Off-Roading

I may be more proud of today than of any day on my two W30s and my W45 :)

In my entire time of dieting (roughly 15+ years), my periods of weight loss have been followed by periods of bingeing, when I let things completely spin out of control. And this isn't just with food - I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person with work, exercise, relationships, and eating. I don't do well with moderation, but I'd love nothing more than some moderation in my life. Well, today I took my first steps toward moderation.

After my morning run, I jumped on the scale and recorded my progress. YES!! Then I ran off to a restorative yoga class with a cup of coffee with cream & sugar in my hand. Normally, this would then lead into a full day of sugar, pizza, junk food, etc... which would then turn into a week or two off plan. Because I enjoy the structure and the way I feel on W30, I'd then go another 30 days, then repeat the cycle all over again.

Instead, I came home after yoga, ate the leftover pork-butternut squash-apple hash in my fridge with some avocado and W30-compliant hot sauce. I little while later, I went off to my shift at the yoga studio, did 50 minutes of heated vinyasa yoga, then came home for lunch - a couple Applegate Farms hot dogs and a green juice (kale, spinach, romaine, cucumber, celery, lemon, apple) from the local vegan juice bar. I lounged around this afternoon, ran to the grocery store to pick up food to make compliant meals, then cooked a steak with coffee-mocha spice rub, sautéed mushrooms (in ghee), and half a sweet potato mashed with sour cream. For dessert, I had some ice cream - not because I'm bingeing but because I'm testing how my body reacts to dairy after 45 days without (and if I'm going to test dairy, I'm going to test it with stuff I'd eat).  Other than the addition of dairy, this was a pretty typical Saturday for me on plan.

And my reward for completing a W45?  A beautiful new lululemon yoga mat. Not a pizza. Not a bag of Swedish fish. Not a bottle of wine. And definitely not an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's (but a serving - yes, it's possible to eat just one!). Instead, I gave myself a promise to continue down this path to health and wellness and yes, maybe even moderation.

Self-Evaluation of Goals

Here are the goals I set on January 1st and my self-evaluation:

Nutrition - I will complete the full 10+-day reintroduction schedule after completing this Whole 30.  [Although I've had a comprehensive blood panel for food sensitivities, I'd like to experiment on myself to see how my body reacts to reintroducing dairy, gluten, non-gluten grains, and legumes, as well as eggs and yeast.]

Tough to evaluate, since I haven't done the reintroduction schedule.  I'm still deliberating about this, and this may be a drawback of going 45 days instead of 30.  I'm a little burned out right now.  We'll see what tomorrow looks like.

Active Recovery - I will practice yoga at least three days a week, including one restorative practice.

Hit this one!  I've been on my mat at least three days a week, and I think I only had one week where I didn't get to a restorative class.  Moving closer to my half-marathon, I see a whole lot more yoga in my future, and with vacation this week, I'm going to finally go to the Deep Stretch class I've been eyeing!

Exercise - I'm thinking bigger than W30 here, more like 2013 goals:

1.  I will complete the Rock n Roll Half-Marathon on March 16th, preferably under 2:30.

2.  I will complete the Polar Bear Triathlon on May 4th in 1:40.

3.  I will complete the Tri for a Cure on July 21st in 1:45 (that is, if I win a spot in the lottery at the end of the month!)

4.  If I remain injury-free through the half-marathon and the Polar Bear tri, I will register for an Olympic triathlon.  I've got my eye on the Lobsterman Tri - 1-mile swim, 25-mile bike, 6.2-mile run - on Sept 14th, and my only goal would be to finish.

I'll get back to you on this ;)  For real, though, even with my nagging calf injury, I'm still on pace to complete the half-marathon on March 16th.  I'm hoping that a few more weeks of treatment with my new chiropractor make the training a little easier.

I'm not setting a SMART goal for sleep, but.... The Whole 9 encourages an absolutely dark sleeping space, which I tried during my September W30.  OMG!!  Who knew how much light my alarm clock gives off?!?!  I'm continuing to keep things as dark as possible and am trying to somehow keep ambient light from my living room out of my bedroom.

In addition to turning off the alarm clock light, I've added black-out shades in my bedroom and started pulling the bathroom door closed at night to cut down on ambient light.  The only other source of light comes in from my living room windows through the bedroom doorway, where there is no actual door, so I open my closet door to cut out as much light as possible.  

And??  I have been sleeping like I'm dead.  I pass out on my couch, sleep solidly at night and bound out of bed in the morning ready to attack the day.  Honest to God!  Except for the morning after bowling night.... even without drinking, I want to stay in bed until 8am.  

In addition, my skin is clear, my nails look awesome, and my immune system is firing on all cylinders.  I got a little bit of a cold during the blizzard.  It disappeared without me ever getting a sinus infection, bronchitis or even a headache.  I was sniffly for two days, then it disappeared.  I also woke up yesterday with a cold sore :(  I immediately doused it in the miracle cold sore cream I picked up in Argentina - great story there! - and it would normally be a disgusting eye sore and incredibly painful, causing me to want to hibernate for the next 5-7 days.  Nope!

And last but not least, here are the numbers:

I lost 12.6 pounds (possibly more - going to check weight again when I'm not retaining water) and a mind-blowing 5.5% body fat!!  This has me down 37 pounds since June - the lightest and leanest I've been in at least 8 years.  So happy :)

Day 45 - The End of Days

It's here!  It's here!  Some highlights of Day 45:

• Kicked off the am with a shift at the yoga studio.  Namaste.
• Seriously tested my Lenten resolution to quit complaining at a before-school meeting.  Worked on changing my attitude instead - easier said than done.
• Made it through the last day of school before February vacation without screaming at anyone or threatening any bodily harm.   
• Had a student stick a one-pound bag of Swedish fish (probably my favorite candy ever) in my face and offer me some.  I scoffed at those fish.
• Bowled for two hours.  I'm a degenerate bowler, apparently.
• Had an 8-year-old give me finger pistols at the bowling alley.  Hilarious!
• Feasted on lobster for dinner to celebrate the end of my Whole45

Breakfast - Pork, Butternut Squash & Apple Hash, Pomelo
Lunch - Sirloin w Fig-Pistachio Butter, Mashed Golden Cauliflower
Dinner - Lobster w Ghee, Garden Salad

100 Ingredient Challenge

At the beginning of my Whole 30, I posted the following:

Toward the end of my first W30, someone posted "Oh my God, what DO you eat?" on the W30 forum:

http://forum.whole9life.com/topic/3506-oh-my-god-what-do-you-eat/page__fromsearch__1

Which then inspired me to keep track of the different ingredients I was using, which in turn inspired me to try new things.  Pretty cool!  I used 112 different ingredients during my Oct/Nov W30, and I've got a running of a total of 131 ingredients that I've used so far.  I'll definitely continue doing this for W30#3!

I ended up with 150 different ingredients in my Whole 45 - more than my previous two W30s combined.  I'm most excited with the 60 different vegetables that I worked into my diet this time around.   And this gives me a grand total of 207 different ingredients since I started working with Whole 9.

You can check out my lists here:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3SEPKsx-RXbaElORGV1WEF2MXM/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3SEPKsx-RXbdnZEaTBISm9LbUk/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3SEPKsx-RXbT1JvV2p2ZHlDSkU/edit

Day 44 Log

Day 44 :)

I kicked off my day with 3.1 miles in balmy 40 degree weather - definitely did not need my UnderArmour this morning.  My calf is still a little wonky so I'm babying the hills, but my time was pretty good (about 30 seconds off my recent best 5K time).

I was showered with love at school today <3 This includes a chocolate rose which hasn't tempted me once (but I might save for the weekend) and the greatest Valentine's Day card I've ever received.  High school kids are hilarious, and this is the major reason why I love my job!

I finished off the day with a double-red donation at the Red Cross for SheJAMS, then ran home to make this Sirloin w Fig-Pistachio Butter (with a few modifications) - http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2013/01/27/sous-vide-moroccan-sirloin-w-fig-pistachio-butter/
I don't sous-vide, so I pan-seared the steak, then finished it in the oven.  And I passed on the Moroccan spice and Sweet Potato Home-Fries, but kept the butter.  OMG!  Heaven.

Breakfast - Pork, Butternut Squash & Apple Hash w Hot Sauce
Lunch - Butternut Squash Lasagna, Garden Salad, Strawberries
Dinner - Sirloin w Fig-Pistachio Butter, Mashed Golden Cauliflower

Day 43 Log

Run didn't happen this morning - my wagon was dragging from last night, so I slept in.  Tomorrow morning I'll be ready to rock a 3-mile run!  And the early morning runs are getting a little easier as I get a little more sunrise each morning :)

After school, I hit the bowling alley for some practice - most consistent yet.  Why can't I do that on league night?!?   I had to head home to prep for this week's caveman lunch:  http://www.health-bent.com/beef/paleo-butternut-squash-lasagna The fellas will be psyched, for sure!

I'm scheduled to do a double-red donation for a blood drive tomorrow.  I completely prefer giving two pints since they replace your fluids at the same time.  But, you need to have higher-than-normal iron levels, so I usually load up on clams, oysters, and leafy greens.  I haven't done anything different this week - kind of interested to see how my iron is.

Breakfast - Italian Sausage w Tomato Sauce, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Smoked Paprika Chicken Thigh, Roasted Kabocha Squash, Blood Oranges
Dinner - Butternut Squash Lasagna, Spinach Salad w Figs & Avocado

Day 42 Log

Day 42 :) I'm dreaming about a cup of coffee w cream & sugar on Saturday....

I went to see Casey today and am optimistic that she's going to be able to work things out with my legs.  Apparently my hips/pelvis are all out of sorts, and I feel like we got a lot accomplished in an hour.  She okayed running, so I'll give it another go tomorrow.  Fingers crossed!!

We also had an amazing night of bowling!! Can't wait for next Tuesday night & finally being able to tip a few back with my team - woohoo!

Breakfast - Italian Sausage w Tomato Sauce, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs, Roasted Kabocha Squash, Green Beans
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Roast Pork, Oven Roasted Parsnips

Day 41 Log

Day 41 :)

After almost a week off, I got in 3 miles this morning.  I could feel the difference the new shoes made almost immediately - and I realized how completely destroyed my old shoes were!  The hip feels better, and the blister is now a callus, but my soleus/Achilles is still really tight.  I walked every hill just to be safe - will hit Heidi's class at 6am tomorrow, then see the new chiropractor.  Hopefully Casey will work some miracles on me!!

Breakfast - Italian Sausage w Tomato Sauce, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Spaghetti Squash w Meatballs & Pasta Sauce, Blood Oranges
Dinner - Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs, Roasted Kabocha Squash, Green Beans

BTW - Make the Kabocha Squash right away! Sooooo good!! And if you like spicy, the chicken thighs were dynamite, too. Recipes here:

http://www.primal-palate.com/2011/03/smoked-paprika-chicken-thighs.html?m=1
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/41440300414/whole30-day-25-roasted-kabocha-squash

Day 40 Log

Wow!  Day 40 :)

You know I've been cooped up for the weekend when I decide to clean my oven.  To be completely and totally honest, this is the first time I've ever cleaned an oven.  Embarrassing when you consider how much I use it, isn't it?  Last weekend on Super Bowl Sunday, I roasted some chicken wings in said oven.  Did I mention I also have no windows or vent in my kitchen?  It got so smoky in my condo that my purse and jacket smelled like smoke & wings into Wednesday.  So when things got a little smoky again last night with the pork roast, I decided to tackle the oven with this:  http://wandernest.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/clean-simple-homemade-oven-cleaner/.  I couldn't get it completely spotless, but it's a whole hell of a lot cleaner than it ever has been - fingers crossed that the oven works tomorrow ;)

Breakfast - Breakfast Sausage, Roasted Fennel, Salad w Grapefruit, Nectarine
Lunch - Spaghetti Squash w Meatballs & Pasta Sauce, Blood Oranges
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Oven-Roasted Pork Chop, Green Salad w Dates & Prosciutto, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Day 39 Log

Holy Snow!!  Almost 3 feet in Portland - more than I can remember since I was a little kid.  The bank in front of my car is up to my shoulders and at least 5 feet deep. And yes, I mean "is" - because the world's worst property management company hasn't plowed or shoveled yet. At 630pm. 6 hours after the snow stopped. One of my neighbors shoveled the walkway for all of us, thank God!

Despite my plowing frustrations, I put together a kick-ass dinner! Slow-Roasted Crispy Pork Shoulder (http://www.fromaway.com/cooking/super-crispy-skinned-slow-roasted-pork-shoulder) was in the oven all day. My mom makes the best pork roast, where she roasts potatoes in the pork drippings - heaven! So I subbed parsnips for the potatoes, and they were dynamite. Super meal for a cold, epically snowy day!

Breakfast - 2 AF Hot Dogs, Prosciutto, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Salad Greens w Grapefruit & Avocado
Lunch - Spaghetti Squash w Meatballs & Pasta Sauce, Blood Orange
Dinner - Slow-Roasted Crispy Pork Shoulder, Avocado Lime Sauce, Roasted Parsnips, Green Beans

Day 38 Log

One more week!!!!!!

I couldn't be more excited for a mellow weekend spent inside avoiding the blizzard. I SA'd the 6am class at Greener Postures this morning so I've gotten in a good workout & stretch. Fridge is filled w supplies for the next few days, Netflix videos are on hand, and I have several books on the coffee table. Sweet!!

I'm testing eggs today. They're technically W30 approved, but my comprehensive food panel showed a serious egg sensitivity. So I gave them a shot today and will see how I feel over the next two days.

Breakfast - Eggs w Avocado, 1/2 Pork Kielbasa, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Blackberries
Lunch - AF Kielbasa w Apples & Onions, Creamsicle Smoothie (banana, orange, almond milk)
Dinner - Spaghetti Squash w Meatballs & Pasta Sauce, Broiled Eggplant, Blood Orange

Day 37 Log

I'm really trying to listen to my body and not my OCD-Type A tendencies, and I'm trying to follow the Whole 9 advice that rest comes before workouts.  I am exhausted and I'm fighting off a cold, so I slept in again this morning.  My soleus/Achilles tendon is still really tight, and my blister is drained and dressed.  New running shoes should be here on Friday, so I don't think I'm running again until Sunday. And I will keep reminding myself that a few days off is not going to derail my training.  Also in keeping with today's theme, I felt like I should go to senior night for our boys & girls basketball teams tonight - ended up staying in instead.

Breakfast - AF Pork Kielbasa w Apples & Onions, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Lunch - Lamb Curry w Raisins & Greens, Orange
Dinner - Spaghetti Squash w Meatballs & Pasta Sauce, Blood Orange

Day 36 Log

Yesterday was a long-ass day!  5 mile run in the am, full day of school, softball meeting in the afternoon, then bowling league.  I got home around 830pm and passed out.  Needless to say, I slept in this morning.

Any thoughts that I haven't lost weight/size on this W30 have evaporated.  I put on a pair of pants that I last wore at Christmas and was amazed at how loose they are in the waist.  I've also started wavering about going the full 45, mostly because I'm starting to feel like this is truly a lifestyle change:

• I'm not thinking about planning meals - it's an automatic part of my weekend routine
• I'm not thinking about writing down my meals
• It's easier and easier to pass on non-compliant food

The biggest reason why I'd get off plan is that I'd really like to have an adult beverage while I'm out socializing, but we'll see.....

I'm taking some steps to fix my broken body today.  The blister on my left arch is now epic, so I raided the training room today for better fixes.  I went to the chiropractor during my free period for an adjustment and ordered a new pair of the exact same running shoes I've been training in.  (The Kinvaras are awesome, but will need to wait until post-race to be broken in)  I had a leg massage this afternoon, then hit a restorative yoga class.  And I finally made an appointment to see a chiropractor who specializes in runner/athlete issues.  I can't get in until Monday, but I'm super psyched!

Breakfast - AF Kielbasa w Apples & Onions, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Lunch - Lamb Curry w Raisins, Greens and Purple Cauliflower Rice, Mango
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - AF Hot Dogs, Mixed Green Salad w Grapefruit & Avocado

Day 34 & 35 Log

Oops!  Forgot to post yesterday, but I'm still on track :)

I slept in Monday after the Super Bowl and took a day off from workouts.  Since I did very little prep on Sunday, I spent the afternoon cooking and cleaning house.

I put in 5 miles this morning with a few challenges - came close to being attacked by a dog (Honestly!  I don't think I've ever yelled so loudly in my life, but it stopped the dog in its tracks.  Then I saw the owner standing on his/her lawn doing nothing.  Awesome.), got tightness in my calf for the first time in months, and took off my windbreaker after my run to find frost on my fleece layer.  I guess it was cold out ;)

For real, though, I've got to start addressing the left-side issues that are popping up - left hip bursa, huge blister on my left arch, and now left soleus tightness.  I rolled out my legs after my run, applied a new blister bandage to my foot and booked a leg massage for tomorrow.  I'm also going to hit a restorative class in the pm.  I'm so close to the race!!

Day 34 Log

Breakfast - 2 AF Hot Dogs, Salad w Fresh Figs
Lunch - Salad w Beets & Grilled Chicken
Dinner - Pan-Roasted Pork Chop, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes w Cumin & Cinnamon, Broiled Eggplant

Day 35 Log

Breakfast - AF Kielbasa w Apples & Onions, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Lunch -Pan-Roasted Pork Chop, Broiled Eggplant, Salad w Fresh Figs
Dinner - Garden Salad w Grilled Steak, Apple w Pecan Butter

Day 33 Log

Slept in until 730 this morning, then had a busy Sunday:

Logged 4.5 miles on the Foreside, marinated wings for the Super Bowl, cheered for Caity (who was kicking tail at the Mid-Winter 10-Mile Classic!), finished watching Dark Knight Rises, cleaned house, shopped for groceries for the week, broiled wings, and finally Super Bowl partied

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew
Lunch - Mighty Green Smoothie (kale, banana, spinach, spirulina, blueberries, strawberries), AF Hot Dogs w Mustard
Dinner - Chili Lime Wings (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/41698330146/whole30-day-28-chile-lime-chicken-wings), Smoked Brisket, Cocoa-Toasted Cauliflower (http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/01/11/cocoa-toasted-cauliflower/), Green Salad w Avocado & Green Apple, Fruit Salad

Day 32 Log

Phew!  I made it through yesterday.  Barely....  Woke up ravenous this morning, probably because I ate a tiny burger and even tinier servings of spinach and beets for dinner at 9 o'clock last night.

I hit restorative yoga this morning - my hips thank you, Jen! - then did an hour of heated vinyasa.  Nice relaxing afternoon and much easier day, all the way around.

Breakfast - Blueberry Breakfast Sausage, Broccoli Rabe w Garlic & Raisins, Jicama Home Fries
Lunch - Sausage-Eggplant Strata, Hubbard Squash
Dinner - Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew, Hubbard Squash

Day 31 Log

Little piece of me wishes my coffee had some cream and sugar in it this morning.  And that I got to sip cocktails with Jen, Caiti and Michelle tonight.  And that I'd get to eat and drink whatever I want on Sunday.  But I keep reminding myself that if I get through this weekend, it should be smooth sailing until Day 45!

I went out in the cold for 4.5 miles this morning.  Best part about the run was the wind that was at my back the last mile - I flew to the finish!  I've iced my hip twice this morning, took some ibuprofen before my run, and will probably ice at lunch, too.  I'm about a month ahead of my training schedule, so a week or two of easier runs might be in the forecast.

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Sausage-Eggplant Strata, Broccoli Rabe w Garlic & Raisins
Lunch - Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew
Dinner - Burger w Beets & Spinach

Day 30 Log

No running for me this morning :(  With the torrential rain, howling winds and nagging hip pain, I figure I could use a day off from running.   I put in 30 minutes on the spin bike at school instead. I also had a parent and a student comment on my weight loss today, so maybe the pounds are still coming off. Woohoo!!

I tried a new recipe tonight: Spicy Vietnamese Beef Stew (Bo Kho) - http://nomnompaleo.com/post/5216859841/bo-kho-spicy-vietnamese-beef-stew
I wish I had some cauliflower to serve the stew on, but it was delicious nonetheless! I don't know if I've tried a recipe on Nom Nom Paleo that I haven't liked.

Breakfast - Sausage-Eggplant Strata
Lunch - Chicken-Bacon Alfredo w Zucchini, Garden Salad
Pre-Spin - Cashew Butter
Dinner - Spicy Vietnamese Stew

Day 29 Log

Early am yoga w Eric felt great, but my left hip has been a little out of sorts since my 8-mile run on Saturday.  I could feel it as soon as I got on my mat this morning - not just hip tightness, but hamstrings and Achilles tendons, too - so I took a quick trip to my chiropractor this morning to get everything back in line.  He thinks my hip bursa is inflamed because I did my long run in new shoes.  Icing is in my future today, and tomorrow's run will feature a heavy dose of ibuprofen and my old running shoes.

I'm trying out one of my favorite W30 meals for the cavemen tomorrow - Chicken Bacon Alfredo (http://paleomg.com/leftovers-chicken-bacon-alfredo/)  The first time I made it with bacon (the tricky "they told me it was sugar-free" bacon from the farmers' market).  Divine!  The second time I made it without bacon or any kind of sub.  Still pretty good, but not the same.  This time, I subbed prosciutto for the bacon - lots of flavor and definitely sugar free :)  And tonight I tried this over zucchini instead of spaghetti squash - one of the cavemen isn't a fan of the squash.

On the bacon front, I spoke to a vendor at the South Portland Farmer's Market who is going to have pork belly this weekend.  [Side note - Same vendor told me a few weeks ago he would have sugar-free bacon at the end of January.  When I went to see him last weekend, he said, "You said nitrate free, right?" Sigh....]  So, I may cure my own bacon.  I've found a couple recipes on the W30 website, and it looks relatively easy.  Yeah, I know - "Looks can be deceiving" - but we'll see.

As for motivation and energy, I feel much better today, and my pants might be a little looser, too :)  When I was down in the dumps yesterday, I ran across this post from a moderator on the forum, responding to someone who had a couple vodka tonics on Day 23:

Not that the hubs and I don't enjoy an adult beverage... But I think there's something to be said for learning to stand up for your decisions, even in the face of peer pressure or personal pressure. You made a choice, you fought hard for it for 23 days! That tells me you have the gumption to do it for 30.

Well, I've got gumption oozing out of my pores, so I'm sticking with it for 45!  I may be planning my reintroduction plan around bowling night - great chance to reintroduce brewers' yeast, right?  ;)  - but I'm going to follow through with the two-week extension.

Pre-Yoga - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Sausage-Eggplant Strata
Lunch - Sweet Potato Crusted Fish, Salad, Red Delicious Apple
Dinner - Chicken Bacon Alfredo, Broccoli Rabe w Garlic & Raisins

Day 28 Log

4.5 miles on the treadmill this morning and a couple games of bowling this afternoon. Michelle & Rich, you may created a monster ;)

My energy & motivation have taken a little dip over the last few days. I don't feel like I've lost as much weight as I did on the previous two W30s, so I'm torn between wanting to be done on Friday & jump on the scale to see if the numbers are better than I think OR pushing on for a W45 to see if I feel more fit in two more weeks. Ugggghhh!!

I tried an amazing new recipe tonight - Well Fed's Sausage-Eggplant Strata (http://rivernorthpaleo.blogspot.com/2012/04/italian-sausage-and-eggplant-strata.html?m=1)
Delicious and satisfying! I've been playing w homemade sausage - breakfast & Italian - and this is the first recipe I've found that comes close to real Italian sausage.

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Blueberry Breakfast Sausage, Braised Kale, Jicama Home Fries
Lunch - Sweet Potato Crusted Tilapia, Salad w Raspberries & Sunflower Seeds
Dinner - Eggplant-Sausage Strata, Salad w TM's Lemon Chesapeake Dressing

Day 27 Log

I think I need a snow day this week.... Another busy day - swim this morning, 1st day of new semester, midyear exam correcting, hot yoga with some Cheverus kids. And unlike those kids, no one had dinner waiting for me when I got home ;) Thank God I had everything handy to whip up Sweet-Potato Crusted Tilapia (http://www.mylifeasamrs.com/2011/05/sweet-potato-crusted-fish-with-cilantro-lime-vinaigrette.html). I left off the cilantro-line vinaigrette and subbed almond flour and ghee to keep it compliant

Pre-Swim - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Blueberry breakfast sausage, Jicama Home Fries, Braised Kale
Lunch - Salad w Grilled Chicken, Watermelon
Pre-Yoga - Pecan Butter, Raisins
Dinner - Sweet-Potato Crusted Tilapia, Salad w Sunflower Seeds & Raspberries

Day 26 Log

Busy day - yoga in the early am, grocery shopping, correcting midyear exams, a little cooking for the week, dinner with the 'rents

Pre-Yoga - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Salad w Grilled Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Mandarin Oranges, & Avocado, Watermelon
Lunch - AF Hot Dogs, Salad w Raspberries & Pumpkin Seeds
Snack - Pecan Butter, Raisins
Dinner - Grilled Steak, Braised Kale, Hubbard Squash

Day 25 Log

Jen - thank you for getting me out of bed this morning! And Caiti - thank you for pushing me to do 8 miles this morning! Next time, we reverse direction and finish on 88 instead of that evil hill on Route 1 :) And here is concrete evidence of mid-winter running in Maine:

I had no idea I was wearing all of this at one time, 

and I'm not sure how it all ended up soaking wet, but it is!

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter

Breakfast - Pork & Plantain Breakfast Hash

Lunch - AF Hot Dogs, Raisins, Turnip the Beet Juice (turnip, beet, cranberry, lemon & lime juices)

Snack - Carrot Cake Smoothie (carrot, hemp milk, hemp butter, dates)
Dinner - Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce, Roasted Turnips, Steamed Spinach

Day 24 Log

Last day of midyear exams means my week of leisure is over and I'll be logging some hours at Cheverus to get all my exams corrected.  I'm also a little nervous about an extremely cold run tomorrow morning.  I need to get in something between 4-8 miles, and I think the cold will be the deciding factor. I go back up to longer runs next week, so let's hope things warm up!

I bowled really terribly on Tuesday night, so I've decided I need to practice with my new bowling ball.  I hit the lanes this afternoon and randomly ran into the captain of my bowling team (yeah - we have a captain - we're kind of a big deal)  We rolled three games, and in our last game, he almost rolled a perfect game!  All strikes for the first 8 frames, a spare, then three strikes to end the game.  He must know what he's talking about (and his amazingness was apparently contagious) because I rolled a 155, which was almost double what I had Tuesday night.  Sweet!!

Breakfast - Pork & Plantain Hash, Tessemae's Hot Sauce
Lunch - Meatballs w Spicy Tomato Sauce, Garden Salad
Dinner - Roast Leg of Lamb, Steamed Spinach, Raisins

Day 23 Log

I'm officially a super shopper: I walked out of Target with a pair of pants, a belt and a pair of ballet flats all for under $20! It's virtually impossible for me to leave Target without spending less than $50, but this shopping trip is momentous for two other reasons.

1) The pants I bought are the exact same magenta ankle pants I picked up last summer. When I bought them, they were snug, but fit perfectly by the time school started. The new pants are four sizes smaller :)

2) I hate belts! I have no waist, even at my thinnest, and the first place I gain weight is around my middle. All pants, and especially jeans, are either loose in the leg and fit at my waist or fit in the leg and dig into my waist. When your pants are wearing grooves into your midsection, you don't need a belt. But today, I need a belt :)

I made up another batch of pecan butter today.  This time, I toasted the pecans first - OMG! Delicious!!

Pre-Run - Almond Butter
Post-Run - AF Hot Dogs
Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash
Lunch - Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce, Spinach Salad w Blueberries
Pre-Yoga - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Pork & Plantain Breakfast Hash, Green Salad w Blueberries

Day 22 Log

I'm trying to find a shift or two at Greener Postures that I'll be able to maintain through softball season, which is proving to be a little challenging.  When I heard there was a slot open on Wednesdays at 6am, I thought this could be perfect - a shift I could keep during softball and summer vacation - if only I can get to school on time (or at least in the ballpark).  Only getting 5 hours of good sleep after bowling last night made things a little rough this morning.  Then it was 1 degree out - my purse froze in my car during class.  Then I got to the studio and found out the regular instructor has the flu, so there was a sub.... :(  A not-so-auspicious start to early AM SA'ing.  We'll see how things go next week!

Pre-Yoga - Pecan Butter
Post-Yoga - Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast (about an hour later) - Tex-Mex Breakfast Hash
Lunch - Leftover Scallops, Steamed Spinach, 1/2 avocado, Apple
Dinner - Roast Leg of Lamb, Roasted Beets, Roasted Radishes

Day 21 Log + big decision

I have lost my mind - I ran 3 miles in the freezing cold this morning.  Looking at the forecast for the rest of the week, I figured I'd better take advantage of dry roads while avoiding the sub-zero temperatures that are coming later this week.  But when I got home and heard Kevin Mannix say there was a "light wind" this morning, I almost threw a shoe at the TV.  The wind at SMCC was so strong that I had to tuck half my face into my jacket!

I ate within 15-30 minutes of my workout this morning.  This is the recommended window for refueling after a workout, but I usually jump in the shower before I eat.  I also cut out my spinach salad because I'm wondering if that's contributing to my gut problems (yes - they're quieter, but still here.  I've added 1T of apple cider vinegar in the morning to see if that helps).  Well, now I'm starving!!  I haven't done the W30-recommended post-workout meal followed by the prescribed first meal of the day, but there was a notable difference in my appetite.  I'm not sure if it's less volume of food (no spinach salad) or burning that food by eating right after my run (15-30 minutes after workout), so I might try playing with that a little bit to see how I feel.  And it might take a little time to figure things out, so....

I decided yesterday that I'm going to stretch this out into a Whole 45.  When I got started this month, I thought I'd go longer than 30 just to see how it affects me, but the Whole 100 seemed a wee bit too long ;)  With the intestinal issues going on, I've felt good, but not great, so going longer seems like a good idea.  I figure I can do 45, February 15th will be my last day, and I'll still have time to do reintroduction before a friend's 40th birthday.  With my half-marathon soon thereafter (March 16th), I'll take a brief break, then get back on plan so I'm ready for both the race and St. Patrick's Day!

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash
Lunch - Meatballs w Spicy Tomato Sauce, Steamed Spinach
Dinner - Pan-Seared Scallops, Radish Salad, Green Salad w Blueberries

Day 20 Log

Pretty busy morning - 3-mile run in the frigid cold, 7 loads of laundry, and a whole pile of meal prep. I also tackled a chore that I've been putting off since my first W30: cleaning out the freezer. I really should've taken a before picture, but let's just say that chances were pretty good that you'd be hit in the head with a falling object if you opened my freezer. That is, until today....

Sure sign of a runner - frozen Dixie cups inside the freezer door :)

I cooked Tex-Mex Casserole for breakfast (http://paleomg.com/tex-mex-hash-breakfast-casserole/) and Meatballs w Spiced Tomato Sauce for lunch (http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/meatballs-spiced-tomato-sauce-50400000125463/) for the next few days and made some bone broth from a lamb leg bone.  I took the egg out of both recipes - no sub in the casserole, used applesauce in the meatballs, as well as almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Shredded Pork Tacos are in the Crock Pot for tonight (http://www.cookingclassy.com/2012/01/shredded-beef-tacos/).  Later in the week, I'll turn some leftover pork into Pork & Plantain Breakfast Hash (http://paleomg.com/pork-plantain-breakfast-hash/).  I picked up a leg of lamb, too - half of it I'll roast on Wednesday (http://paleofoodie.blogspot.ie/2012/01/roast-shoulder-of-lamb.html), the other half is diced up in the freezer bags in the middle of the top shelf to be turned into curries.  Yum!!  Even better - the butcher at Legion Square did all of the cutting for me :)

Breakfast - Breakfast Sausage, Spinach Salad w Blueberries

Lunch - Spicy Meatballs, Spinach Salad w Dried Figs

Dinner - Shredded Pork Tacos w Lettuce & Guacamole, Dates

Day 19 Log + 100 Ingredient Update

Apparently I was a little tired last night:
 1) I posted my Day 19 log to my regular FB page, not our W30 group. Oops! Plus side - several students liked my status, but it may be because I mentioned Gritty's. 
2) I slept 10 hours last night. Finally putting flannel sheets on my bed may have helped here. How have I gotten to January without flannels?!?

I haven't been posting about my goal to get 100 different ingredients by the end of the month, but I've still been tracking my progress.  As of yesterday, I'm up to 82 ingredients!  One of the goals with the W30 is to add variety to your diet, so I'm counting different varieties of the same food (chicken thighs vs chicken wings, iceburg vs romaine).  I'm also counting fresh herbs, but not dried herbs.  You can check out my list here:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3SEPKsx-RXbYVV4NHFudGZsMzQ/edit

I demonstrated restraint again tonight at a football party :)  Instead of munching on chips and some amazing looking brownies, I stuck to the W30-friendly tidbits.  Unfortunately, the Patriots weren't quite as successful....

Breakfast - Breakfast Sausage (local, sugar-free), Spaghetti Squash w Tomato Sauce, Spinach Salad
Pre-Yoga - 2 Breakfast Sausage (Whole Foods)
Lunch - Red Curry Chicken, Garden Salad, Blueberries
Dinner - Bloody Mary Shrimp, Ham, Roasted Vegetables, Crudite, Guacamole

150 oz of water

Day 18 Log

Longest run yet - I got 7 miles under my belt today :) I missed our Hip Happy Yoga today, but will make up for it w a yin class tomorrow. Dinner at Gritty's tonight threw all kinds of challenges my way, but I was like Wonder Woman, deflecting them away left and right. All in all, a good Saturday!

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Green Chile Burgers, Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Lunch - AF Hot Dogs, Smoothie from Roost (almond butter, tahini, flax, blueberry)
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Steak Salad (lettuce, spinach, walnuts, onion, steak)

120 oz of water

Day 17 Log

I don't want to jinx myself, but.... I think the intestinal discomfort is finally gone.  Two nights of tea appear to have done the trick.  WOOHOO!!

You know I need to do some more meal planning and make a run to the grocery store when I'm throwing random things together and calling them a meal.  Check out my breakfast this morning :) I made up for it at dinner with two spicy new recipes - Green Chili Burgers & Spicy Cauliflower:

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/10/grilling-green-chile-turkey-burgers.html
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/11861165935/pizzeria-delfinas-spicy-cauliflower

If you've been feeling like W30 food is a little bland (ahem, Heather), these two recipes will wake you up!  I made a few modifications - added scallions & adobo to the burgers, took out Worcestershire sauce (not W30 compliant), roasted cauliflower instead of pan frying.  Super Friday night dinner!  The only thing missing was a cold beer ;)

Breakfast - AF Hot Dogs, Spaghetti Squash w Sunshine Sauce, Spinach Salad w Blackberries & Avocado
Lunch - Paleo Fried Chicken, Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Snack - Cashew Butter
Dinner - Green Chile Burgers, Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

117 oz of water

Day 16 Log

I hemmed and hawed over running outside this morning and finally decided to suck it up and run on the treadmill (which I hate).  As soon as I turned onto Broadway, I realized I'd made a smart decision - black ice everywhere!  A run outside would have been miserable and discouraging.  I would have had to go really slow, which makes my calves/shins ache.  And my 45-minute run on the treadmill wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be.  I may have fallen back asleep for 10-15 minutes there in the middle, but I got in the time/mileage I needed.  I'd been a little concerned about the run because my legs were dead after Monday's long run, but yesterday's quick trip to my favorite massage therapist/triathlete/supermom for a 30-minute leg massage seems to have done the trick.  Heather is a miracle worker!

C day = Caveman lunch day :)  I brought in leftover paleo fried chicken and mashed sweet potatoes for the fellas; green salad today was courtesy of Pat's mom.  One of the highlights of this week has been taking those guys (and two other offensive linemen) to a heated vinyasa class with me on Tuesday.  They were amazing, and they loved it!  At one point during class, we were in a twist and could see those two on the other side of the room -one of my lunch buddies was completely drenched in sweat, but had a grin on his face from ear to ear.  My other lunch buddy said he had never sweat so much in his life outside of a football game.  I'm so psyched to see these guys embracing healthy eating and healthy lifestyles at such a young age!!

Pre-Run - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Fried Chicken, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Green Salad, Orange
Pre-Yoga - Cashew Butter
Dinner - Lemon Butter Shrimp, Gingered Zucchini Soup, Mashed Sweet Potatoes

120 oz of water

Day 15 Log

DAY 15!!!  I celebrated the halfway point by taking 45 minutes to drive 5 miles in white-out conditions to get to school this morning, jumping out of my car (thank God I traded in my Passat for a new RAV4!), rushing into my classroom 10 seconds before the bell rang for 1st period, and jumping straight into Plato's Allegory of the Cave.  All that on 6 hours of sleep??  Whole 30 must be working :)

Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Paleo Pad Thai, Orange
Snack - Macadamia Nuts
Dinner - Paleo Fried Chicken, Mashed Sweet Potato, Spinach Salad w Blackberries

120 oz of water

For the fried chicken (which was dynamite!), I used a combination of two recipes:
http://www.easypaleo.com/2012/02/29/food-diary-fried-chicken/  (for ingredients)
http://tgipaleo.com/2012/03/08/fried-chicken-and-waffles/  (for instructions)

Day 14 Log

Busy day today:  Spin at Cheverus in the early am, taught all day, yoga w my Cavemen and their friends, Holy War - Cheverus vs McAuley basketball, bowling league.  And a quick trip to Walgreen's for some Smooth Move tea ;)


Pre-Spin - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash, Spinach Salad w Blackberries
Lunch - Gingered Zucchini Soup, Lemon Butter Shrimp, Green Grapes
Pre-Yoga Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Paleo Pad Thai

160 oz of water

Day 13 Log

I finally sucked it up and got in 6 miles this morning, gas bubble and all.  When I headed out from SMCC, I had cutback routes for 1 mile, 2 miles and 3 miles just in case I ran into any trouble on the road.  By 2 miles, I felt better and went for the full 6.  And it was nice to run at my pace this morning, unencumbered by snow banks or black ice.  The thick fog was a little creepy, but I was running on clear streets, I was rocking fluorescent orange and my headlamp, and I had my fastest time yet for 6 miles.  WOOHOO!!  I rewarded myself with a nice cup of Coffee by Design dark roast with coconut cream - still not the same as the real deal (cream & sugar).

I did a little searching the W30 forums to see if anyone else is having intestinal issues.  Quite a few people had problems during Week 1, but a lot fewer after that.  Many of those who've had problems felt a probiotic resolved them - which reminded me that I haven't taken mine in at least three days.  So I popped a probiotic as soon as I got home and am praying it works!  Someone else suggested Smooth Move tea; that may be my act of last resort :(

Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash, Spinach Salad w Grapefruit
Lunch - Gingered Zucchini Soup, Lemon Butter Shrimp, Green Grapes
Dinner - Paleo Pad Thai

122 oz of water


Check out the Pad Thai recipe:
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/05/08/paleo-pad-thai/
Does it taste like true Pad Thai?  No.  Does the Sunshine Sauce duplicate Peanut Sauce?  No.  Is it delicious?  Absolutely!  If you love take out Thai/Chinese, this will fill your craving.  Mmmmmmm!

Day 12 Post

This gas bubble needs to go!  I woke up with a painful cramp that has not gone away :)  Walking around my condo is somewhere between uncomfortable and mildly painful, so I've decided to opt out of this morning's run.  I'm praying that this is gone tomorrow so I can get in my 6 miles.  And I'd like to feel the W30 high again!  Now that I've eliminated nuts in the afternoon, the only things I can think of that might be causing this are 1) dehydration, or 2) the spinach meatballs.  So I'll be drinking water today like it's my workout and the meatballs are gone.

Today was all about meal prep - meals for the next couple of days are pretty much all set.  I made Mexican Breakfast Hash for breakfast this morning and to be eaten the next couple of days:

The recipe called for baking with eggs - looked dynamite! - and this was great with some avocado to offset the spiciness.  If you're looking at this picture wondering how I get to eat potatoes, they are Japanese yams - purple skin, white flesh.  I should have stuck with plain old sweet potatoes.  Next time!

Breakfast - Mexican Breakfast Hash w Avocado, Spinach Salad w Blackberries

Lunch - Burger w Side Salad
Snack - Green Grapes

Dinner - Smoked Pork Shoulder, Mashed Roasted Cauliflower w Sunchokes

112 oz of water (and counting)

Day 11 Log

I wimped out on my long run this morning when I heard rain pitter-pattering outside my window and when the weather man was talking about black ice.  It looks like the weather is going to be much better tomorrow, so I'll venture out then instead.  However, I did get over to Falmouth for some Hip Happy Yoga w Jen, followed by a heated vinyasa class, followed by a trip to Roost, where I got their juice of the day - daikon, carrot, ginger, cucumber, romaine, kale, spinach, & lemon.  Delicious!

Breakfast - Leftover Spinach Meatballs & Pasta Sauce w Zucchini Pasta

Lunch - AF Hot Dogs, Acorn Squash, Green Juice (daikon, carrot, ginger, cucumber, romaine, kale, spinach, & lemon)

Dinner - Leftover Pan-Seared Rib Eye, Mashed Sweet Potato, Sauteed Mushrooms, Spinach Salad w Blackberries

90 oz of water

Meal Planning for Week of 1/14

Here's what's on the agenda this week:

For breakfast, I'm going to try Mexican Hash (without the egg):
http://paleomg.com/mexican-hash-egg-bake/

For lunch, I'm trying Gingered Zucchini Soup and Lemon-Butter Shrimp:
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/11/05/silky-gingered-zucchini-soup/
http://greenhsv.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/shrimp-with-lemon-butter-herb-sauce/

For dinner, I've got a couple of things planned.  I'm making a Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder tomorrow, Paleo Pad Thai on Monday, and Indian Ribs w Cauliflower Rice later in the week.
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/6894256523/slow-roasted-pork-shoulder
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/18713738423/pressure-cooker-indian-curry-lamb-spareribs
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/05/08/paleo-pad-thai/
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/09/03/eat-your-vegetables-cauliflower-fouscous-pilaf/

I've got groceries; tomorrow will be a whole lot of cooking and prep, but well worth it during the work week!

Day 10 Log

First of all, I'd like to thank the student who brought 5 dozen cookies to homeroom this morning, then left them in my room so I could share them with my other classes.  For the rest of the day, kids walking into my room asked, "Why does it smell like sugar in here?"  Nice.  Apparently this is a special Day 10 test for me :)

My intestines still aren't happy, even after 9 hours of sleep last night.  The only big change I see is that I've been snacking on macadamia nuts after school, so I'm cutting them out.  During my second W30, I stopped snacking unless I was getting in a second workout.  Seems like I should go back to that and I should have a second hit of pecan butter if I need it.

So, as I've mentioned a few times, I've been on a quest for sugar-free bacon.  I trolled the Portland Farmers Market this fall during my first W30 and found a local farm that had sugar-free bacon.  JOY!  I bought packages from them regularly during both W30s and was bummed out when they weren't at the winter market the morning I went.  After searching high and low for an alternative source, I contacted them today through Facebook and got a message that they would in fact have bacon at the winter market tomorrow.  ELATION!!  Then a few hours later, I got another message from them clarifying that they use sugar in their curing process, but don't add any to the bacon.  NOOOOOO!!!  I'm seriously bummed out 1) that they gave me bad info this fall, 2) that I'm not getting bacon tomorrow morning, and 3) that the only option I have left is to order bacon online.  If anyone else is interested, here's the W30-approved source:

http://www.grasslandbeef.com/Detail.bok?no=1186

Breakfast - Sausage & Acorn Squash Saute, Spinach Salad w Figs
Lunch - Leftover Spinach Meatballs & Pasta Sauce w Zucchini Pasta, Broiled Eggplant
Dinner - Pan-Seared Rib Eye, Mashed Sweet Potato, Sauteed Mushrooms, Wilted Spinach

108 oz of water

Note on dinner:
I don't normally eat a starchy veg like sweet potato at night, but I have a long run tomorrow and could use the extra energy.  Depending on how I feel, this might be a Friday night treat during training for my half marathon.  Unlike my usual Friday night treat, which would involve gin & olives or Ben & Jerry's.  But not both - bad combo.

Day 9 Log

Intestines are better than yesterday, but still not 100%.  They didn't keep me from getting 4 miles in this morning, though!  I smartened up and avoided the Matterhorn today, stuck to main roads.  Only problem was black ice everywhere.  And in the dark, even with a headlamp, it's tough to tell if the shiny patch up ahead is melting snow or a potential trip to the ER ;)  Needless to say, I'm not setting any speed records this week, but I'm getting in my mileage.

Today is a C day here at school, which has become "Caveman Day."  I have cafeteria duty and eat lunch with two offensive linemen who are trying out paleo.  We've had some great lunches - chili, meatloaf, butter chicken - that have shown them that by eating filling, satisfying food they can get leaner and still get in good workouts.  Today was leftover zucchini spaghetti and spinach meatballs with a garden salad (courtesy of Greg's mom).

Pre-Run:  Pecan Butter
Breakfast:  Sausage-Acorn Squash Saute, Spinach Salad w Grapefruit
Lunch:  Leftover Spinach Meatballs & Pasta Sauce w Zucchini Pasta, Broiled Eggplant
Snack:  Macadamia Nuts
Dinner:  Pan-Roasted Salmon w Asian Five Spice, Spinach Salad w Grapefruit & Black Radish

108 oz of water

Day 8 Log

I went to bowling league for the first time last night.  Oh my, that is going to test my resolve!  Bayside Bowl had a DJ, and it was basically a huge party centered around bowling.  I was even given a shot, which I used to toast our team, then promptly handed over to one of my teammates :)  I didn't get home until close to 11:30pm, barely rolled out of bed at 6:30am, and have overall been lacking in energy this morning.  But... I didn't choose to fuel myself with coffee, which is a step in the right direction.  

For the first time in my three Whole 30s, I suffered some serious intestinal discomfort today.  Like, had to run out of class.  Twice.  It wouldn't have surprised me if I felt like this last week with the transition from holiday gluttony to a life filled with vegetables, but it caught me off guard today.  Hopefully this is a one-time deal!

One of the recommendations the Whole 9 makes for meals in a pinch is to use ground meat to make a quick meal.  Here's what they write:

Ground meat is very versatile and cooks quickly, so a variety of meals are only a few minutes away at any time. Experiment with beef, lamb, pork, turkey, and bison—we’ve given you ideas below to get you started. You might just discover a new favorite! To make a one-skillet meal, cook 1 to 2 cups of vegetables per person. Then, place another 1 to 2 Tbsp cooking fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked ground meat and vegetables, and season accordingly (seasoning amounts are per person). Sauté until heated through.

• Morning Mix: ground pork or turkey · diced apple · ⅛ tsp each cinnamon and nutmeg. A great morning meal, or “breakfast for dinner.” A real kid pleaser!
• Indian Curry: ground beef or lamb · cauliflower · carrots · ¼ cup coconut milk · 1 tsp curry powder. Trade cauliflower for broccoli and/or raw diced tomatoes for a different flavor sensation.
• Thai Basil Beef: ground beef · green beans · red bell pepper · 1 Tbsp each lime juice and coconut aminos · a few fresh basil leaves. Top with a squeeze of lime juice for added zing. Great for breakfast with an egg added to the mix—or in a bowl with lots of broth for instant soup.

Working off this concept, yesterday I roasted two acorn squash and browned some hot Italian sausage (picked up last week @ Farmers Market).  I added the squash to the sausage with some tomato paste and seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, S&P) = instant breakfast!  And with my late night, it was fantastic to get up this morning, zap this in the microwave and have a hearty breakfast in minutes.

Breakfast - Acorn Squash-Sausage Saute, Spinach Salad w Grapefruit
Lunch - Leftover Spinach Meatballs & Pasta Sauce w Zucchini Pasta, Broiled Eggplant
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter, Macadamia Nuts
Dinner - Leftover Fish Stew

90 oz of water

Day 7 Log

Yep, energy and motivation are definitely back :)  

I went out for a 4-mile run this morning, which probably could've qualified as an adventure race.  In my first mile, I practically skated on the Greenbelt.  Miles two and three were pretty clear (may have had something to do with running down the middle of Cottage Rd and Preble St), but as I headed toward Willard Beach to turn onto the Spring Point path, I ran into a huge snowbank.  Now mind you, I had zero motivation to run the last few weeks of December (while eating everything under the sun) and could easily have turned around at this point.  This morning, I scaled the snowbank and headed toward the beach only to discover that the city hasn't plowed the Spring Point path.  So I walked on snow that was level with the benches until I came out next to the cafeteria, took one look at the ice on the rest of the path and headed back toward the SMCC gym.  Again, a week ago I would've called it good and headed to my car a half-mile short of my goal, but today I found an impromptu half-mile loop and put that run in the bank :)  This half marathon might actually happen!

I spent the afternoon cooking since it dawned on me that I had nothing prepped beyond lunch today.  First time trying the meatballs - after I had already blended all of the ingredients, I saw the instruction that the artichoke should be in bite-sized pieces.  Oops!  They were still good, especially w homemade pasta sauce, but would definitely be better if you could really taste the artichoke.  Next time!  I also randomly saw this recipe for broiled eggplant today and figured I'd give it a shot.  OMG!!!  Delicious!  I love eggplant, but rarely cook it because it's such a pain in the rear.  This recipe was quick, easy and a definite keeper.

http://fastpaleo.com/spinach-artichoke-meatballs/
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cooking-live/steak-pizzaiola-recipe/index.html
http://www.prouditaliancook.com/2012/01/faux-spaghetti.html?m=1
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/4739682522/broiled-zucchini-or-eggplant


Pre-Run:  Pecan Butter
Breakfast:  Paleo Shrimp & Grits, Spinach Salad w Grapefruit
Lunch:  Leftover Fish Stew, 2 Clementines
Snack:  Macadamia Nuts
Dinner:  Spinach & Artichoke Meatballs w Pasta Sauce over Zucchini Pasta, Broiled Eggplant

160 oz of water

Day 6 Log

My energy is back!!!  And believe me, my sophomores were super psyched to have me all wound up 1st period :) I was all smiles pretty much all day today, which helped me realize what a bad mood I'd been in before Christmas vacation.  When I want to go off plan, I need to re-read this post as a reminder of how much better I feel on W30.

I had big plans to go to yoga this morning - packed my bags last night, set out clothes for my workout, put meals in containers.  I even got out of bed this morning, got out the door and was well on my way up 295 when I realized I'd left all of my food at home.  During a Whole 30, this is a crisis since it's really challenging to find compliant food, especially for an egg-free breakfast.  I turned around and headed home, and here's where I found my new energy: instead of calling it a good effort and getting dressed at home, I went back out the door and worked out at Cheverus instead.  I needed to get in a bike workout this week anyway in order to get in some semblance of tri training!

Now that I'm back to school, I'm trying to reincorporate my supplements into my diet and to increase my water intake.  The doctor who ordered my comprehensive food panel has me taking a probiotic, uva ursi (soothes irritated intestines), and glutamine (strengthens & repairs intestinal walls) since I suffer from "leaky gut" (if you read It Starts With Food, I'm practically the poster child for systemic inflammation). So I started back with the supplements this morning.  As for water, I have a fantastic iPhone app that determines how much water I should be drinking daily based on my weight and activity level - 160 oz per day.  It also helps me keep track of whether or not I reach that goal, so I'll be posting water consumption along with my food log from here on out.

Breakfast - Paleo Shrimp & Grits, Garden Salad w Lemon Vinaigrette
Lunch - Leftover Chorizo Meatloaf, Spinach
Dinner - Flu Fighting Fish Stew, Spinach Salad w Blackberries




106 oz of water

I subbed hake for the salmon the recipe called for, and the stew was delicious!! I adore fish chowder, and this was an excellent replacement with a spicy kick.

Day 5 Log

Motivation is on its way back! Yes, I stayed in bed this morning, putting off my morning run. And yes, I momentarily considered bailing on my run entirely when I saw snow flurries out my window. But I got out and did three miles this morning - first run outside in two weeks, and in snow to boot. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I also saw Nutella at Target today and decided that when I'm done with this Whole 30, I'm eating an entire jar of Nutella to celebrate :)

Breakfast - Paleo Shrimp & Grits, Spinach Salad w Raspberries
http://www.health-bent.com/seafood/paleo-shrimp-and-grits
Lunch - Leftover Pork Chop, Cauliflower-Black Radish Mash, Braised Kale
Dinner - Chorizo Meatloaf w Tomato Sauce & Avocado, Cumin-Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Braised Kale

Day 4 Log

On the agenda today:  Meal planning for the upcoming week

I made Chorizo Meatloaf around Thanksgiving and have been promising my dad I'd make it for him, so that's Sunday dinner for tomorrow night.  
http://onceamonthmom.com/chorizo-mini-meatloaves/

I've given up on my quest for sugar-free bacon (at least for now) and am going to make Paleo Shrimp & Grits for breakfast without it.  The Whole 30 Daily email for Day 3 included some cold/flu-fighting recipes, so I'm going to give the Flu Fightin' Salmon Soup a shot:
http://followingmynose.com/2011/01/flu-fightin-salmon-soup/

And I think I'm going to try the Spinach Artichoke Meatballs w homemade spaghetti sauce and zucchini pasta:
http://fastpaleo.com/spinach-artichoke-meatballs/
http://www.prouditaliancook.com/2012/01/faux-spaghetti.html#

This turned into a pretty lazy Saturday for me :)  For dinner, I defrosted some boneless pork chops that I picked up last month at Chase Farms in Wells.  If you've driven to Noble High School, you've probably gone by this farm stand on Route 9.  In addition to selling vegetables, they sell local meat.  They raise their own cows and chickens, and when I asked if the pork was local, the girl told me, "Sorry! We don't raise pigs; we have to get our pork in North Berwick."  

Remember how amazing pork chops were when we were kids?  Have you eaten any pork like that in recent memory??  No, because commercial pork is pumped with water to be more profitable, and the fat is trimmed from it so it can be marketed as "the other white meat."  And on the Whole 30, we wouldn't want to eat that fat anyway because it would contain all of the hormones, antibiotics and preservatives that come with commercial pork.  But all-natural, hormone-free, local pork is a totally different story!   Here is the pan-seared pork chop I had for dinner tonight:

I'm a happy camper :)

Breakfast - 2 AF Hot Dogs, Cauliflower-Carrot-Parsnip Mash (last of the leftovers!), Spinach Salad w Blackberries

Lunch - Leftover Tandoori Chicken (also last of the leftovers!), Kale Salad w Grapefruit & Avocado
Snack - Apple w Pecan Butter
Dinner - Pan-Seared Pork Chop, Cauliflower-Black Radish Mash, Braised Kale

Note on the mash:
I eat a ton of cauliflower, mostly because it's easy to turn into pseudo-mashed potatoes/rice/couscous.  This time through, I'm trying to incorporate some new veggies into my routine, so I picked up a black radish at Whole Foods and added it to my cauliflower tonight.  Fantastic!  It added a peppery punch, kind of like horseradish, to the cauliflower mash.

Day 3 Log

I got home late last night, so I didn't have time to write about the inevitable "first trip to a restaurant on the Whole 30" :)  

When I go out to dinner on the W30, I like to check out the menu beforehand so I can mentally prepare for my options (i.e. not get tempted by macaroni and cheese).  Last night I went in to the Snow Squall ready to aska a million questions about how the salmon was prepared, but then ordered the Cobb Salad that was on special.  I hate being high maintenance so I particularly hate being "that diner" - last night wasn't too bad (chicken was grilled w no marinade, no cheese on the salad, oil and vinegar on the side instead of dressing).

As for Day 3, my skin is mildly better, but I'm still feeling carb hangover/fighting off my nephew's cold.  I can't wait for the immune-boosting portion of the W30 to kick in!  And because I get by with a little help from my friends, I hit a 90-minute heated vinyasa with Megan this morning and a 75-minute hip-hop yoga class with Angie and Jenn.  Please let this be a sign that my motivation is coming back!!!

Breakfast - AF Hot Dogs, Cauliflower-Carrot-Parsnip Mash, Spinach Salad w Raspberries & TM's Ranch Dressing)
Lunch -  Leftover Chicken Tandoori, Kale Salad w Grapefruit, Avocado & TM's Lemon Vinaigrette)
Dinner - Leftover Asian Five-Spice Shrimp, Cauliflower-Carrot-Parsnip Mash, Fresh Smoothie (beets, kale, carrots, raspberries, banana, ice)

A note on smoothies and juices:
Whole 30 totally discourages them, even ones that are packed with green vegetables.  The rationale is this:  Your body interprets drinking food different from chewing it, so your brain doesn't register the same sense of fullness.  Plus, you can overdo it because you put more in your smoothie than you would eat off your plate.  And in mass-produced juices and smoothies, you don't really know the proportions of fruits and vegetables in your drink (basically, they jack them up with juice to satisfy our sweet-tooths).

With that being said, I don't feel guilty for one minute about buying a juice from Roost or a smooth from Maine Squeeze.  I might have one once a week (if that), usually when I'm on the go and starving.  I see the actual vegetables go into the juicer/blender and can ask them to ease off on the fruit.  I always eat protein with my drink.  And if I have to run/work out but also need a meal, I feel full on a juice but not like I'm going to vomit while I'm running around.

My two cents.

Day 2

I went back and forth between starting this Whole 30 this week or next week.  Normally, I'd want to start when I go back to school.  Here's why I started during my vacation instead - I'm exhausted today and have a nagging headache.  I know from experience that this will go away in a day or two, but I'm also glad I'm not feeling like this with a group of high school kids :)

By the end of my my six-week hiatus from the W30, I noticed three big changes for the worse:

1.  My skin is a mess.  Honestly, I can't remember the last time I broke out like this.
2.  My stomach is distended and bloated.  I'm attributing this to yeast, but am looking forward to testing this with the reintroduction in February.
3.  My energy/motivation for workouts is not what I'm used to.  I ran indoors at the Community Center on Monday and felt awful, but kept telling myself, "You put crappy calories into your body and you get crappy energy, genius."

So for Day 2, I really wanted to be a total bad ass and get back into the half-marathon training with a brisk run outside this morning, regardless of the weather forecast.  However, it was 1 outside this morning.  Without the windchill.  And I am not that much of a bad ass.  All of which meant I put in 3 miles on the treadmill instead.

Pre-Workout - Pecan Butter
Breakfast - Asian Five-Spice Shrimp, Cauliflower-Carrot-Parsnip Puree
Lunch - Leftover Tandoori Chicken, Kale Salad w Grapefruit & Avocado, Tessemae's Zesty Ranch Dressing
Dinner - Cobb Salad (hold the non-compliant stuff) w Oil & Vinegar