1) Helpful FB Page to follow ~ https://www.facebook.com/#!/JustEatingRealFood... They often post free kindle downloads for Paleo recipe books (mini ones). I downloaded the kindle app on my IPad and now have a collection of 50+ on my Ipad for easy access.
2) I LOVE Nom Nom Paleo.http://nomnompaleo.com/ She makes some awesome recipes. She also has an Ipad app that has a specific section on Whole30 approved recipes (similar to rules of WLC). She also has a shopping list section, Paleo 101 with tips on kitchen tools, stocking up your kitchen, a month of meals, etc.
3) For those with family members not participating in challenge... Clear out a specific shelf or cupboard for WLC items. This is helpful when you are looking for a snack, that you don’t get tempted with other foods.
4) Google recipes that you enjoy with the word “Paleo” before it (i.e. Meatloaf, Tacos). You will find many recipes and can continue to enjoy in a “new” way. I never realized the type of crap that was in packaged spices. My favorite is making tacos using spices from pantry and either putting it in a lettuce wrap or making a coconut flour tortilla.
5) Buy yourself some new kitchen gadgets: Blender (I have ninja), Cheesecloth, Food processor, Immersion blender, julienne peeler, mandolin slicer, steamer basket, Glass or Stainless Steel Containers for Food Storage, Vacuum Sealer, Citrus Juicer, Travel Dressing Container (I make my own and bring to work/dinners).
6) Stock up on spices/staples: Some of my favorites…
Cupboard: Ghee, Coconut Oil, Red Boat Fish Sauce, Coconut Aminos, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Marinara/Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Pumpkin, Dates, Raisins, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Tuna, canned salmon, raw nuts (Target Brand), Sweet Potatoes!
Spices: Sea salt, Pepper mill, Smoked Paprika, Cajun, Cinnamon, Chili powder, Cumin, Cilantro, Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Crushed red pepper, Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic, Dill weed, and Onion powder
Fridge: Coconut Milk (Trader Joes), Tessemae’s dressings/marinades, Shredded Coconut, Fresh Veggies cut up, lemon, limes, avocados, Spinach, Kale, Pico De Gallo (I get in Produce Section at Coborns), Mango Salsa to put on top of meats/fish ( I get in Produce section at Coborns), Fresh Herbs – My favorites are Cilantro and Parsley, and EGGS!!!!!!
Freezer: Frozen veggies & frozen stir fry mixes, Big bag of Mixed Berries (Target Brand), to use in smoothies, so no need for ice, Frozen Cherries (Target Brand) to use in smoothies or to boil down to a cherry sauce – I put on top of pancakes or Pork Loin, Variety of meats/fish – My favorites are Whole Chickens, Chicken Thighs, Pork Roast, Pork Tenderloin, Walleye and Salmon.
7) Don’t “Paleotize” all your food. Taking your old crap diet and wrapping it up in a new "Paleo" package is completely missing the point of a challenge. Instead of eating so much of Paleo waffles, Paleo bread, Paleo treats… make it a point to eat whole foods. Fill your plate with vegetables first. See how long you can go without eating a Paleotized food.
8) Be careful with Almond Flour… Yes, you can have almond flour, but be careful not to overuse. You can use it in place of breadcrumbs in your meatballs, to dredge a piece of chicken, or to thicken a sauce or stew. Use sparingly to make muffins, pancakes, bread, cupcakes, cookies, pizza crust, or anything of that nature. Why you ask?... A cup of almond flour contains about 90 almonds! Also, the fats in almond flour aren’t heat stable and you cause the fats to oxidize and go rancid. Remember… A treat is a treat no matter how you make it. I try to use coconut flour instead whenever I can. Unlike almond flour, the fat in coconut flour is primarily saturated fat. That means it is safe to heat and it is not toxic to the body.
9) Pick a new recipe or two to make each week. It helps avoid boredom with the same recipes and teaches to you cook with new foods/spices, making it easier to create/adapt meals in the future. Try to make extra to freeze as well, so you can build up your reserves in your Freezer. This will help towards the end of the challenge when you may run out of energy and need some “on the go” items.
10) Don’t try to be perfect. Enjoy the Journey. Enjoy a cheat every now and then. If you fall of the wagon, don’t keep going until you are dragging behind the wagon. Pick yourself up, don’t feel guilt and move on. This is about long term change and sometimes change takes time and takes small steps.
That’s it… take it for what it’s worth!
Cheers to the next 8 weeks!
Jackie
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