Whole30 Archives - Page 3 of 4

More than Friday… It’s DAY 31: My Whole30 Results

Today is so much more than just a normal Friday. Today marks DAY 31! Yup, that’s right guys and gals - this girl just wrapped up her Whole30! I spent the past 30 days not partaking in Dairy, Grains, Beans and Legumes and Soy, Processed or Added Sugars {not even honey!} and of course Wine and Booze. While it may sound beyond dreadful to a lot of you… but this has been, yet again, another life changing 30 days. You would think, since this is not my first rodeo, another Whole30 wouldn’t make that much of a dent in my life. It should be easy peasy at this point, right? Yes, this Whole30 {my third successful one} was much easier than any of them in the past. But it was probably the one that packed the biggest punch. So today, for my Five on Friday, I want to share my top five thoughts about my last 30 days.

My results: #noscalevictory is my take on it! I did lose 8 pounds pounds over the past 30 days - but more importantly I am feeling great, my bloating is diminishing and my clothes are fitting better. Can see the drastic difference in the my before and after pics above?

Like I’ve said - I’ve done a whole30 before. I actually spent the first three months of this year doing two whole30’s and one month as a whole30 + wine. My goal behind the first three months of 2014 was to simply lose weight. Which I did. I lost 20 pounds, quite easily, without changing my exercising habits one bit. And then I decided I wanted to try to add certain foods back into my diet… then I started to get sick again, and unfortunately, gained a lot of weight back.

After numerous doctor appointments, too many vials of blood taken, wishy-washy answers as to what’s wrong with me, and the possibility of celiacs disease looming over my head now… I am finally beginning to accept the fact that my body has several food intolerances. As much as I love ice cream and fresh bread and soy sauce, it is time for me to realize that my body just cannot handle it! My past whole30’s were excellent, but this was the first time I have honestly realized and full-heartedly accepted that it is time for me to LISTEN TO MY BODY and not my cravings.

I wasn’t convinced of this until mid-way through this whole30. I was still on board with more testing and all that. But now! Now, after 30 days of strict clean eating, I feel 1000% better. I know that this is exactly how I am supposed to be living my life.

This was a group challenge. I sent out weekly meal plans to the 45 people who committed to the #2catswhole30. Of the 45 - I think about 4 people made it the entire 30 days. Am I disappointed? Maybe a little. I was really hoping more folks would stick with it, beyond the initial withdraws and sucky times. But I need to dwell on the fact that my efforts positively affected a handful of people. One lady told me she hasn’t felt this good since BEFORE SHE BEAT CANCER. Another person was thrilled she lost 10 pounds and plans on continuing, and will be making her husband join also. My mom, who has been an extreme trooper {and has done two whole30’s with me!} she has become okay to life without cheese and bread. {Which, trust me, is huge!}

Would I have liked more people to stick with it? Of course. But several of those who “dropped out” have emailed me by saying they no longer drink soda {when they had been drinking 4-5 a day!} Another couple has told me that they have decided to make healthier choices for their lives and their marriage. So in the end, I’m happy that 45 people trusted me and my experiences, and were open minded enough to give clean eating a shot.

This whole30 has not only taught me to continue my journey and investment in my health, but it has inspired me to continue creating recipes. Despite the fact that so many people are tired of hearing me rant and rave about my paleo nonsense and whole30 ways, dare I say it has become a passion for me? My clean eating tips will probably become more prominent on this blog. Is that okay? Do y’all mind if I share them on here? Or should I venture out a bit with something separate? I need to find an even balance.

Where do I go from here? Like I said, I HAVE to continue eating this way. My body won’t have it any other way. My skin is clear! My mood is terrific! {The other day, Michael even said to me “I don’t mean for this to sound bad, but you’ve been in a much better mood lately…” HE IS SO RIGHT! And it’s glorious!} I feel more creative and more passionate about life. I now, firmly believe in the saying “You are what you eat.”

I plan on sipping a little wine this weekend, and eating a praline or two from my trip to Charleston last week {yes, I bought them 1.5 weeks out… because who goes to SC and doesn’t eat a praline?!} Other than that, and possibly buying stock in Chipotle, not much will change for me.

Thanks for partaking and encouraging me on my journey. Your support has meant the world to me. Cheers to good life choices, clean eating and a healthy future!

Do you want to learn more about the Whole30 and clean eating? You can read more about my Whole30 experiences here. You can read more about the official Whole30 program here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to talk to you about my experiences and how clean eating can change your life.

I’m linking up with these lovely gals today:

Day 15: Whole30 Results and Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

by Susan

I have tried to NOT talk about my current whole30 too much on the blog. I really struggle with this whole concept of “lifestyle blogging” and what it really means. Do I have a niche? Not really. Is it okay for me to talk about makeup one day and foodie things the next? Arg! It’s an extreme inner mind battle that I go through almost every day. As I try to grow this blog {because it’s a passion, a great outlet, and let’s be real - I’d love to make a little extra moolah with it!} I really worry that I will lose people when I talk about random things and don’t consistantly post the same theme/topic/idea. All of that being said… I really haven’t tried to talk too much about the #2catsWhole30 on here - as I don’t want it to appear that I’m preaching about clean eating when the people around me {my sister has flat out told me not to talk about food with her - ever} barely want to hear it.But for those of you who appreciate my recipes, my clean eating, and something that is truly becoming a passion and a way of life for me {I have extreme gluten, sugar and dairy intolerances} keep reading because I have created a recipe for THE BEST clean, whole30 approved, paleo, gluten free Turkey Meatloaf you will ever eat. Today is DAY 16 of this whole30. It’s my third {whole-hearted} whole30. Guys - not to throw it all out there for you - but I snapped the picture on the left on day one, the picture on the right was yesterday - day fifteen.

Y’all. In TWO FREAKING WEEKS! I don’t know how much weight I’ve lost {as, per the rules of the whole30 program, you aren’t allowed to weigh yourself until the end of the 30 days} but even if I’ve only lost a couple of pounds - I’m okay with it. My exercising hasn’t changed {because I passionately hate exercising… another day, another issue} but I’m simply getting more strict with my paleo roots. I’m eating clean food. All the time. And I’m feeling good. We had about 30 people signed up to do the #2catsWhole30 - and from what I gather via the group emails, there are about 10 people who made it beyond day 11. My heart was broken. Seriously, ask the husband. I was in tears over this on Saturday. I know this isn’t easy, and that the program is built on tough love - but I so want everyone to feel as good as I do. {And day 11, for some reason, is one of the toughest days.} Even though this isn’t my first rodeo, to receive texts from people on Day 11 saying “I’m out. We are off to get margaritas!” killed me, on a day that I was struggling also. But I kept pushing on. The reason I eat this way is to get healthy for myself {and my future, hypothetical kids} but for no one else. I don’t do this to make others feel better or worse. I do this because I know I need it. I had to remind myself that “It’s just 30 days! You’ve got this!” And seeing these pictures - at just a mere 2 weeks on track - I know I’m doing EXACTLY what my body needs.With that huge, rambling paragraph expressed - how about I share with you the most delicious Meatloaf I’ve ever made. {And considering I’ve hated meatloaf my entire life - this is huge.} I decided to wing it with a few ingredients and I was thrilled at out the final version turned out. I hope you enjoy it as well!2 Cats & Chloe Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients:2.5 pounds of ground turkey1 cup of frozen diced peppers and onions {I purchase the fire roasted ones from Trader Joes}1/4 cup of Sun Dried Tomatoes {diced}2 Eggs2 Teaspoons of Garlic Powder1 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder3 Tablespoons of Coconut AminosSalt and Pepper to tasteDirections:Preheat Oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.Dice up your frozen pepper/onion blend, as well as your sun dried tomatoes.Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Be sure everything is evening blended.

In a baking dish {i cover it foil to make for an easy clean up} form the blended ingredients into a loaf shape.

Bake the meatloaf for one hour. It’s done when the temperature is 160 degrees. Don’t eat the fattiness that oozes out of the meatloaf. I’m not really sure what that is actually, other than something I didn’t eat.

And dinner is served y’all! I paired the turkey meatloaf with a side of zoodles topped with fire roasted diced tomatoes. It was a tasty and filling meal.

So let me know what you think! It’s gotta be one of the easiest meals I’ve created in a long time. And it’s 100% paleo and whole30 approved! Can’t go wrong with that!

Do you have any comfort foods that you wish were gluten free? I am think about doing a little experimenting in the kitchen this weekend and I’m looking for suggestions!

Whole30 Approved Taco Seasoning (and Salad!)

by Susan

As the #2catsWhole30 Train pushes through Day 2, I really wanted to try to get some of my favorite recipes out here for y’all. I can’t wait to show everyone how GOOD clean eating really can be. Mexican-American food {i.e. TexMex} is unfortunately an extreme comfort food of mine. Give me some chips, salsa and guacamole and I’m a happy girl. 97% of our date nights revolve around Chipotle. And when it comes to spicy food, the hotter the better.Now, just because you’ve jumped head first into the paleo world with the Whole30 doesn’t mean you have to give up your Mexican food. {Well, those chips, tortillas, and queso sauces - yes. But give me this one recipe to convince you that you can still enjoy a good Taco Salad (minus the chips) and eat clean at the same time!}2 Cats & Chloe: Whole30, Paleo Taco Salad

Ingredients:

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon of Onion Powder

1 Teaspoon of Cumin

3/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon of Smoked Paprika

1 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1 pound of Grass-Fed Ground Beef (you could always do ground turkey or chicken also)

1/2 Cup of Water

For the Salad Fixings I use:

Sliced Cherry Tomatoes

Lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine are the best for a Taco Salad, but I just use whatever we have in the fridge)

Peppers and Onions (I use frozen ones from Trader Joes)

Salsa (no added sugar)

Guacamole

Feel free to add any other taco salad essentials that you love - but to keep it whole30 and paleo, stay away from the chips, cheese, and salsa with added sugar.

This is going to be one of the easiest paleo meals you will ever make. Basically you need to collect the necessary seasonings and brown the meat. Once the meat is browned, you are going to pour the seasoning blend onto the meat. Add the 1/2 cup of water. Mix everything up really well so that the seasoning is blended throughout. Put the seasoned taco meat on low and let the water simmer out. Continue to check in on it though, stirring and mixing it every couple of minutes.

At the same time, in a different skillet, it’s time to start cooking the peppers and onions! Like I said - this is a go-to easy meal for me. To help keep it simple, I use the frozen Trader Joe’s Fire Roasted Peppers and Onions. Toss them in the pan and let them cook right up. Again, flip them around every now and then until they are not frozen and appear soft. (You could definitely use fresh peppers and onions as well! This bag of tricks is much quicker and less expensive than fresh peppers are right now though.)

I like to put my lettuce on the bottom of the plate. For Taco Salad, I prefer iceberg or romaine lettuce. But we had neither. So I used whatever was in the fridge. On top of the lettuce went my peppers and onions. On top of that the beef and any other “taco toppings of choice.”

I always wonder if pro-foodie bloggers’ kitchens end up as messy as mine does… Don’t let the pretty food pictures fool you. My kitchen is a hot mess!

To me, the salsa and guacamole are the cherry on top of this taco sundae. Pop a few spoonfuls of each on top of your taco salad creation and then dig in!

Give it a shot and let me know what you think! What taco toppings do you love?

Happy clean-eating!

Whole30 Questions and Essentials!

by Susan

Guys - it is taking every single ounce of motivation and alertness that is still remaining in my body today, to sit at my desk and work. Why am I so absolutely drained? Because I just spent the last four days of my life in Vegas with some of my greatest friends. Oh, and let us not forget that I basically want to spend today driving around town. Again, you’re asking why? Only because my husband is a rockstar.On Friday, while I was busy putzing around the Strip, then getting my hair and makeup done, I got a text from my hubby with this picture:

So yeah, I’d say three-ish days of vacation and returning home to a brand spanking new car isn’t that bad of a life. Can someone please pinch me?

I would love to share a bit about my beyond awesome, whirl wind trip to Vegas with you - however, we have some business to cover today.

Whole30 Challenge for a Group #2catswhole30

As most of y’all know, I am a HUGE proponent of the Whole30. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we are starting another group challenge THIS WEDNESDAY. There are about 30 people right now who have committed to spend 30 days eating clean, getting healthy, and supporting each other throughout the process. And we would LOVE for you to join us in this!I have already sent out a few business-y emails with links and explanations. If you want to join, let me know ASAP and I can get you added to the list, and I will forward you the previously sent emails.I wanted to spend a few minutes today, publicly answering a few of your Whole30 questions, purely based on my past experiences. Please keep in mind that I am NOT a nutritionist. I am just sharing what I have read and learned from experience. And most importantly what works for me and makes me feel GOOD.

Q: No grains, No added sugar, No dairy, No beans or soy or legumes, No booze?

Are you serious?

Yes. Very much so. And you can do it. It’s just 30 days. You will quickly discover and love how much you CAN eat. Yes, you will miss the cheese pizza. Yes, you will have dreams about talking bowls of ice cream that are battling it out with stalks of celery. Yes, you will be exhausting every single sweet potato option that is available. But like I said, it’s only 30 days. And I promise you will feel good and be absolutely proud of yourself when you wrap this puppy up.

Q: If I can’t drink wine, beer, soda, boxed juice, monster drinks, frappicinos, or sweet tea - won’t I be thirsty?!

Friends, I would be lying if I said you won’t be oh so tired of drinking water. But unfortunately, it is, by far, the best thing you can do for yourself. I am personally not a huge fan of plain-jane water. I have become obsessed with bubbly mineral water. {It makes me feel like I am drinking soda without all the crap and sugar!} Pop some lemon, fruit or mint into your water. Mix it up some!

And believe it or not - you can still drink your morning cup of joe. A cup of coffee is okay. I would limit the amount the amount of caffiene you are taking in, but if you need your morning coffee - have it! BUT - remember you either have to have it black or add some coconut cream to it. No added sugar of any sort. {You want the coconut cream or milk that is found in the can. The heavy stuff from Trader Joes is by far my fave, and must less expensive than that link above, when in store. You can typically find the cans of this milk or cream in the asian food section of your grocery store.}

Tea is also another great option. Seriously. Hot or Cold. When I am on a Whole30, I stick with tea in the morning because I just cannot handle my coffee without stevia. And just your luck, I know of a girl who sells Loose Leaf Tea! And she will be offering a Whole30 discount! {It’s me if you haven’t caught on yet!} Head over to my shop and check out the few teas I have listed. I also have about 15 other flavors I could hook you up with if none of these strike your fancy. Use the Coupon Code: Whole30 for 10% off! {Expires Sept 1, 2014}

Lastly, as far as drinks go, I am going to reference booze. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be spending tonight and tomorrow night drinking my beloved wine. As you are out with your friends it can be tough to not partake in a glass or two. I know it’s not the same, but I have found that my Whole30 Mocktails are the perfect beverage when I am craving a drink with friends.

Q: How much weight will I lose?

Let me point out, that the Whole30 was not created as a weight lose plan. It is a way to kick your butt into gear; a way to reboot your eating habits and get healthy. That being said, a lot of us will lose weight when doing this. In three months (2 whole30s and 1 month of paleo) I lost 20 pounds. It is possible, you just cannot use your weight as a way to judge your success with a whole30. If you feel good, you make it through the 30 days, your clothes fit better, and you learn a few new healthy recipes - you’ve done well.

Q: I don’t care what you say. I’m going to weigh myself daily.

Remember! You ARE NOT ALLOWED to weigh yourself throughout the whole30. Just don’t do it. Your weight fluctuates so much, don’t let this be something to determine your mood. Hop on the scale on day one and on day 31. Take pictures on day one and on day 31 also!

Q: What about exercise? Can I still hit the gym? What if I’m not that fit?

Look, I am definitely not an expert in this field, but I can tell you what does and doesn’t work for me. I lost 9 pounds on my first whole30 and I only exercised once or twice a week. If you are not an active person, I would recommend adding some physical activity to your regimen. Even just walking. A little at a time is a good start. If you are currently active, there is no reason why you cannot continue your routine. My goal is to work out at least 5 times a week for this whole30. {I’m currently lucky if I workout twice.} I think you should set a fitness goal for yourself too! Goals are great, and you have the support of this group to stay on track and keep you motivated!

Q: There are certain foods that I cannot live without. There are certain foods that are whole30 that I cannot stand. What do I do?

Unless you will die without your {fill in the blank} you can live without it. I struggled with giving up my wine and cheese. Seriously, y’all. I thought life was going to suck without them both, so why even give them up? Because you don’t know until you try AND it’s just 30 days. If you dwell on the fact that you will be going 30 days without {fill in the blank} you are letting that food/drink/object control you. Prove to yourself that wine/cheese/bread/yogurt/snickers/ice cream/chocolate doesn’t have control over your life!

If there is a food you swear you hate, but it’s all over the meal plan as a whole30 approved item {i.e. sweet potatoes} all I have to say is TRY THEM. I had people calling me up last time raving about how they hated sweet potatoes. Then they tried the sweet potato fries and were hooked.

Q: What can I use to replace some of my go-to cooking items?

Here are a few things that we cannot live without that I highly recommend you get your paws on immediately.

Ghee - This is clarified butter and is whole30 approved. It’s a necessity in our house as I use it for sautéing veggies, for eggs, and sometimes on sweet potatoes.

Coconut Aminos - The absolute best replacement for soy sauce I have been able to find. It has no crap in it and it allows me to enjoy “Asian” dishes! I even take this with me into sushi places (when I’m not on a whole30, of course!) I use this for my Paleo “Lo Mein.”

Coconut Oil - Use this in your cooking instead of oils like Vegetable oil or Canola oil. I use this for basically everything I cook in a pot or pan.

Coconut Cream - Like I said above, this is a GREAT option for coffee and even tea. I started using it after my first whole30 and have never been able to go back to traditional milk or creamer.

There are also a couple kitchen tools that I use all the time, that make the whole30 a bit easier.

1. My Spiral Noodle Slicer aka my Zoodle Maker. If you are joining us, we will have recipes using this tool starting in week two. There are definitely ways around having one, but not only does it make cooking fun, it is also quick and great when you are craving noodles!

2. A Mandolin - this is great for cutting up veggies. I specifically use it for my sweet potato chips and my sweet potato hash.

3. I HIGHLY recommend that you get yourself a copy of It Starts with Food. While their website is terrific, and you can ask me anything (and I will try to answer or find the answer for you) this book is packed with awesome information to help you through your journey. And it’s prime eligible on Amazon!

Wow this turned into one incredibly long post! I hope you find some or all of this helpful. If you have Whole30 or paleo questions for me as we begin this journey together, please do not hesitate to comment below, or shoot me an email, or find me on Instagram, or even on our #2catswhole30 facebook group!Hit me up if you need anything! I’m super excited to get started with y’all on Wednesday!

Holy Zoodles! Whole30 Paleo Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

by Susan

For those who follow me on instagram, in the midst of the onslaught work related June wedding and event pics, recently y’all have seen several posts where I’m stark raving mad over my new favorite toy: my zoodle maker.{via}Seriously! Why in the world was I eating normal, straight-edge sliced veggies when I could be eating veggies that remind me of:A. Real noodlesB. Curly friesC. or My All-Time favorite, french fry making, play-doh set I had when I was a kid.

play-doh french fry and burger maker via amazon

{via}

Never in my life have I experienced oh so much joy while eating vegetables! This “machine” has even tricked me into wanting kids {like yesterday} just so I can try tricking them into eating their vegetables! I sure know that “6 year old me” never would’ve turned down veggies that are more fun to make than play-doh french fries. Just sayin.

With all of that nonsense being said, I want to share a zoodle recipe with you today. Not only am I sharing this because you NEED a Zoodle Maker in your life, but because I am going to be leading another group Whole30 Challenge {#2catswhole30} next month. And I would love for you to join us! And you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be zoodles on my meal plan this go round!

So check out my impromptu recipe below {excuse the crappy iphone photos - I seriously wasn’t planning on this being one of the most amazing meals I’ve had in months!} and then get your butt in gear and order your own Spiral Vegetable Slicer (aka Zoodle Maker!)

*Please note: I usually just “wing it” in the kitchen. Measurements below are not exact. Use ingredients that you and your taste buds like.*

Whole30 Approved - Paleo Shrimp and Veggie “Lo Mein”

What you need:

2-3 Medium/Large Zucchinis

A Bell Pepper

An Onion

Carrots

Mushrooms

Pre-Cooked and Peeled Shrimp {or other protein of your choice}

2 Eggs

Approx. 1/3 cup Coconut Aminios {A wonderful replacement to soy sauce! It contains no sugar and no soy! Amen!}

A dash of onion powder

A tablespoon of Minced Garlic

A dash {or more if you like things spicy!} of Red Pepper Flakes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I know it sounds like a lot of things, but honestly, I just cleared out the veggie drawer in my fridge. Use whatever veggies and seasonings suit your appetite.

Now! Get our your brand spankin’ new Zoodle Maker!

You know how Ty Pennington would say Move! That! Bus! at the end of Extreme Home Makeover?

Well, it’s time for you to Make! Those! Zoodles!

{seriously. have fun.}

Chop and prep all the veggies {other than the zucchinis, because those are now noodles!} Toss the the veggies into your skillet with half of your coconut aminos, and seasonings. Once they start cooking, add your pre-cooked shrimp.

Saute {how in the world do i get the ´ over the e??} them up until the carrots are almost soft.

Put your zoodles into a separate skillet. I put them into my heavy duty wok. Add some EVOO and let them start cooking. Add your veggies {and sauce that as developed in the pan} to your zoodles. Continue to cook everything all together now. Stirring and Shufflin’ everything around so nothing burns to the bottom of the pan.

Once the veggies have all been merged, I used the original veggie skillet to fry two eggs. Then I chopped them into smaller pieces.

Add the egg pieces to your zoodles, veggies, and shrimp. Add any left over seasonings or coconut aminos to your wok. Once your zoodles are soft, you’re a good to go!

Oh, and Salt and Pepper to taste.

Again, sorry for the crappy pictures. This dish was unplanned but spectacularly delicious.

Again, this dish is whole30 approved, paleo, and gluten free. Hallelujah! Whether you are new to the paleo world, you are trying to cut carbs, or you’re a mom desperate to get her kid to eat veggies… you need to get your paws on this zoodle maker. If you want more information on the whole30 or to simply see why I’m a huge proponent of restarting your eating habits - you can see my results here.

By no means do I consider myself an expert, but shoot me an email if you have questions, or if you want to join us on the July #2catswhole30 Challenge! {It will be starting on July 16.}

I’m linking this post up with the Naturally Sweet Tuesday Linkup!

More than Friday… It’s DAY 31: My Whole30 Results

Day 15: Whole30 Results and Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Whole30 Approved Taco Seasoning (and Salad!)

Whole30 Questions and Essentials!

Holy Zoodles! Whole30 Paleo Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

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