Day 29: Better Food, Better Skin

Today is 29 days of the 30 day Paleo Challenge. There are days where its been easy and other days it has been a challenge. 

I've  enjoyed my occasional onion rings, fry sauce and even large bacon cheese burgers.The repercussions always show up on my face! Healthy eating has defiantly fixed this issue. On top of that these are my FAVORITE facial cleansers and products. They are available at your nearest drug store. For a long time I used the expensive stuff you could only find at the department stores or buy online. There wasn't drastic improvement. I found the key to success was what I put in my mouth in addition to clean and moisturized skin. 

I love the Olay Cleansing brush and ProX cleanser 

Exfoliation is as important as ever to rid your skins complexion of skin-dulling dead cells. Believe it or not, Evan has a brush too and he loves it! 

But I rotate facial washes morning and night! I seriously love these two. They remove all of my makeup so I don't have the raccoon eyes. Plus they provide a fragrant tingly feeling. 

Sunscreen EVERYDAY! Evan bought this one, and so far its the best one I've ever used! It's not greasy and doesn't make my skin feel oily, caky or extra shiny. 

Costco has great deals on Olay Regenerist Products. It's all about the moisture. I use this after the sunscreen! I don't have wrinkles yet, but my goal is to prevent as long as possible. Skin starts loosing its elasticity in your 30's. However if you moisturize in your 20's you're more likely to keep your skin looking healthy longer. 

 Speaking of Onion Rings Today I made 

healthy onion rings

Ingredients 
1 onion 
1 T onion powder 
1T garlic Powder
1/2 cup Bread Crumb or Almond Flour 
2 eggs

heat oven to 350 degrees 
cut onion into rings 
in a separate bowl whip your eggs 
dip onion rings into eggs 
on plate pour your dry mixture (crumbs, garlic powder & onion powder)
cover each ring with the dry mixture 
lay on a pan and cook in the oven for 40 minutes 


Chicken Nuggets 

2lbs chicken tenders
 1/2 cup almond flour 
1T onion powder 
1T garlic powder 

heat oven to 350 degrees 
cut chicken into small chunks
in a separate bowl whip your eggs 
dip chicken chunks into eggs 
on plate pour your dry mixture (crumbs, garlic powder & onion powder)
cover each chicken piece with the dry mixture 
lay on a pan and cook in the oven for 25 minutes 

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 19: BIRTHDAY! MY Favorite Day!

Before I start out celebrating I'd like to take a moment to remember my Opa.

On my 8th birthday, 17 years ago today he passed away (March 28, 1997). 

To the man who let me play with his hair, eat his noodles, fix what I broke, took me with him to lock up the church at night, and wake him up from his naps to play. He lived through war as a prisoner, pain, cancer and  always put others needs first without complaining. He was an example of humility, patience and kindness. I miss his elbow wave and whistle!  

Every year my Oma makes herself a birthday cake. My cousin and I most definitely have taken after her. We always love to make our own birthday cakes. I usually make the Schwarzwälder-Kirsch-Torte, and by all means it is one of my favorite cakes, that and Oma's hazelnut cake, but I am trying something new this year. Paleo birthday cake

PALEO CHEESECAKE 

Crust 

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup pecans

1 cup coconut shreds 

Filling 

3 cups unsalted cashews 

1/3 cup lemon juice 

1/2 cup agave 

1/2 cup coconut oil 

1 T vanilla extract 

Soak your cashews for 24 hours in water so they become soft and are able to blend smoothly. After soaking they will look very plump. 

I probably should have used a spring pan, but thats in a box somewhere in storage, so I'm using what I have. 

To make the crust add the ingredients into a food processor and blend until it is kind of sticky and you can form it

Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan

In the food process mix the cashews, lemon juice, agave, vanilla and coconut oil. 

Blend until it is smooth, no chunks. You want to it be like Cheesecake. 

Cover and put into the freezer. Allow 20 minutes to thaw before eating. YUM

IT WAS PRETTY GOOD. I was surprised the texture was very much like a real cheesecake. 

I started my day out with a 5 mile run. It was 40 degrees this morning with overcast, but no rain and no wind. I wanted to keep running but I ran out of places to run. There aren't many parks around here and you can only go so far before you hit the dangerous areas. 

Then I got a pedicure. The little chinese girl did awesome. Holy wonderful leg massage and neck massage while my toes were drying. This place was cheap and GOOD! I will definitely go back....

 Evan took me to the Cheesecake Factory in Garden City, New York. 

We both ordered the Hibachi Steak. His brother turned us onto this dish back in December. You can't go wrong with this delicious, tender, succulent steak. I substituted the mashed potatoes for sweet potato fries to keep myself as paleo as possible. Hard to do because I LOVE Mashed Potatoes, but the waitress said they were loaded with milk, butter, cream and other dairy. :(  

 I'd like to note that those fries are NOT mine :) 

Evan did order a strawberry cheesecake since we were there . I had a small small taste, and it was really good. My paleo/vegan cheesecake doesn't stack up to the real thing. The waitress did bring it out with a little candle  and "happy birthday" written in chocolate:) You can't go wrong with that. 

I wanted to play and have fun- after all I did turn 25 so I asked Evan to take me to Chuck -E-Cheese. We didn't go to there but we did go to Dave & Busters for games. It was a blast. I found a coupon on my "snip snap" app for $10 in free games.  We loved the Mario Kart Racing game. We definitely hogged it and played several games there. This machine too your picture and added it to the characters face. hahah Since I was little I would be Yoshi and I kept true to that. 

 I got many cards,e-cards, gifts, phone calls, and texts from family and friends. I love talking to and hearing from family so much <3

It was such a good day! Thank you all. Here's to another year- one year older, and wiser too! 

Cheers, 

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 15: Shopping, Cookies, Happy

Mondays: The most productive day of the week. Seriously. We were up at 5:30am, Evan went to work, I went for a run, did laundry, cleaned the house, did a bunch of camp emails and got ready all before 9:30 am. If I were like this everyday, who knows what I could do. 

Spring will never come. My run this morning was 20 degrees, sunny and freezing. 

In the past 3 days I've managed to break our apple slicer, can opener and melt our spatula. 

It's Birthday Week so I decided to incorporate a little shopping into my day at TJMAXX. I love that place! I obviously was looking for a few new kitchen tools and well there were a few things I didn't have. Thanks to a few Wedding Gift Cards and their wonderful 50%-75% sale on Kitchen Aid this is what I came up with. Yep all the tools were $1.50-$5.00, and I love the colors!  

Beautiful right??

Costco was my next stop! They have some awesome cooking ingredients that are expensive at the local stores! 

Himalayan Pink Salt $3.98 at Costco, $12.99 at the local store for a 3oz bottle! 

What? INSANE. This salt is extremely flavorful and so pure. 

Agave 2 bottles at Costco for $5.98. A small little 12oz bottle at the local store was  $4 something 

Good Deals, Good Steals today! 

Evan requested Chocolate Chip Cookies... He thought they were so delicious, I was surprised how good they were. I ate some batter and 2 cookies. I forgot how allergic I am to Almonds so that made me super sick. But they were so good it was almost worth it... almost. I loved eating them in the moment. 

 PALEO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 

Ingredients 

3 cups sifted almond flour 

1 cup dark chocolate chips 

1/3 cup honey

1/2 T pure vanilla extract 

1/4 tsp pink salt, or sea salt

1/2 tsp baking powder 

1 egg

coconut oil 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a mixing bowl wisk egg and combine salt, vanilla extract, honey and baking powder

after ingredients are combined add the chocolate chips 

sift almond flour in and mix together

cover baking sheet with coconut oil 

use a small ice cream scoop to make cookies into small balls on the pan

bake for 15 minutes then allow to cool before taking them off the pan

Yes that's correct, we had dessert before dinner 

Lemon Honey Chicken

Ingredients 

2 lbs chicken tenderloins 

scallions 

1 T minced garlic

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 yellow onion

2 T honey 

4 T lemon juice

1/3 cup coconut flour 

1 egg

1 T coconut oil 

chop the chicken into small pieces 

whisk egg in a mixing bowl 

dip chicken pieces into egg 

drip excess egg and roll pieces into coconut flour 

melt coconut oil in a pan 

cook chicken pieces in the pan with medium heat until brown 

in a separate pan brown garlic and chopped onion 

combine broth , honey, lemon juice into the pan with garlic and onions and let simmer 

add browned chicken 

garnish dish with chopped scallions

He got off early and helped me do some cooking/tasting. 

This meal was Evan approved. 

On another note Almond makes my stomach feel like death 

I rubbed some DoTerra DigestZen  (which is a blend of Ginger, peppermint, tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise ) on my stomach and within the hour the pain and nausea was pretty much gone but holy cow I was feeling so much better. 

Good Day, Good Food, Good Fun

<3 

Love 

H & E