Paleo is not expensive

Especially if you look at the positive effects it has on your health. I have friends who definitely experience leaky gut who don't believe its due to all the processed junk and bread they eat. And what they aren't losing weight .. SHOCKER!

So this morning I was reading a blog and people had commented that they can't afford to go Paleo. I mean the thought has crossed my mind when broke to go out and buy $1 package of pasta but then it would wreak havoc on my gut and I would look bloated instantly. So instead the hoarder in me turns to her freezer which still has meat from my first cow share and other chicken and fish I buy when it's on sale.  At least I hoard meat not garbage or cats like those on that show I've heard about.

So I may not be able to tell you exactly how much I spend at the market each week because I do have a stock in my freezer and a well stocked pantry of spices, herbs, coconut oil, etc. I can tell you I went to Produce Junction today and spent $9.50 on the following:

Huge bag of sweet potatoes, 2 heads of butter lettuce, 3 cucumbers, 2 containers of baby spinach, bag of yellow onions, and huge bag of kale.

The greens will last me over a week and the onions maybe 2 weeks since I love onions.  Actually, that amount seems more than I usually spend....hmm.

Other ways to save while going Paleo.

Buy whats on sale.  I still check the ads to see if butter or eggs are on sale.  I don't always buy grassfed because I am broke but I think it works for me.  I also buy dried herbs and spices on sale along with some canned items. WholeFoods always has an item on special sale on Friday so hit that up.

Split/share items with friends. The cow share worked out really well for me.  I also have shared produce from the market when I buy in bulk and want a variety. 

Go to farmer's markets. You can buy fresh and fairly cheaply. I count Produce Junction as one of these places as the items are super fresh and last longer then when I go to a supermarket.

Roasted chicken. Ok this might not fit here but I love buying a whole roasted chicken. Normally super cheap and already cooked.  You can't make it that cheap in your own oven. Plus you save the bones to make stock!

Buy in season. This is just basic common sense. And if you really want to treat yourself and you have the extra cash then buy those strawberries in Dec.  I also freeze blueberries when they are in season so I can have them in the winter.

Grow a garden. If you can. I grow some herbs on my windowsill.  I also garden at my mom's in the summer on her porch (I miss having a real garden). I make a variety of nut and cheese free pesto at the end of summer and freeze in ice cubes to use the rest of the year.  Also, during the winter I hit up Produce Junction and buy fresh herbs that are like a $1 a bunch.

Only buy what you will use. I say this about produce; meat you can always freeze but maybe not fish. Yes the food hoarder has wasted greens before but I am getting better at not buying so much.  If I run out, I just go without until I can get to the store.

Lastly, search around online and look for cheap meals to make.  Adding or changing up spices to a dish can make a huge difference.  Also, read up on some thoughts from Robb Wolf.

Superbowl Paleo Party Food

I had a couple of people ask me about ideas for a Superbowl party since it will be here before we know it.  Here are some items I have made in the past.  More to come!

 

Guacamole in endive

I made these for a friends pre-wedding paleo friendly party when I couldn’t think of anything else to make.  They were a hit and looked amazing!

Bacon & avocado sammies

I made these on a Friday night in.  

Paleo chili from Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook

This came out amazing.  I have the book if any CFCCers want to take a look.  The whole book has great recipes.

 

Kale chips

400 degree oven, line baking sheet with parchment (for easy clean up). Tear or chop kale leaves - no stems. I melted coconut oil but you could use butter or olive oil and drizzle over kale. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder and mix together. Spread a thin layer on pan. Cook until they have crisped. Mixing them halfway through cooking is helpful.

 

 Shrimp roasted

2 pounds (12 to 15-count) shrimp

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for spice)

Or I have done this with sprinkling fresh herbs

400 degrees.  Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, salt, and pepper in 1 layer. Roast for 8 to10 minutes, just until pink and firm and cooked through.

 

 

Pulled / shredded beef roast

I made this the other day and it came out amazing.  I didn’t blend the sauce ingredients out of laziness and added in 2 jalapenos sliced since I had them.  I also didn’t use juniper berries since they aren’t in my spice cabinet.  This is also good for breakfast with a fried egg on top and an avocado.

 

Taco salad

Marinate some chicken or steak.  Grill the meat.  Slice over mixed greens sprinkled with fresh lime juice. Add tomatoes (these are grilled), peppers (raw or grilled), guacamole or sliced avocado. Whatever brings out the Mexican in you.

Other ideas :

Cinnamon Steak Skewers 
I don't have a picture of these but they were amazing. Anything from the Primal Palate duo is amazing. 

Figs/dates wrapped bacon or prosciutto would be good also                                                            Chicken skewers - marinate them how you like and grill or bake

Buffalo chicken wings baked in the oven with almond flour or almond flour. Comes out excellent. 

Fasting

So I started following Whole30 and working with Erin on another BCCC (did I add all the Cs).  Pretty much I need to keep doing what I have been doing. Maybe add more protein daily.  I've been bringing extra to work each day in case I get hungry. Once I'm done with the sweet potatoes and yams I bought, I'm calling it quits for a bit.  Need to run this idea by Erin. I think they are a crutch for my sweetness craving and I end up eating more than one sometimes. My willpower isn't good when it comes to them after a long day! 

Speaking of willpower, yesterday I attempted and did push the limits on this one. I fasted all day only taking in some bone marrow broth during the day - about 6 cups total.  Then I went to endurance class. I mixed in some BCAA's to my water for before and during the class.  Rowing was 10 of 30 sec on and 2 min rest. Damper setting between 7-8.  I'm not a sprinter by nature so by the time 15 sec was up I had my pace then it was time to stop. I could have actually done 10 more of these when we were through.  Sadly, didn't get to push the truck but there will be other opportunities and its not like I haven't out of the snow.

Back to willpower.  I made it through seeing other eat some delicious looking yet unhealthy creamy pasta dishes, brownies and chocolate. Walked by the new vending machine with a snickers staring at me about 20 times. And saw many food porn images being posted on facebook.  I stuck to my guns and didn't cave.  My theory is to test my willpower so I can strengthen it just like muscles.

After class and arriving home, I made fajitas really quick.  In total last night I ate 1 chicken breast, 1/2 pepper and onion, jalapeno with 1 tomato, half avocado and cilantro salad, and a small sweet potato with nutmeg on it.  I snacked on a 1/4 cup of pecans.  Normally, I don't snack or eat nuts anymore but I had that darn sweet tooth.

The last point I wanted to make in this post is my struggle with focus.  I'm certainly struggling at work.  Like right now I came in the office to write notes and I'm blogging instead.  I have so much paperwork to get done but I find myself staring at the computer and time just zooms by.  Or my head is filled with a thousand thoughts.  Last challenge I did, I had the same struggle but then amazing mental clarity began.  I'm hoping and praying this starts soon because I need to get this paperwork done and want to focus more on blogging and other projects. Anyone else having or have had this same issue?

Oh side note, I'm really digging this song

Year in review

And what a year it has been! I think the most influential thing this year was joining CFCC.  Like it was yesterday, I remember nervously sending an email and getting a response to come try it out.  Well that was it I was hooked.  Thank goodness for Tim who introduced me to the world of Crossfit and checked in on me about joining a couple of times before my first visit.  My first (and final) stop was at CFCC. I'm so glad I chose CFCC or perhaps they chose me.  Not only did I lose 25 lbs since I have joined (most of the weight loss happened in the Summer) but I found a family of AMAZING people. I also gained confidence, strength, power and knowledge.  Learned what a snatch and clean and jerk is.  Getting closer to body weight strength goals than ever before.

My eating habits have changed. My fondness for cooking has come back with a vengeance. Now if I could find someone to just clean up after I cook!  My family laughs at home much protein I eat. My craving for a burger or steak (and a beer) at the end of a long week has a couple of my friends teasing me for my “dude” like qualities.  BACON is back in my life.

I’m thankful for my family and friends especially my buddy Sadie. Even if her recent trips to the vet drive me bonkers, I love coming home to her. Seriously, if you aren’t a dog lover you probably don’t get it but I can’t imagine not having her.  I’m glad I rescued her from a kill shelter a couple of years ago. Cooper is also a new adopted member of the family and Gus is still the old man of the house (my mom’s house).

Work. Anyone who gets the chance to sit down over coffee and hear me talk about work knows the ups and downs. The downs are mostly the system. I love and learn from my clients everyday.  For the most part I look forward to going to work.  For those of you who don’t know this, therapist have to do a TON of paperwork. That’s the downside.  I’m doing the work I have always wanted to do and hope I am impacting others lives in a positive way even if it is small impact.

Started this here blog, which I’ve wanted to forever.  I have a list of topic ideas for 2012 that I didn’t get to in 2011.  Arg! I know I am missing a ton of things.

I finished another half marathon (with a fabulous cheering team and 2 friends who ran with me). Peter and Casey taught me how to stand up paddle board. Freaking awesome and need to save to get my own. Bought my first cow share and pork and chicken straight from a local farm. Reconnected with old friends, said goodbye to some friends, fell out of touch with others and met some new. Oh I could go into that cheesy friend quote but I won’t.  Came face-to-face with challenges and kicked them in the ass. Found a new favorite Mexican restaurant thanks to a good friend. Brunch on the weekends have been really fun; probably more fun than going out at night.  Started some new projects which I will be sharing with you all shortly. I’m sure there is more but I hate to bore whoever is reading.

So what does 2012 have in store for me?  I hope for new and exciting adventures and some challenges that will help me grow. Thank you to all those who have been a part of my life this year.  Cheers!

Sadie is getting her rest before the excitement