Recipes

Paleo Nachos

As many of you know, I do not follow a "diet" per se, but I do tend to lean towards paleo eating since my body does not do too well with grains or dairy. I find myself on Pinterest a LOT looking up fun new recipes, and when I saw this, I knew I had to make them!! As always, I modify the recipes to suit me so here is what I came up with:

2 sweet potatoes

1lb grass-fed ground beef

1 jalapeno, diced

1 Roma tomato, diced

2 green onions, chopped

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1 can olives (cut in half)

cilantro

Slice the sweet potatoes and lay flat on a baking sheet lined with tinfoil. Bake @ 375 for about 20-30min (until slightly crunchy). While potatoes are baking, saute your ground beef with some salt and pepper. Once the 'chips' are done, top with ground beef, jalapeno, green onion, tomato, bell pepper, olives and cilantro to taste. This made about 3 servings for us. Get creative, you can add just about anything and it will be delicious!

Paleo Jumbalaya

Working all day, sometimes when I get home the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. However, if I don't cook, we won't eat! Thankfully, the crock pot saves me some time if I prep things the night before :)  I found this recipe online and OHMYGOODNESS it is good!

1 lb. large shrimp

4-5 Andouille spicy chicken sausage, or sausage of choice

4 bell peppers (any color) diced

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 small tomato, chopped

4 cups organic chicken broth

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 TBS paprika

2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 cauliflower

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, diced

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup Franks red hot (or other hot sauce)

Put the chopped peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, spices, Red Hot, and bay leafs in the crock pot with the chicken stock. Simmer on low 6-8hrs. About 30min before it's finished, toss in the cut up sausages. Rice about half of the cauliflower (put in a food processor until it resembles rice) and toss in. Cut up the remaining cauliflower and put that in as well. Add the raw shrimp and let cook another 20min. Enjoy!

Spinach Sliders

Day 6 on Whole30 and going strong thanks to some wonderful recipes I've found online. I found this spinach slider recipe on several sites and adapted one to work for me. They were delicous and my husband has already requested to have them again.

1 pound frozen chopped spinach
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (from 1/2 medium onion)
1/4 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup coconut flour
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
coconut oil
Tomato sauce, warmed, for serving (optional)

Put the spinach in a microwave safe container and zap about 4min. Strain ALL of the water out and put in a big mixing bowl. Meanwhile, saute the onion and mushroom in a pan with coconut oil, salt and pepper for 3-4min. When done, add to the mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients. Form into small patties and pan fry about 3-4min on each side. Serve with tomato sauce.

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Soup

Oh. My. Gosh. Thank you Nom Nom Paleo for this recipe (I adapted it a bit). This has seriously got to be the best soup I've ever had/made. It was a perfect amount of 'kick' and I love that a portion of the broth was actually just ground up cauliflower. Genius. And really, it didn't take me too long to make it considering I worked all day and snuck in a workout. Enjoy!

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
• 4 Organic chicken breast (I used tenders)
• 2 Tbsp Organic chicken stock
• 1 cup Franks red hots sauce
• 3/4 onion, diced
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• ½ Tbsp onion powder
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ Tbsp dried parsley
• ½ Tbsp dried dill
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Using a large stock pot, add 8 cups of water, cauliflower and chicken breast.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
3. Once chicken is cooked (about 10min) remove and set aside.
4. Add coconut milk, chicken stock, spices, and franks red hot sauce and blend using hand blender (I threw in my Vitamix).
5. Shred the chicken with a fork and add to the pot.
6. Chop the onion and add to the pot
7. Stir in the cilantro and simmer for 20 min.
8. Serve and eat!

  

Mexican Mac & Cheese

I rarely eat grains because my body just does not do well with them (who else looks 4mo preggo when they have bread?), but I saw this recipe in my Clean Eating magazine and decided to give it a go. I don't do dairy either, so this really was a treat. I tweaked it a bit, and here's the end result...yummy btw!

3c whole grain elbow macaroni

1 can black beans

1 small tomato, diced

1/2 avocado, diced

1TBS cilantro (I didn't have any so used dried basil)

1tsp lime juice

1TBS unsalted butter

1/2 red onion, diced

1c kale, chopped

1/4c mushrooms, chopped

1TBS whole wheat flour

1.5c milk (I used unsweetened almond)

6oz reduced fat cheese (called for queso fresco, I used mexican cheddar mix)

1/2c plain Greek yogurt

Cook macaroni according to box, drain, and return to pan. Rinse beans, stir into macaroni and cover to keep warm. In a large saucepan on medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, kale, mushrooms and saute 2-3min. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually add in milk and stir about 3 min. Remove from heat, add cheese and yogurt. Stir cheesy mixture into pasta/beans and top with diced tomato, cilantro and lime juice.

Paleo Spagetti (sort of)

Can I just say that I love Body Beast. This program lets me feast until my hearts content (healthy foods only of course) and the "Book of Beast" has a ton of recipes. My new fave? Sagi's turkey meatballs. Mmmm. So all of the credit for this recipe goes to him, and I just got a little creative and threw them on spaghetti squash with some sauce :)

1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey

1tsp salt

1/2tsp pepper

1 egg

3/4 cup quick cook oats

2 cloves garlic, minced
2TBS cilantro
2TBS tomato sauce

Preheat oven to 400 and lightly spray a baking sheet. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, roll into 12 or so meatballs, and place on pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

 

 

 

 Tofu Quinoa Stir-Fry

I have to start by saying I am not a huge fan of soy and really try to avoid it, but once and a while I'll make a dish with tofu. I was seriously craving some fried rice the other day (SOOOOO terrible for you btw), so I decided to mess around in the kitchen and I came up with this creation which is quite yummy.

1pkg firm organic tofu

2 cups brocoli florets

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup frozen peas

1tsp diced fresh ginger (or powder if you don't have it)

1 clove garlic, minced

2 cups cooked quinoa (I buy a frozen quinoa/brown rice mix from Costco)

2 eggs

Braggs liquid aminos

Start by cutting the tofu into small cubes (about 1"). Heat some oil in a large saute pan and drop in the tofu blocks, garlic and ginger. Saute for about 3min on med-high heat. Throw in the broccoli, zucchini and frozen peas and saute for another 5min, turning the heat to medium. Finally, add the quinoa (or brown rice mix) and stir together. Push the mixture to one side of the pan, add a little oil to the other side and crack the two eggs. Scramble the eggs in the pan until they are done. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Add Braggs liquid aminos to taste, and serve.

Raw Cucumber Soup + Cauliflower Rice

Has anyone in here tried 'raw cooking?' No, you don't actually cook this food over a stove, but it does take some prep time. I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical to try a fully raw meal, but I have to say it was not only full of nutrients, it was surprisingly filling.  Thankfully we recently purchased a Vitamix which made the prep of these a breeze. Not essential for this, but it’ll save you time! (**Recipes adapted from Raw and Simple cookbook). 

Ok on to the recipes… We recently purchased a Vitamix which made the prep of these a breeze. Not essential for this, but it’ll save you time!

Raw cucumber basil soup:
2 cucumbers
1/2 c cashews (soaked for 1-2hrs)
1c water
1/2 small Serrano pepper
1 clove garlic
1 c fresh basil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 t sea salt
1/4 c chopped mint
Olive oil to taste

Process all ingredients except for the mint and olive oil until smooth. Divide mixture into serving bowls and top with chopped mint and drizzle with olive oil.


Cauliflower Couscous:
1 head cauliflower
1/2 bunch parsley
1/4 c fresh mint
1/2 Serrano pepper
2 Roma tomatoes
1/4 c chopped black olives
1/4 c chopped red onion
1/4 c lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 t sea salt
1/4 t cumin

Chop cauliflower in food processor until it is the consistency of couscous. Mix in all other ingredients. Add pepper and more salt to taste.

These will give you a burst of energy and of course, a ton of nutrients! Enjoy!

Paleo Lasagna

If you're Italian like me, you love your pasta. However, bleached pasta is a no-go, and whole wheat is good, but still makes me bloat up like a whale :) So, paleo lasagna is what's for me! And don't worry, it is JUST as nutritious, but with more veggies. Try it and be amazed!

Ingredients:

1lb ground beef

3 cloves minced garlic

1 zucchini, sliced thin

1c cooked butternut squash

1.5c chopped mushrooms

1 small onion

6oz tomato paste

15oz tomato sauce (I use Classico or homemade)

1TBS parsley

1TBS basil

1TBS oregano

salt/pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese to taste (NOT paleo)

Brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add

in garlic and onion, and cook for 5min. Stir in tomato paste and sauce. Add all herbs, bring to a slight boil then remove from heat. Grease a 9x13 (or similar) pan with olive oil and place a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Layer zucchini, mushrooms and butternut squash, then add more sauce. Continue layering until all is gone. Bake at 325 (covered with foil) for 15min, then remove foil and cook for an additional 15min. Eat and love!

 

Raw Chocolate Mousse

Looking for another dessert option? Here’s a yummy one that a friend gave me after I hassled her for the recipe. Super easy and the hubby had no clue it was healthy for him (it is seriously DEELICIOUS).  Feed it to your kids and husbands without feeling guilty     
  
2 bananas with 1/4 of one set aside (the riper the better)
1 avocado
3Tbs dark chocolate cocoa powder
1Tbs vanilla extract
1t stevia or maple syrup
Throw all ingredients into a food processor and blend. Serve with some slices of banana in top. If you want even more of a treat, whip up some coconut milk (canned) for some 'healthy' whipped cream. Enjoy!

 

  Sweet Potato Paleo Hash

Ok, so if you’ve been following me at all you’d know that a) I’m obsessed with getting flat abs (err…more like a 6-pack) and b) I’m working on my holistic nutrition degree so I’m constantly experimenting with food and trying to eat healthier. Well, I cheated yesterday and had half of a green chili cheeseburger. While it doesn’t sound all that bad, it killed me. I felt sick for the rest of the night. I’ve been dairy free for a few years now, and I know grains don’t sit well with me either, but apparently I don’t learn. So, I’ve decided to attempt a Paleo lifestyle once again.

My breakfast typically consists of a protein/Shakeology smoothie during the week, but weekends are trickier. Sometimes it’s oatmeal (a grain, yes, but it doesn’t bother me), other times it’s an omelet, and frequently it’s buckwheat pancakes. Well, pancakes no more on Paleo and this morning I needed something new. After a little internet and Pinterest browsing, and some slicing and grating, voila! Paleo breakfast has was born…and might I say quite yummy!

Since I don't ever seem to measure, here are my best guesses…
1/2 sweet potato grated
2TBS red onion chopped
1 egg
Saute the onion and sweet potato in some coconut oil for about 3-4 min. Make a little hole in the center and drop in the egg. Cook for about a minute and flip (I choose to break the yoke because otherwise it makes me gag…eww). Throw on some pepper and enjoy!

  

Veggie "Primavera"

I’ve been pouring through my cookbooks in an attempt to find some yummy new dishes- both vegan and with meat. This one caught my eye because I love couscous. While it’s not your typical primavera (no pasta), it is equally as delicious and very customizable. For once I won't ramble, I'll just give you the recipe :)

Ingredients:
1 box couscous
Veggies of choice (I used fresh asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, squash and peppers)
1 can Great Northern Beans
1 TBS orange juice
1 tsp dill
salt + pepper
Parmesan cheese for garnish

1. Cook couscous according to box directions.
2. Snap asparagus into smaller pieces and cut up your veggies of choice. Fill a small pot with 1″ of water or so, and cook on med-high for about 3 minutes (don’t overcook!)
3. Toss cooked veggies, couscous and beans together. Stir in the dill, orange juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Protein Mug Cake

Mmm...who here loves dessert? I do, I do!! But I can't afford the calories, sugar, and crap that most desserts have. So my alternative? Ta-dah! Protein mug cake :) Yes, that adorable little cake there packs over 20g of protein and NO sugar. Hard to believe huh? I saw the idea on Instagram of all places, and of course altered the recipe slightly. When the sweet tooth hits, you’ve gotta find a way to satisfy it without eating junk, and here it is!
1Tbs coconut flour
1Tbs cocoa powder (I used dark, but it was a bit strong)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 scoop protein (I had gram cracker whey)
1 egg
1 packet stevia in the raw (next time I’ll try honey)
1/4 cup almond milk
Mix all ingredients together, throw in a microwave safe coffee mug and microwave 90 seconds. That’s it!!

I topped with some natural peanut butter and berries. Get creative, experiment! If you make a fabulous one, share it with us! I will try adding a bit of Greek yogurt next time or part of a banana to make a little more moist. It was still yummy in my tummy though, and guilt free!