Banana Balls

So far, the month of clean eating has been a challenge.  Our schedule has been a little crazy with little time to prepare for the unexpected.  Mr. J's grandfather passed away last week so most of our week consisted of traveling back home to be with family.  But we are still trying to stay on track as much as possible and I will have to say we have some new favorites.  Sweet potato chili was a huge hit in the house.  Miss A actually wanted more and then asked for it the next day.

The problem I have when trying to eat clean is I am a snacker.  And I want a snack normally at night, after dinner.  Mr. J and I have found a new love for grapefruit and we have eaten an embarrassing number over the last couple of weeks.  But sometimes, you need something more than a piece of fruit.  These banana balls were loved by everyone in the house and satisfied the craving for something a little more than grapefruit.

Banana Balls

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 2 T pure maple syrup
• 1 T all-natural nut butter (Use your favorite)
• 3 T coconut flour
• 1 t cinnamon
• 6 T unsweetened, shredded coconut
• pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until a dough begins to form.
Drop balls, teaspoon size, onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Enjoy :)

I will say, that we gobbled a lot of them down after baking them, but with the extras, I placed in the refrigerator and then re-warmed the next day on 400 for about 5-10 minutes.  I preferred the texture the next day.  They were even more awesome!

A Month of Clean Eating

Pregnancy...oh pregnancy.  Between being sick, sick and sick and then the exhaustion and the cravings...let's just say that eating hasn't been the greatest in our house.  Don't get me wrong, we didn't go just crazy, but I can tell my eating has been off, for a while. Mr. J and I both can tell our bodies are begging for us to get back to clean eating.  At first I decided we should just do the whole 30, totally cleanse ourselves.  And then I decided we should go strictly paleo.  But there are just some things I am not willing to give up yet (black beans, greek yogurt (check the package for sugar!), and some dairy).  So we are just cleaning up our eating for the next month.  When I posted on FB about meal planning, many asked that I share the menu.

So, below is the menu we will be using for the next month.  I have not tried many of these recipes, so this could be interesting.  Also, I get really bored eating the same things, over and over, so there are many different recipes!

Want to join us? Let me know if you do! I would love to know how it goes!

30 Days of Clean Eating

Day 1- Roast and Potatoes

http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2014/01/easiest-delicious-crock-pot-beef-ever/

Day 2- Chicken Fajita Bowls

Day 3- Coconut Green Chili Soup

http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2014/01/creamy-coconut-green-chili-chicken-soup-dairy-gluten-free-slow-cooker-recipe/

Day 4- Apple Pork Chops & green beans

http://www.bestfoodcloud.com/2013/09/apple-spice-pork-chops.html

Day 5- Sweet Potato Nachos

http://paleogrubs.com/nacho-recipe

Day 6- Burger Balls and fries

http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2014/03/10/bacon-jalapeno-burger-balls/

Day 7- zuppa toscana

http://whole30.com/2014/11/best-whole30-recipes-baby-cold-outside/

Day 8- Best chicken Ever and mixed Veggies

http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/06/09/the-best-chicken-you-will-ever-eat-ever/

Day 9- Stir Fry

Day 10- Mushroom Bake

http://popularpaleo.com/2012/12/04/paleoitalianmushroombake/

Day 11- Pan Fried Lemon Chicken and Sweet Potato

http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/07/10/easy-pan-fried-lemon-chicken/

Day 12- Stuffed Peppers

Day 13- Buffalo Chicken Fingers and Baked Potato

http://stupideasypaleo.com/2014/03/30/crispy-buffalo-chicken-fingers/

Day 14- Sweet potato Chili

http://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/2014/09/24/paleo-sweet-potato-chili/

Day 15- Chicken fajita Bowls

Day 16- Chicken Zucchini Bites

http://www.onelovelylife.com/chicken-zucchini-poppers-gf-df/

Day 17- Stir Fry

Day 18- Best chicken Ever and Mixed Veggies

http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/06/09/the-best-chicken-you-will-ever-eat-ever/

Day 19- Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Day 20- orange chicken and steamed veggies

http://www.paleocupboard.com/orange-chicken.html

Day 21- Roast chicken and Baked Sweet Potatoes

http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2014/01/09/easy-slow-cooker-roast-chicken/

Day 22- Pan Fried Lemon Chicken and Green Beans

http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/07/10/easy-pan-fried-lemon-chicken/

Day 23- Stir Fry

Day 24- Slow Cooker Curry

http://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/2014/01/coconut-chicken-curry-slow-cooker-paleo.html

Day 25- Beef and mushroom Stir Fry

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/ginger-beef-mushroom-kale-stir-fry-recipe/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+gimmesomeoven+(Gimme+Some+Oven)

Day 26- Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Day 27- Chicken Wings and Fries (See Burger Balls Recipe)

http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/12/15/jalapeno-lime-chicken-wings-paleo-ranch-dressing-meatified/

Day 28- Slow Cooker Thai Beef Stew

http://stupideasypaleo.com/category/whole30-2/page/2/

Day 29-Orange chicken and steamed veggies

http://www.paleocupboard.com/orange-chicken.html

Day 30- Stuffed Peppers

2014 Review

Hello again blog world! Can someone please tell me where 2014 went?  I had big expectations on sharing diy tutorials, healthy recipes and many other things with y'all, but honestly, 2014 flew by without me noticing, life was insanely busy, and many of the diy projects I had on the list, well, they were just a vision in my mind.

But 2014 was filled with excitement, joy, and a new addition to our family! 2014, you were a good year.  Let's review with picture overload!

I did my first inbox competition for CrossFit. I PR'd on some lifts.  That was exciting, but it was also a very humbling experience. 

We celebrated the resurrection! And dyed eggs for the first time with A! 

Two days after my CF competition, and a day after Easter, we found out we were expecting! Truly a gift from God!  I wish I had the video of telling Mr. J! To say he was surprised would be an understatement.

We took some fun, short trips over the spring and summer.  Discovery Park, the zoo, the science museum and the magic house.  A found a love for hotels.

We went sailing with Cappy. 

This guy.  We celebrated our 7th anniversary.  Mr. J surprised me with an overnight stay at a B&B. It was a first for me.  And I would do it again!

A found out she was going to have a little sister, and we found out there would be more drama and sass added to our lives! :) 

A turned 3! And we celebrated with a mermaid party! 

A got a "Big Girl" Room.

A also started pre-school and gymnastics!

We went to a pumpkin patch and A had her first ride on a combine.  Daddy was proud.

A was "little red hoodin" for Halloween. This is the first year I made her halloween costume. And I was the big bad wolf.  

We prepared for little L.

I kept crossfitting. Until 36 weeks pregnant.

Mr. J finally decided to start a blog.  You should check it out. And let your guy friends know about it too!

Southern Antiquity

And then we welcomed sweet, sweet little L into our lives.  December 18th was a sweet day! 

And then we of course celebrated the birth of our Savior.  We also rang in the new year by going to bed early and snuggling with two sweet little girls.

2014, you will be a hard year to follow!

Meatballs with Curry Sauce

I tried to think of some witty title for this post, but I can't.  Because, seriously, it is all about this dish. Meatballs+curry sauce= major love in this household.  So, without further ado, here is an excellent recipe, that you should make, tonight.

Meatballs with Curry Sauce

Meatballs

• 2 lbs ground pork (use whatever protein you like here, but we really like the pork!) 
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 eggs
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 cup thinly-sliced green onions
• Salt and Pepper 

Preheat oven to 400.

In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients.  Mix well.  I have found the best way is to just get down and dirty and mix with your hands. Form into balls.  Mine were probably between 1 and 1.5 inches.  Place on a foil lined baking sheet.  (I also spray my foil with cooking spray)  Cook for 10 minutes and then flip meatballs and bake for 5-10 more.  I probably cook my meatballs a little on the long side, but I love the nice crunch that they get on the outside.

While the meatballs are cooking, make your Curry Sauce.

Curry Sauce

• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup onion, very finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (if you want, use more! I do!)
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbs light brown sugar
• 1 can coconut milk 

Prepare the curry sauce in a medium/large saucepan by sauteing the onion, garlic and ginger over medium heat in the oil.  Saute until onions are soft.  Stir in curry powder, cinnamon, salt and sugar.  Add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.  Simmer for 5 minutes.

When the meatballs are finished place the meatballs in the curry sauce. Simmer over low for about 2 minutes.

Serve with rice.  Or eat alone.

Enjoy! :)

Nutritional Challenge Drop Out

The nutritional challenge started out great.  The first 2.5 weeks was good.  After that, I could not figure out why in the world I have developed this hatred for eggs.  I thought it was because I just had eaten so many of them.  But as days went by, the struggle became real. I couldn't even cook them because I couldn't handle the smell.  I had no idea what was going on.  Then, we figured it out. Food aversions. Sickness.  And that lead to the end of my nutritional challenge.

That is also why I have been MIA.  Between the sickness and tiredness, I am doing good to keep up with feisty little Miss A.  But, I am excited to be feeling a little better.  I have started CrossFit back this week and am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things.  I also have big plans to attempt whole30 second trimester (or at least a modified version), so be expecting new recipes!  Also! We can't wait to find out what "baby b" is!  There will be tutorials and how-tos when we start nursery prepping! We have a lot of diy projects lined up for the summer, and I can't wait to share them with you! 

I hope you all have a great weekend! Make sure and remember this isn't just a holiday weekend to kick off summer, but a holiday weekend to remember those who have lost their lives serving our country! Make sure to hug a veteran or active duty service man/woman this weekend and thank them for their daily sacrifice!

Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Day 1, Week 1

I am a firm believer that healthy food does not have to be "bland" or "boring".  I do not do well with eating the same things over and over and I knew this would be one of my biggest issues with this nutritional challenge.  But I refused to let boring food be the thing that made me back out of doing this challenge! So I have made it my mission to make fun, flavorful food!  

We really enjoyed this meal!  They were full of flavor and satisfying.

Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Adapted from: BevCooks

Enough for about 10 good size wraps

• 2 Tbs EVOO
• 3 large chicken breast
• 2-3 chipotle peppers with sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1/8 cup green onion, sliced thinly 
• Romain or Butter Lettuce, rinsed and leaves separated 
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic 

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Season your chicken with your salt, pepper and garlic and sear for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and is browned.  Move to a cutting board and let sit for about 5 minutes.  Chop chicken into small bites.

In a food processor, my favorite kitchen appliance, combine the chipotle peppers in sauce, lime juice and cilantro.  Process until mixed well and peppers are in very small pieces.

Place the red peppers, beans, and chipotle mixture into the skillet. Let cook for about a minute or 2 just to get warm. Add chicken back in and mix well. Toss in green onions.

Top those lettuce leaves with that yummy mixture and enjoy!

Things are Changing

Disclaimer: This is a random, thought vomited blog post! :)

The last 5 weeks have been insanely busy with us! We have been extra busy with our students and activities.  Then,  I was peer pressured signed up for the CrossFit Open and it has been 5 weeks of crazy workouts.  Mr. J has been judging the open workouts so he has been busy too.  And now, I have (willingly) signed up for a nutritional challenge.

This is where things are changing, y'all! Our family diet is getting a major overhaul!  I think I have talked about how much our family diet has already changed since starting CrossFit, but I still have not been happy with it. As much as I love the "Paleo Diet", because of the clean eating aspect, I have a lot of issues with it. So for this nutritional challenge, we are doing Zone. Zone takes the 40/30/30 approach.  I actually did the zone diet back in my pageant days, but that has been a while and it is taking me a moment to wrap my head around this concept again!

This morning I made breakfast according to what I am to eat. I am trying to get the concept down before the actual start date of the challenge (Monday).  Y'all! This is a lot of food! I don't think my problem will be being hungry.

If you were around when the blog was "Life in Camelot", you will start to notice the recipes around here will be a lot different.  I still fully believe that you can enjoy food and be healthy too!

I can't wait to start this journey! I believe that our minds are often our worst enemies! And I am excited to say, that I am finally in a good place to start this journey, mentally! I will be tracking progress on here, updating you on some good, healthy recipes and I hope to learn a lot over this next 6 weeks!

Oh yeah, Happy Friday! Enjoy the weekend!