And a Happy New Year . . .
Got resolutions?
It is so easy to say that you are going to do things differently in the new year, especially when it comes to eating habits and other healthy lifestyle routines. Then up comes that word - DIET - most of us don’t like to hear that word!
Why do diets seem so hard? Personally, I’ve never been successful when trying to follow diets with restrictions, such as a meal plan that includes items measured out by the ounces, or pre-measured, pre-made items on a daily meal plan. And then there’s the menus where you put an effort into making a recipe and there’s leftovers that go to waste because they aren’t on the menu “plan” the next day.
If you have experienced the same issues, here’s a concept for you to ponder as your resolution. This is so simple you are going to laugh! No measuring, no ordering prepared meals, no calculating calories or carbs, how easy is that. Ready for it? Eat real food. Done.
Meat, fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts. There are SO many good recipes to be made from real food so if you are thinking that this way of eating sounds boring, please keep reading, it’s wonderful! The health benefits are endless, you will feel better, your energy level will return, it really is just amazing. No, I’m not an accredited nutritionist, just speaking from experience. Here is a better resource to learn more about the facts - the book It Starts With Food, will provide a deeper insight into the benefits of eating real food. So start your new year with a good read, an open mind for change, and a new way of eating that will optimize your health.
When I first started Whole30, the hardest part was recipe ideas and meal planning. Then with a little research, I discovered that when I google a recipe, if you just add the word Whole30 or Paleo onto the end of it, there is a ton of recipe ideas out there. I kept a list of ideas for each meal so I would always have them on hand and not get discouraged about what to fix. It seems like quite a simple list looking back on it now, but I thought I would share it in case you need a little jumpstart. These ideas are now firmly planted and this blog is the result of trying new recipes, realizing how good and simple it can be, and desiring to share the recipes with others.
BREAKFAST -
Scrambled eggs, fruit
Berries, fruit, nuts and coconut milk (see Whole30 granola)
Sausage and broccoli egg scramble
Bacon and egg scramble with sliced avocado
Some basic breakfast hints that you will love -
Slice up the whole package of bacon and cook all at once. Place any excess in a storage bag in the freezer, it’s ready to use anytime.
Cook up a whole package of breakfast sausage, same as bacon, place the extra in a freezer bag.
Always have hard boiled eggs on hand, you never know when that emergency morning breakfast is going to happen!
LUNCH -
Tuna Salad - you can always have these ingredients on hand. Protein packed and healthy!
Turkey Roll-up - or other type of sliced meat, just roll the goodies up inside!
Whole30 chicken salad - simple, healthy, and tasty
Simple hints to help you survive the midday meal - LEFTOVERS! Best plan ever, make a little extra during the evening meal and you are good to go. Always have salad available, add a little protein, one of those hard boiled eggs, done. As I perused recipes on pattysplate, there were many that would be good for lunchtime planning, too many to list here. Take a look and see what sounds good to you!
DINNER -
Dinner planning seems the easiest to me. Pick a protein, your favorite herbs, then fill your plate with vegetables of all different colors. As I look back on my simple meal list idea I started with years ago, there wasn’t much mentioned for dinner, it was the breakfast and lunchtime I really struggled with. And don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!
Snacks are important too, if you don’t have the right thing available, you will grab the wrong thing! So while you are making breakfast, cut up an apple or your favorite fruit, and keep it handy for throughout the day. Nuts, nuts, and more nuts - the perfect little snack to hold you over.
Be encouraged for this New Year’s Resolution and Eat Real Food - Enjoy!!