So I've mentioned before that one of the things I need to do everyday during my quest to get fit is to submit a food diary to my trainer Michelle.
This makes me accountable for the choices I make throughout the day and it gives Michelle a chance to plan her punishment …errrr exercise routine…for our next session together.
Many of you have asked me what it is I manage to eat on this Paleo diet considering my restrictions on dairy, grains and soy.
(To learn more about the Paleo diet, click here)
Now, by no means do I have this Paleo thing down pat but here's an example of what I enjoy.
Typical food diary
Eggs – lots of ‘em, especially in the morning. I've never been used to eating meat in the morning but I'm trying.
When I'm really in a rush I opt for a protein shake. I use Almond milk (soy, dairy free kind) and mix it with an all-natural whey protein and frozen bananas and blueberries. When I don't have almond milk I make it with water. When I'm feeling like I need a chocolate fix, I put in some unsweetened organic cocoa powder. Yum.
Lunch is always the easiest because I'm blessed to have an incredible salad bar at the cafeteria. I order the exact same big bowl salad every day to the point where the staff know my salad off by heart. I'm not boring, I just like what I like.
Here's what it includes: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grilled zucchini, a heapful of egg whites, half an avocado, broccoli, balsamic vinegar.
By 4 p.m. I am starving again, usually for cookies.
If I haven't had a protein shake yet, I'll have one now. If I have, I reach past the cookies, the donuts, the muffins and even the protein bars at the caf and opt for a container of sliced fruit. It will do.
Dinner allows for a lot more variety, chicken, fish, steak, meatballs. The best trick I learned so far? Spaghetti squash!! Take this vegetable, slice it in half and remove the seets. Put it in the oven for 40 mins and then take a fork and rake out the insides.
Instant spaghetti!! It looks like pasta and tastes great but it's a wonderful, healthy alternative that I absolutely love serving with any dish.
Now for the good stuff
OK. Dessert.
Maybe it's just in my household but I grew up understanding that no meal is complete without something sweet at the end.
Sure, I can preoccupy myself and have nothing. I can be good and have grapes or other fruit. But sometimes, a girl needs chocolate.
That's when I turn to a special creation – The double chocolate chip paleo cookie.
These paleo cookies have saved my sanity but more importantly, they've saved my diet.
A cookie without butter, without added sugar but with all the taste? I kid you not.
Who told me about such a thing? Who else but Michelle. Having that girl in my life is one of the best investments I have ever made.
Here's the recipe. Let me know how you like it.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 banana (not essential)
- 2 scoops of unsweetened organic cocoa powder
- 2 cups of almond flour
- Chocolate chips (aim for minimum 72% cocoa)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 tbsp of vanilla
- 1tbsp of cinnamon
Process:
- Mix batter thoroughly until becomes doughy
- Put in fridge, let it firm up a bit
- Roll into balls and put on a parchment lined cookie sheet
- Place in oven at 375 and bake for about 20 minutes
- (Test: Take a toothpick and insert in middle. If it comes out dry, they are ready)
- Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes
Eat and enjoy!
I am always looking for new ideas so if you have any, feel free to email me sandie.benitah@bellmedia.ca.
And remember, if you want to read past blog entries, click on the related stories below.
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