I won't lie, the Paleo Challenge has not been the easiest New Year's Resolution I have ever made but I am really starting to like it. If you are thinking about trying it, I strongly encourage you to take the challenge. It really has been a lifestyle change for Steven and I. At the end of week 1 here are some of the things I learned.
1. I can actually cook and even bigger revelation, I actually like it1 This is a BIG one for me and if my mum is reading this, she as probably fallen on the floor and is in shock. We have made some really good meals this week. Some from the Challenge and some I found on Pinterest. Here are a few pictures of some of my favorite meals. They really are tasty and even better healthier.
**Side Note** I am using only the pictures I took. This is because I always get irritated when my pictures don't look like Pinterest so this is my reality.
Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash
I found this recipe on an awesome blog called Taylor Made it Paleo. It is quite possibly my favorite new dinner! I love pasta and giving it up was really hard but spaghetti squash is surprisingly a great alternative. Not only is does it taste great but it is super easy.
Blueberry Muffins
These muffins are FANTASTIC! Considering there is no sugar in them and are 100% healthy I am actually surprised how much I like these. Here is the recipe from Robin's Sweet Confessions's 30 Day Challenge. Try them you will never go back to traditional muffins!
Grilled Short Ribs and Roasted Vegetables
Steven and I created this recipe on our own so I wanted to include it below because it was INSANELY good. It was so good our 7 year old daughter was salivating at the kitchen table.
Ingredients:
Short Ribs
Gluten Free Barbecue Sauce
Gluten Free Rib Rub
Dried Bay Leaves
Salt and Pepper to taste
Assorted Veggies
Directions:
1. Preset the oven to 220 degrees
2. Season ribs with dry rub, salt and pepper.
3. Place bay leaf on each rib
4. Wrap ribs in plastic wrap and place in oven for 2 hours
5. Remove from oven and plastic wrap. Let rest for 10 minutes.
6. Coat with gluten free BBQ sauce and place on grill for 10 minutes (until sauce is caramelized).
7. Grill assorted veggies.
8. Enjoy!
2. The next thing I learned was that it is possible to work out every day and not actually die. Steven will tell you I am not the most ambitious person when it comes to working out. Sure, once I am there I will work out hard. The kind of hard that entails me outlasting the lady on the treadmill next to me no matter what the cost but I can also pretty easily talk myself out of working out. The great thing about Robin's Challenge is that for the most part no workout is more than 30 minutes. Sure they are hard and during it I hate both Robin and Jillian Michaels but it's only 30 minutes and then I am done. So far this week, I have done 4 different workouts. This one is definitely the hardest but it is my favorite.
3. I have actually learned to like water. Up until last week I would have rather drank just about anything over water. Water has no taste. It is blah. It has NO sugar. How can someone drink it let alone drink 64 ounces in 1 day! Well I am here to tell you that I am converted water drinker. I drink at least 64 ounces of water a day (most days more) and actually enjoy it. With all the water I am taking in I am seeing vast improvements in my skin, energy, and overall well being.
4. Lastly this week I have learned probably the most important thing, paleo is a lifestyle change not a 30-day challenge. Will I stay on paleo after the 30 days? I haven't decided. What I do know is that without all the processed food and sugar and all around crap I usually eat I am not getting headaches, looking healthier and feeling all-around great.
If you want to try the challenge, post here. I am only on Day 7...catch me if you can. Until tomorrow...
Love Always,
Katie
