Day 30: The End

We have reached the end. I can't believe how quickly one month has flown by. Our 30 day challenge is over. I can't say we were 100% perfect, in fact there were a few days we ate sushi, thai food and maybe I had a few jelly beans the other day. However when we were on track we felt great, and we will continue to eat healthy. 

Some days were hard and definitely challenge to take the time to cook. Towards the end of the challenge I found the food was better tasting because I got the hang of the paleo thing. It takes some creativity but the more you practice the better the food gets. There were a few recipes that I would never make again. 

Chocolate Truffles 

Ingredients 

13 fresh dates

1 1/2 Pecans 

4 T honey 

3T cocoa powder 

1/4 cup shredded coconut 

combine dates, pecans, honey and cocoa powder in a food processor 

after you have mixed it well, roll into small balls (makes about 12)

then roll balls into shredded coconut

put into the refrigerator for 30 minutes 

Mexican Lime Soup

Ingredients 

2 lbs chicken shredded 
1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to taste
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more, to taste
1 large white onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño chili
3-5 cups low-sodium chicken broth  or vegetable broth 
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 avocado

 with garlic, cook chicken in a small pan and shred
then sauté onions with salt and pepper
combine chicken and saute onions together
in a pot combine jalapeño, broth and oregano
add chicken to the liquid mixture 
let simmer for 20 minutes

garnish with avocado slices 

The 30 Day Challenge is over! It's been fun and we will continue to eat healthy :) 

Peace out 30 day challenge 

Day 22: Paleo Flaw

I still really enjoy the healthy eating and there are still 8 days left of the 30 day challenge; I love the amount of vegetables, fruits, good fats, seeds, and most of all the elimination of refined sugars. I plan to continue this patter but in my personal opinion I strongly believe that there are some flaws with the paleo diet. I feel there are some issues with the elimination of certain foods that are a prevention of cancers, and diabetes. Legumes are a carbohydrate that don't spike glucose and do support longevity. Whole grains is the second thing I feel is a flaw to eliminate. I think when the paleo diet eliminates grains it is because many are processed and changed, but whole grains are good for you, if we are reading our labels and they are truly whole and pure then it is good to go. Obviously everything should be eaten in moderation but for the remainder of the challenge I will be incorporating some legumes and whole grains/seeds like oats and quinoa. 

Honestly I feel good but I feel like there has been elimination of foods that provide nutritional benefits. 

So tonight I made Quinoa & Beef Burritos

Ingredients 

2 c quinoa 
3 c vegetable broth 
1 green bell pepper 
1/2 yellow onion 
cilantro 
lime juice 
1 lb ground beef
2 cups black beans 
1 tsp cumin 
1T chili powder
1T garlic minced
whole wheat tortilla

dice onion and bell pepper 
in a pan with medium heat add the brown the ground beef, onion, bell peppers
Then add cumin, garlic, and chili powder
in a separate pot add quinoa use broth instead of water, and use normal cooking directions. 


When everything is completed combine the ingredients into the tortilla, then add chopped cilantro to taste!
This was delicious! Evan was raving about it! 

I personally loved the quinoa! It had a extra delicious taste to it, considering it was cooked in the broth. 

Evan worked until late, but really great news: 
This is the last week of MEDICINE ROTATION! WOO HOO! 

I think I'll have to make something special to celebrate the last day (Saturday). 

cheers, 

E & H 

Day 20 & 21: Love Everyone Better

An uplifting weekend with the wise words of LDS Leaders. 

This was the beginning of the LDS General Conference session with the Women's Meeting on Saturday. 

There were 4 outstanding speakers reminding, not just women, but everyone to remember that we can learn from others no matter their age, there is no barrier. We are here to help each other keep covenants, have faith in Christ and understand repentance. Through loving others we must remember to help with a smile, forgive, comfort other despite differences. Though there are differences we should always seek to find what you have in common with others. President Henry B. Eyring said, "Daughters of God are more alike than they are different". 

More uplifting messages for you and your family April 5-6 

during the 184th Semi Annual General Conference 

Click here to watch 

Saturday I cooked in the crock pot so that cooking Sunday wasn't necessary. I had some meetings to attend for Girls Camp. 2 Weeks away!

Here are a few recipes to save you time! 

Crockpot Salsa Chicken 

3 lbs chicken 

1 bottle of 32oz organic salsa

1 chopped jalepeno 

3 diced fresh tomatoes 

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 

combine all ingredients into a crockpot and cook on high for 6-8 hours 

Its the perfect paleo meal. We ate this for 2 meals. For Evan I put the chicken on bread and added some pepper jack chicken for a sandwich. The second meal I made him nachos. I added the chicken to a few black beans, multigrain chips and melted pepper jack cheese. 

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 

Ingredients

Asparagus Spears

Turkey Bacon

Wrap each spear in a piece of bacon 

Cook in the oven at 350 Degrees for 45 minutes

For Dessert I made Fruit Roll Ups. 

The strawberries and mango I bought were starting to look old so I save them by making fruit roll ups. 

Ingredients 

2 cups Strawberries

1 cup mango 

3 T honey 

Combine the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.

Onto a silicon pan liner pour your mixture 

ensure that it is about 1/8 inch thick

cook for about 7 hours in the oven at 170 degrees 

We couldn't keep our hands off of this delicious treat. Evan was pleasantly surprised it was like the store bought stuff but not artificial tasting. 

For my birthday I got the Movie Saratov Approach!

It was absolutely incredible. Evan and I really enjoyed watching it. If you haven't seen it, SEE IT! It is now out on DVD. 

Here is were you can purchase the movie

* I have not been paid to indorse this movie, I simply just loved it and highly recommend it* 

Hope you enjoy this food and movie 

<3 

E & H 

Day 16: When life gets in the way- Plan, Prepare, EAT

I can't decide what's more difficult, Eating Paleo OR blogging about it. 

Evan has become a pro and tasting and grading with all of this "never been done before food". The real issues is having time to do anything. 

Two weeks ago they called me to be the Stake Girls Camp Director. Sounds fun right? Well considering I have 2 weeks until camp, I AM BUSY.

What is Girls Camp??? CLICK HERE
Girls are able to attend Young Womens Camp. There are a number of outdoor skills they learn and activities they are able to participate in and complete Camp Certification  from- hiking, learning to use a compass, outdoor cooking, tying knots and other things. They learn leadership skills, are able to participate in service and develop friendships. In addition there is a spiritual aspect to camp- They are able to experience Heavenly Father's creations and the blessings that surround us in nature. Young Women can attend camp from the ages of 12-18.
I remember camp was always a positive/fun experience. I loved my leaders and I loved the girls I went to camp with. I was lucky enough to have my cousin at camp, my aunt who was a leader and my uncle came as a priesthood holder. 

The Biggest chunk of camp has been planned, now its just a matter of details. I am a detail LOVER- so I for sure want to make sure nothing is over looked. 

Departure Planned

T-shirts ordered

Schedule Complete 

Secret Sisters Assigned 

Camp Cabin Assignments Made

Packing List done

Meals Done!!!  I don't have to worry about food - minus food for myself. (the 30 day challenge will be over by camp, but I will keep eating this way so I don't die of hives Pack the Snacks galore), and yes I have my travel kit of DoTerra Oils packed in case. I'm prepared(allergies, cold, congestion, skin/ ear issues)! 

Activities Done

Welcome Baggies are in progress

I need a nap. 

Now I need SKIT ideas (Seriously if you have good skit ideas HELP!) and time for putting everything together and organizing it, where is my committee? I need one...... Saving that for later. 

We also need 4 Priesthood holders to come to camp. Ask me how many I have! If you guessed ZERO you are right! I've made phone calls, sent emails and even offered to fly my dad out to come camp. He laughed at me by the way. I can only be so annoying and bug people so much. Can't blame anyone- its Monday- Thursday... It's not that easy to get work off. 

 That is the cause of my headache right now. 

On another note I made these for all the girls, and I am rather proud of them. It took a little time but they are finally complete. Yes, you are correct Rose Earrings! I love them, and I totally wish I could keep them all to myself. 

Evan came home early again which was awesome- we sat and brainstormed Skits for over an hour... but I had to do some explaining what Girls Camp Skits were. He was very confused. Welcome to the world of Women! Poor Guy. The house if full of papers, handouts, and girls camp stuff. 

Last night I made Orange Chicken and it was good. 

Evan said he would be absolutely fine if I made it again. 

Evan gave it a solid 7.5-8 score. 

Orange Chicken 

2 lbs Chicken Tenders 

1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 

1/3 cup coconut milk 

1/3 cup honey

2 T tomato paste 

3T toasted sesame oil 

1T minced garlic 

3/4 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt 

1/4 tsp black pepper

Chopped Scallions *optional* 

In a large mixing bowl combine orange juice, coconut milk, honey, tomato paste, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Begin cooking your chicken tenders in a pan on medium heat

When chicken tenders are mostly done, add sauce

simmer for 10 minutes 

add scallions and then enjoy

I added a mixed salad with balsamic vinegar to accompany my chicken. I do occasionally love a giant  bowl of the boring greens.

Bless the soul of my patient husband who is okay with healthy paleo food. It has helped me a lot. I haven't been getting sick after every meal. HAPPINESS. 

<3 

E & H 

You know Heidi and Evan = HEAVEN 

Day 11: It's ALL good

We have made it to Day 11. 

Things are going well, I'm actually enjoying healthy eating a lot. I feel really really good. I have a lot of energy and I sleep really well. 

There has been a lot of experimental food the last 11 days. 

There is healthy tasting food, and then there is really delicious healthy tasting food. :) I think this may be the most successful paleo recipe I've made so far. It had a lot of flavor to it, and didn't taste like a pure vegetables, which was a serious plus. Evan really enjoyed this a lot!

Slow Cooked Chicken Enchilada 

Ingredients

2 lbs Chicken 

1 large diced yellow onion 

1 large green bell pepper

3 chopped jalepenos

1 4oz can green chilies 

3 fresh diced tomatoes 

1 8oz can tomato sauce 

3 diced garlic cloves

1T cumin

1T chili powder

2 tsp dried oregano 

salt & pepper to taste

Garnish: 

cilantro 

avocado

fresh lime 

1. combine all the ingredients into a large crock pot

2. cook for 4 hours on high and 2 hours on low

3. add your garnish and enjoy 

DoTerra Oils 

I love them. Evan was sick the other day with a sore throat and a cough. 

He took some Lemon for his throat and Oregano in a veggie cap to help his immune system 2xs a day. 24 hours later he was golden. 

Lucky me ended up with the same thing last night... So far the sore throat is already GONE. 

My newest order just arrived in the mail! Lemon, Lavender, OnGuard and fractioned coconut oil (Stays in liquid form even when it is cool). Hallelujah!

If you want to save 25% with wholesale prices on your DoTerra Oils/products 

CLICK HERE 

ENROLLER ID: 776284

SPONSOR ID: 776284

CLICK HERE to Order 

*essential oils do not cure, prevent or treat, but they do help support the body in its self healing process* 

1 drop of an essential oil is like 28 cups of tea

Day 10: Paleo, a Protein Rich Diet. Is it good for you?

My entire life my mom ensured that I didn't eat too many eggs in a week in fear of increasing my cholesterol. I've steered away from the yokes and for a while I even bought the boxed egg whites. Most of my life I also tried not to eat too much red meat. Then I found paleo where you eat a lot of eggs and red meats as long as they are organic/ ground fed. But this still goes against everything I've ever known. It's very confusing and hard to know what is true and what is not.

The only thing to do is some digging and find out what research has been done. 

What does Doctor Oz have to say, and his "protein prescription". 

Protein protects agains 3 things: Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 1/3 of people are protein deficient. (WHAT?!) Our bodies are made up of protein: skin, bone, organs, blood, hormones, tendons, and of course muscles. When we are not feeding these things with proteins than obviously our bodies do not function the way they are meant to be. 

5-6 servings of protein are necessary everyday. We should be eating every 2-3 hours to get this. If we eat it all at once, our bodies cannot process the protein at the same time. Add a protein to every snack you have in the day. 

• Serving size is about the size of the palm of your hand. Animal proteins are the very closest to the proteins in the human body; eggs, turkey, wild caught salmon. 

• Nuts are an excellent source of FIBER (Peanuts are not a nut they are a legume), and I love Cashew butter! The calories in protein are not the same as a calorie in a carbohydrate. Our bodies will spend a little extra when we have protein, so its like a discount! I love discounts! 

• Beans/legumes (these are not in the paleo diet, but here is what Dr. Oz says): beans are a great source of protein and fiber all in one.

• Dairy (also not in the paleo diet, and I'm allergic): Plain Greek Yogurt is a great source of protein as long as sugar has not been added. 

So overall EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. You can eat 4 eggs in a day, but don't eat them all at once. Make sure you are eating those 5-6 servings a day! SNACK ATTACK! Don't starve yourself eat throughout the day every 2 hours or so. 

Obviously it is important to ensure fruit and vegetables are incorporated into your diet.

For dinner I made The Chicken Alfredo Impostor. A creamy sauce over Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients 

Spaghetti Squash 

2 lbs cooked chicken

2 avocados 

4 T coconut milk 

1T apple cider vinegar 

salt and pepper to taste

2 slices of crunchy turkey bacon (optional) 

4 fresh basil leaves

• Preheat oven to 350 Degrees 
• Cook spaghetti squash in the oven for 30 minutes 
• combine avocados, coconut milk, cider vinegar, basil, salt/ pepper to a food processor and blend until smooth 
• Add cooked chicken pieces and crunchy turkey bacon pieces in to a pan with medium heat. Then add the avocado mixture. 

• Delicious! I can't complain. 
• For dessert I had a fruit smoothie 

Ingredients 

6 fresh strawberries

1 cup of Coconut milk 

ice 

Blend together!

We had mutual which involved fitness night. We did ZUMBA! It was super fun! One of the girls took my phone and snapped a sweaty picture of me.

I love being in Young Womens. They are a bunch of energetic kiddos. They are hilarious and definitely like having fun.  Love doing activities with them. I am so excited for camp!! 3 WEEKS! 

After Young Womens on Sunday

Learning to Sew. 

Hilarious girls- entertaining the little kids. 

My Pre Zumba Selfie

Zumba it up! 

Day 9: Good food, Good feeling in 30 minutes

I will start by saying I LOVE eating paleo. I feel good at the end of the day, not guilty about what I put in my mouth. I used to be a stress eater. In high school and college I would gorge myself when I was stressed, bring on the box of tricuts, block of cheese, candy and 64 oz diet coke. However then I just felt like a baluga whale. 
There were so many things going on today. From phone calls to errands, deadlines and getting things done around the house it was starting to build up inside my body *sigh* I used Serenity Oil, and applied it on my wrists and the side of my head onto the temples. Its a calming blend of Lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla bean, I was surprised how much better I felt after about 30-45 minutes. 

Yes, everything got done on time and the world didn't come to an end. In those moments when too much is happening at once you feel like you might go crazy. 

Girls Camp is just around the corner and I have a lot of little things to do (assigning devotionals, secret sister, skits, ordering t-shirts and making welcome bags) YIKES. Hopefully it will all come together on time. Either way, we will have a lot of fun, there is hiking, archery, an observatory, and just being outdoors. I think I might be more excited than the girls. 

I was so happy that Evan got home early from work so I could just be done with everything else and call it a day! Dinner was paleo and then I used a tablespoon of soy sauce and 4 tablespoons of ketchup... Fail? mmmm maybe. But I didn't have time to hunt down the paleo replacements- I just used what was in my pantry. 

Either way the Sweet n' Sour Chicken was delicious. It made my stomach happy and what a successful relief to end the day. Here is where I got it! I didn't "fry" the chicken like it directed, because I don't know if I am a bad cook or I can't follow directions but I tend to always fail when it comes to frying my own meat. 

This is 5 minutes to Prep
25 minute cook time.

Sweet n' Sour Chicken 

2 lbs chicken tenders

1/2 c honey

1/2 c apple cider vinegar 

4 Tbs ketchup 

1Tbs Soy Sauce 

1 tsp garlic powder 

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees

Put chicken tenders into a small glass baking dish 

Pour sauce mixture over the chicken 

Bake for 25 minutes 

Several blogs say quinoa is paleo because its a seed, others claim it is not paleo because it is a grain seed. I think it probably isn't paleo, but I ate it anyway:/ 

I made more of the cashew butter to eat. I turned out better than last time. I had it in the food processor just a little longer and it turned out even more smooth than before. Ah so so delicious. 

Here is the blog where I got the recipe! 

Day 8: Keep it SUPER Simple (KISS)

I feel like it gets more and more busy everyday and it gets harder and harder to be creative with food. Repeats are in the near future for sure. I don't know how much more experimental I can get. 

My day was spent at the car dealership waiting for them to do a safety recall. I waited 4 hours before they told me it was going to be awhile. What a waste of time. I did go to Target while I was waiting. Their shelves were bare..... not a very fresh n' full store. It wasn't just this aisle. 

I did however, find a really great vegan, dairy-free, gluten free, kosher snack bar. They are delicious- watch out because some of them do have peanuts. They are delicious and sure to please your tummy, and hold you over until the next meal.  I can't say I found them because a friend recommended them to me, LUNA BARS! Awesome. Coconut pie is delicious and if you look at the ingredients it is all paleo friendly. 

For dinner I kept it super simple .

A ground beef burger patty with a little salt, pepper, and avocado slices. 

Evan had a loco mock which is rice with gravy, burger patty and an egg. 

Here's to a good start to WEEK 2! My craving of sweets is GONE! I'm pretty happy about that, but I've been craving other things like yogurt and salt and vinegar potato chips. There has got to be some sort of substitute..... 

Searching.