not going to lie. I just had to include this picture on the blog because it's so darn pretty! I get REALLY excited whenever I get the opportunity to buy farm fresh pastured eggs straight off the farm. I don't get them consistently, so when I do, it's a really good day. Always opt for pastured eggs above store bought organic. The health benefits are out of this world! 

Most of you are probably wondering why I am including a picture of hot tea on my blog. Well fellow Whole30ers, I just wanted to give you an example of what to do if you get invited out for drinks with co-workers during your Whole30! You don't want to be that lame unsocial person on your team, so you still need to go. I did totally FINE at cocktail hour and instead of my usual vodka soda, I just ordered a club soda and a hot lemon tea. Your friends or co-workers will probably ask you why, but hey, that just sparks conversation! Maybe they will show interest in this awesome program too! 

My new favorite emergency snack is a Lara Bar. I didn't have one until day 25 of the program. They really are a treat. I wouldn't over-induldge in these, but they are great maybe a couple times a week or if you are in the car, traveling, in need of an emergency snack, etc. Pair it with a club soda for a delicious and satisfying snack:) P.S.- go to the lara bar website and make sure to double check ingredients. Not all flavors are Whole30 compliant, but most are!!

I probably eat too many applegate hot dogs on this program, but they are just so darn quick and easy when in a hurry! Throw some raw kraut and dijon on top and it is SO satisfying. Served up here with a russet potato topped with fresh homemade salsa (recipe to follow) and some English Peas from Trader Joe's. Way better than regular peas and not as sweet. Cooked with a little ghee, salt and pepper and they were heavenly! 

I posted this recipe in a previous Whole30 blog, but I just had to post again because this coconut ginger shrimp stirfry is just THAT good. I used a different brand of coconut milk for this batch and it turned out much thicker and creamier. Not really sure why. Cooking is all about experimentation so have fun with it! You don't have to follow my recipes to the book. Add your own personal flavor. Add more spice or less spice. That is what I love most about cooking! Yum! 

Another staple for this program has become Chipotle. Whenever we get the chance to drive to a town that has one, we are on it! Nice break from cooking. Get the carnita salad with salsas and guac. Yum!

I love this quote. So, so very true. A positive attitude and believing in myself has made a world of difference throughout this Whole30 journey and I know it will continue to be key throughout the journey ahead. Remember, weight loss doesn't happen overnight. It takes time. You have to work hard at it and the first thing to do is to change your diet. I can't wait to see what my final results will be when I weigh myself in at Day 30 and I can't wait to hear about your journey as well! Stay tuned for my Whole30 final results!