So, yeah. This is “diet food.”
Shocking, eh?
Lean, grilled beef. Lightly sauteed onions and peppers. Rich guacamole and spicy salsa.
Yeah, I could get used to this.
Bon appetit,
~ Tori
caveman
Steady Progress
For the second weekend in a row, I maintained control.
CONTROL.
No binge eating or drinking. No diet failures. CONTROL.
This morning, I was 133.8 on the scale.
I really ought to wipe down my glass scale once in a while.
MY LOWEST WEIGHT SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
I worked out Saturday. I took a long walk on Sunday. Outside of a HUGE dinner (with friends) on Saturday night, I watched my calories, ate clean, and didn’t splurge.
My goal is to be under 128 by October 4th, 2013.
While it is a bit frustrating that I can’t “spot-reduce” this weight loss (my weight all seems to be coming off of my rib cage/waist and not the much needed thighs/hips area), I’m still making steady – and HEALTHY – progress.
Seriously. No more weight needs to come off of my rib cage. These thunder thighs would love to see some trimming, though.
Just 5-6 more pounds until I hit my goal.
GYM. CLEAN EATING. GYM. CLEAN EATING. GYM.
I can do this.
Bon appetit, my friends!
~ Tori
My Reward for a 90+ Run!
This delicious baby is a Paleo chocolate cupcake from Infusion Tea, an organic tea house in College Park (Orlando.)
It’s made with a blend of coconut and almond flour, bananas, raw cocoa, eggs, and deliciousness. Seriously, it’s like an orgasm in your mouth. Moist, chocolatey, and rich.
I spent over 90 minutes running on the treadmill (burning over 1,000 calories, I might add) so I thought I deserved a little treat after dinner.
YUM!
Today’s weight: 135.0
Bon appetit, my friends!
~ Tori
Nature’s Path Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Oatmeal = YUMTASTIC
OK, so I realize that this is NOT a Paleo-approved breakfast, but I happened to find this oatmeal on clearance at Whole Foods one day last week [it wasn’t old; I think the manufacturer changed their box design and Whole Foods HATES to be behind the times, you know], so I decided to pick up a box to try it out.
This stuff is AMAZING.
Not too sweet, extremely hearty, and packing only 160 calories per package. For the last two mornings, I’ve made myself two packets [320 calorie breakfast – nice and hearty] and had a cup of tea with it. I’m shocked to say it keeps me full for HOURS. I’m not exaggerating: HOURS.
Yesterday, I had my oatmeal around 10am and didn’t feel my first pang of hunger until almost 3:30pm. And I wasn’t trying to skip lunch – I was just that satisfied that I didn’t even notice the passing of the time.
This hot cereal boasts sweet blueberries, crunchy flax seeds, and the perfect balance of cinnamon and brown sugar. It’ll please the kids and the health nuts alike.
You know, one of my only gripes about the Paleo diet is the lack of breakfast options – you have to be PREPARED for breakfast with Paleo baked goods or time to spare to fry up some eggs – so this is the meal I most often find myself cheating.
If you’re going to cheat… might as well try to make it a healthy cheat and I think Nature’s Path Blueberry Cinnamon Flax oatmeal is the way to do it!
Bon appetit, my friends!
~ Tori
Paleo Dessert Option (and it’s portable!)
Since I do NOT want to talk about my eating habits this weekend [not good, people, not good], I thought I’d use this morning’s post to talk about a DELICIOUS new treat I discovered for those on Paleo diets like myself:
Happy Squeeze – Organic Superfoods – TREAT: Chocolate Pear.
Simple package, decadent contents.
These little 90 calorie treats are just short of spectacular. A blend of organic pear, organic white grape juice, organic vanilla extract, and organic cocoa, these pouches taste like sweet chocolate ice cream that has been blended by the gods themselves into a perfect, portable package – no refrigeration necessary! They taste great at any temperature, in fact, and they feature a resealable cap, which is a unique option for this type of snack option. Probably because this particular brand caters to a younger audience [I admit it: I’m eating baby food, people] that likely won’t finish an entire pouch in one sitting.
Oh, I don’t have that problem. I have to force myself to slow down and savor these little babies because they taste THAT GOOD.
I’ve gotten into the habit of freezing them and enjoying them as an alternative to coconut ice cream for when I need a sweet snack before bed. In addition, when they are frozen they serve a dual purpose if you pack lunch: an ice pack AND dessert! BAM! That’s a win:win in my book.
This “TREAT” [that’s it’s actual name!] is the perfect serving size, a petite 3.5 oz, which is just enough to satisfy a craving, even on a full stomach.
In researching them on Amazon.com, I discovered that they come in a variety of flavors [OMG, they have Caramel Apple!] and they average about $1-$1.75 per pouch.
Can I let you in on a little secret?
You have to promise not to tell anyone, OK?
……
…..
…
Alright… here’s the scoop:
I found these at Big Lots for just 50 cents per package.
I KNOW. Just 50 cents!
So, before you order these delectable delicacies online, check your local Big Lots to see if they have them in stock. The store near my house carries a surprising variety of organic and Paleo-friendly snack foods [organic beef jerky, even!], so I always stock up when I see a new item there that I can eat. For just 50 cents a package, I bought DOZENS of these TREATS for later consumption.
Yum, yum!
Bon appetit, my friends – and happy bargain hunting along the way!
~ Tori
Friday Miracle?
Brace yourselves, everyone, I think the second coming of Christ is imminent.
Why, do you ask?
This morning I witnessed a MIRACLE.
In my usual sleepy stupor I hopped on the scale, anticipating a small drop [I’ve been sticking to my diet 100%] but also not getting my hopes up, as I’ve steadily lost 0.2 to 1.4 pounds every day since Monday.
Here’s a little summary of my weigh-ins this week:
Monday: 143.6
Tuesday: 142.2
Wednesday: 141.0
Thursday: 140.8
So, want to know Friday’s weight?
….drum roll….
…….
137.8
I literally dropped 3 lbs overnight.
No, I didn’t take a diuretic. No laxatives. No supplements of any kind, other than my normal morning regime of a multivitamin and a vitamin D tablet.
I hopped off the scale, reset it to zero, and hopped on again to verify the number. Yup. 137.8.
How does that happen?!
This guy is my new best friend.
I’m not complaining at all, of course. I’m THRILLED to be back in the 130 range, but how in the world did I go from 143.6 on Monday to 137.8 on Friday? That’s a loss of just under 6 lbs!
Did my mitochondria go into overdrive last night and decide to metabolize at three times the normal rate?
Did a mystical liposuction fairy come in the dead of my sleep and slurp out some hidden fat cells?
And, if so, how can I make him come back?!
I have no idea what caused the sudden drop in weight other than the fact that I’ve hit the gym consistently this week and stuck solid to my Paleo diet. I’m going to maintain this pattern through the weekend and pray to the Gods of Ketosis/Metabolism for their continued grace and blessings.
With that note, I wish all of you a happy weekend and, as usual, bon appetit!
~ Tori
Paleo Super Foods Shake
This morning I went to the local farmer’s market, where they had incredible organic fruits and veggies available. I stocked up on some of season’s best: fresh, plump blueberries, sweet pineapple, and fresh kale.
Since I’m still not much of a breakfast person, I created the following recipe for a healthy morning shake pumped full of nutrients. My hope is that the shake will give me enough natural energy that I can break my morning coffee habit [processed creamer + splenda = bad!] and get myself to a point where I’m eating as clean as possible.
Here’s the recipe I crafted – delicious, sweet, and refreshing!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup vanilla, unsweetened Almond milk
- 2/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
- 2 tbsp organic flax seed
- 2 tbsp organic chia seed
- 2 leafs of kale, rinsed and chopped
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend for two minutes on high. Serve immediately.
You can’t even taste the kale over the sweetness of the pineapple and the seeds add fiber and protein otherwise absent from a fruit shake.
I hope to have this daily, though I might substitute blueberries for frozen raspberries once mine run out. 🙂
Bon appetit, my friends!
~ Tori
Paleo Pasta
Last night, after a two hour cardio session at the gym, I was craving COMFORT food. Fattening, carb-rich, and delicious – I felt I deserved it.
Of course, it takes almost two hours to burn off 1,200 calories but about 5 minutes to eat it, so I opted to still prepare a healthy dinner so as not to negate my efforts.
Exhausted as I was, I threw together a fast, healthy, Paleo-friendly dish in about 10 minutes and it turned out to be a winner. Basically, I modified your “typical” Italian dinner – mounds of pasta with rich, creamy sauce and hunks of sausage – into a lighter, leaner version.
The Meat Sauce:
- 1/2 cup red onions, diced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup button mushrooms, washed and chopped
- 5 Jennie-O Sweet Italian Sausages, slice about an inch thick
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 jar of Organic Basil Marinara
- 4 tbsp dried onion flakes
- 2 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
In a large sauce pan, start by sauteing the onions and mushrooms until tender, or about 5 mins at medium heat. At this point, add the slices sausages and the dried seasonings increase the heat slightly, so as to sear it evenly. Once the sausages are cooked through [really, just 2-3 mins], add the red wine, the jar of sauce, and the water, as well as the onion flakes. Simmer for about 8 mins, or until your whole kitchen smells like a pizzeria.
The Noodles:
Here’s where you have options. Personally, I am OBSESSED with Shirataki noodles, such as Miracle Noodles or NoOodle, but you’re also welcome to use thinly sliced zucchini or even spaghetti squash [steamed, for both] as your base. In the case of the Shirataki noodles, just drain the noodles well in a colander, then dry-saute them in a wok or large pot in order to cook off the excess water. I drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking.
Putting it Together:
Once both the noodles and the sauce are finished, I prefer to toss it all together for even coating of the sauce and then sprinkle with just a DASH of Parmesan cheese. Depending on if you’re a hardcore Caveman, you may not have cheese. I try to avoid dairy, but permit myself the occasional sprinkle of Parmesan on my dishes, because it just adds so much flavor for very little caloric punch.
And there you have it! Paleo pasta that doesn’t negate your workout! Even non-Paleo dieters will approve, as the sauce is surprisingly flavorful and the sausage adds a distinct richness, despite the turkey-base. Yum yum!
Bon Appetit, my friends!
~Tori
Spicy and Savory Brussels Sprouts – Paleo Recipe!
Last year, my husband and I vacationed with some friends at a hotel down in Miami. I cannot remember the name of the restaurant, but the hotel featured a steakhouse that served the most delicious, most decadent side dish I’d ever had: Roasted Mustard Brussels Sprouts.
I know, I know. How can I use “delicious” and “Brussels Sprouts” in the same sentence? I’m one of those weird people that has ALWAYS loved them, but even my husband, an avid veggie hater, couldn’t stop enjoying these suckers. We personally ate two orders of them ourselves and shared a third order as an appetizer with the table.
I’ve tried to mimic the recipe and never gotten it perfect… until tonight. And, amazingly, I made my version in the lightest way possible AND kept it Paleo-friendly.
Here’s the recipe I concocted this evening:
INGREDIENTS:
- One pound Brussels Sprouts, raw.
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup onion flakes
- 1/2 horseradish mustard
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup Daiya “mozzarella” cheese
- 1 tsp yellow curry powder
PREPARATION:
- Boil the Brussels Sprouts in salted water [salt to your preference] with 1/2 of the garlic powder mixed into the water. I boiled mine for about 15 mins, until the Brussels Sprouts were bright green and still a little firm.
- Drain the sprouts and then put them in an oven-safe baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the almond milk, cheese, mustard, onion flakes, garlic powder, and remaining garlic powder into a thick sauce. Pour over the Brussels Sprouts, stir to coat, and pop into the oven on BROIL [500 degrees] until you see them getting nice and browned, approx 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for a moment or two, then stir to redistribute sauce and serve.
Seriously, even veggie-haters will enjoy this dish – it’s surprisingly low in calories and BIG on taste! The original we had at the restaurant in Eden Roc was made with lots of butter and probably other loaded ingredients, but this version came amazingly close to the same flavor for far less damage.
Enjoy and feel free to give feedback on any substitutions you try out!
Bon Appetit,
~ Tori
Simple Paleo Protein Shake
In an effort to get back into a healthy regimen, I’ve been forcing myself to eat breakfast every morning. I’m normally a cup-of-coffee and go kind of lady, but I realize the importance of getting some protein and fiber in before running out of the house. Breakfast is crucial to jump-starting your metabolism in the morning, so my habit of skipping breakfast over the last few weeks is likely the main contributor to my recent weight gain [up 3 lbs!] and voracious hunger in the evenings.
Since I’m all for simplicity, I’ve been making the following protein shake for breakfast every morning:
- 1 cup Blue Diamond, unsweetened almond milk – 30 calories
- 1/2 cup organic frozen blueberries – approx 25 calories
- 1 level scoop of Optimum Nutrition 100% Egg White Protein Powder – 120 calories
- 1 tbsp cinnamon – 0 calories
- 1/2 tbsp organic vanilla extract – 0 calories
- 2 tbsp raw, organic cocoa powder – approx 25 calories
- 1 heaping cup of ice [if preferred]
Blend this all together for about 30 seconds [total prep time is less than 2 mins] and enjoy! I’ve had this exact recipe for breakfast the last three days in a row and I’ve REALLY enjoyed it. I drink it around 8am and don’t get hungry until after 12pm. Yesterday, I didn’t eat lunch until 1:30pm, as I felt totally full all morning. Normally I find myself grazing for snacks by 11am, so that’s a pretty huge testament to the filling power of this shake.
Of course, you’re welcome to make substitutions to this to suit your tastes. One good substitution is to remove the berries and add two heaving tablespoons of instant coffee and a handful of Enjoy Life non-dairy, non-soy chocolate chips! I swear, when I do this, the finished product tastes just like the Jamocha Shake from Arby’s. Yum!
Bon appetit, my friends!
~ Tori
The Memoirs of a Yo-Yo Dieter 