Savory Paleo Stuffed Zucchini Boats #WHOLE30 Compliant (Full Recipe)

 #WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini

#WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini

A few weeks ago I posted #WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways as part of my series of recipes based upon a recent HealthGrove study identifying top 30 foods for beautiful skin and hair. As I’ve mentioned in each recipe I’ve shared in the series, 27 of those 30 foods are #WHOLE30-compliant foods (the 3 exceptions being non-soy legumes, e.g. green peas and pea pods). None of the 30 foods from the list are dairy or grains products. I found the study so inspiring that I challenged myself to create all new #WHOLE30-compliant recipes with each of the 27 foods from the list (again, not counting the 3 legumes); and thus, the birth of this series of recipes. When I first posted the Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways, I promised to add two additional posts later on – one for each stuffing option. This post is the first of those two options – the savory, Italian-esque stuffing. Here is the original post for reference.

So with that lengthy introduction out of the way, this recipe’s star ingredient is #29 from the HealthGrove list of top 30 foods – ZUCCHINI! The stuffing features ground turkey breast along with crunchy walnuts, tangy tomatoes and several other veggies and seasonings. It’s super yummy and sure to please.

IMG_2296

Zucchini – #29 on Healthgrove’s List of Best Foods for Beautiful Skin and Hair

Ingredients:
• 5 medium-large zucchini
• 2 tsp. iodized sea salt, divided
• 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast
• 2 Tbsp. organic coconut oil, divided
• 1 cup walnuts, divided
• Nonstick cooking spray (I used Pam nonstick coconut oil spray)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes, well drained (be sure the brand you buy has no added sugar or unapproved additives)
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (or 4 garlic cloves, minced)
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup instant potato flakes, e.g. Bob’s Red Mill (see note below)+++
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. nutrient yeast
• ½ tsp. grated lemon peel (optional)
• ½ tsp. seal salt (optional)
• 2 Tbsp. nutrient yeast (optional)

+++It’s really important to always check the ingredient lists of any products you plan to consume when doing #WHOLE30. Some instant potato flakes contain sulfite preservatives or other additives not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (and which aren’t healthy for us to consume anyway). I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes. Stevia and other sweeteners are also not permitted during #WHOLE30. For a complete list of #WHOLE30 program do’s and don’ts as well as answers to just about any and all #WHOLE30 questions you may have, I highly recommend you check out the program rules here and other resources available at WHOLE30’s website to educate yourself prior to beginning your own WHOLE30 journey or whenever you have questions or need some support (the Facebook and Twitter feeds are tremendous sources of encouragement and support). Also, consider reading the book It Starts with Food prior to attempting a #WHOLE30. The book is chalked full of useful information and helpful tips to make surviving the whole 30 days a whole lot more tolerable (pun intended).

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

Hardware:
• 9X13″ Baking Dish or 2 – 8” Baking Dishes
• Medium-large sized mixing bowl
• Melon Baller or small spoon
• Colander
• Potato masher
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board(s)
• Large nonstick frying pan

 

 

Process:
1. Wash and dry each zucchini. Transfer to cutting board.
2. Remove stems, and cut each zucchini in half length-wise.
3. Using melon-baller or small pointy spoon, scoop out inside pulp from each zucchini half and place into large bowl.
4. Place hollowed zucchini “boats” into a ziplock freezer bag and store in refrigerator. Place pulp in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt.
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least an hour.
5. When ready to cook, place the zucchini pulp in a large colander and rinse well under running water. Shake colander to remove excess water. Then gently pat pulp dry.
6. Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray then place on stove over MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT.
7. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to the pan and allow oil to melt. Add ground turkey breast, zucchini pulp and 1 tsp. salt in pan and brown stirring continuously to break up any lumps. You may need to use a potato masher at the end of cooking to ensure the mixture is broken up into small, even chunks that will fit nicely into the boats. (see pic below).

Mixture should look more or less like this.

Mixture should look more or less like this.

8. Pour turkey mixture into medium-large mixing bowl. Then wash and dry pan to prepare for reuse.
9. Drain canned tomatoes well and add to turkey mixture along with walnuts, garlic, oregano and 1 tsp. salt. Place frying pan over MEDIUM heat and add remaining 1 Tbsp. coconut oil. Heat oil until it melts. Then add pepper and onion. Cook veggies over MEDIUM heat until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (N.B. If you’re lazy, like me, you can save time and cleanup by tossing the peppers, onion and oil into a microwave-safe bowl and nuking on HIGH for 4 minutes. Then proceed as above). Add cooked onions and peppers to turkey/tomato mixture and stir to combine. Next add dry potato flakes, nutrient yeast, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Then test for seasoning, adjusting to taste.
10. Preheat oven to 375° and prepare baking dish (or dishes) by lining with tin foil (for easier cleanup), then spraying lined dish(es) with nonstick coconut oil spray. Remove zucchini “boats” from refrigerator, bag and place into prepared baking dish(es) in a single layer, cut side up.
11. Scoop stuffing mixture into the zucchini boats. You may need to press mixture down firmly with your hands in order to get all mixture into the zucchini boats. It’s okay if they seem overstuffed. Then cover baking dish(es) completely with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven.
12. Bake for 45 minutes at 375°. Then remove baking dish(es) from oven and increase temperature to 400°.
IMG_2300
13. While oven temp is increasing, remove foil cover. (At this point, I sprinkled the savory zucchini boats with a mixture of 2 Tbsp. nutrient yeast + 1/2 tsp. each grated lemon peel and sea salt, but that’s totally optional. I didn’t notice it made much difference in terms of flavor. Looked like this (see picture at right) before I put it back in the oven for the final bake.)
14. Once oven temp has reached 400° return uncovered baking dish(es) to oven, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Allow to rest, very loosely covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes around 5 servings.

 

 

Wisdom for the Day:
~Psalm 127:1-2, of Solomon (English Standard Version)
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to his beloved sleep.
KG’s comment – I love this Psalm from Solomon! It reminds me to refocus on those people and things that really matter instead those little projects and busyness with which I so frequently become preoccupied. Have you been slaving away at anything lately only to find yourself burned out and exhausted with little to no energy left for your family? Perhaps it’s time to take a break and rest. Step away from the projects and rest.
Read more here.

Makes 5 servings

 

Check out the other recipes in this series:
Easy Cheezy Chicken & Broccoli Soup with Crispy Potato Croutons
Chicken Tri-Almandine Casserole
Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Garlic Salad Dressing
Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways

And be sure to subscribe to Daily Beauty Wisdom to automatically receive new posts sent directly to your inbox of choice!

Sweet-N-Savory Paleo Stuffed Zucchini #WHOLE30 Compliant (Full Recipe)

 #WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini

#WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini

Several weeks ago I posted #WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways as part of my series of recipes based upon a recent HealthGrove study identifying top 30 foods for beautiful skin and hair. As I’ve mentioned in each recipe I’ve shared in the series, 27 of those 30 foods are #WHOLE30-compliant foods (the exceptions 3 being non-soy legumes, e.g. green peas and pea pods). None of the 30 foods from the list are dairy or grains products. I found the study so inspiring that I challenged myself to create and post all new #WHOLE30-compliant recipes with each of the 27 foods from the list (again, not counting the 3 legumes); and thus, the birth of this series of recipes. When I first posted the Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways, I promised to add two additional posts later on – one for each stuffing option. This post is the first of those two options – the set and savory option. It includes a base ground turkey breast, sweet figs (or raisins if you prefer) along with crunchy walnuts and spices. It makes a lovely light lunch or an impressive dinner entree served along side a tossed green salad. Here is the original post for reference.

So with that lengthy introduction out of the way, this recipe’s star ingredient is #29 from the HealthGrove list of top 30 foods – ZUCCHINI!

IMG_2296

Zucchini – #29 on Healthgrove’s List of Best Foods for Beautiful Skin and Hair

Ingredients:
• 5 medium-large zucchini
• 2 tsp. iodized sea salt, divided
• 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast
• 1 Tbsp. organic coconut oil, divided
• 1 cup walnuts, divided
• Nonstick cooking spray (I used Pam nonstick coconut oil spray)
• 15 dried figs or 1/2 cup raisins (for #WHOLE30 be sure to use sulfite-free figs such as these or these raisins)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• generous pinch ground cloves
• 1/4 cup instant potato flakes, e.g. Bob’s Red Mill (see note below)+++
• pinch pure stevia (omit during WHOLE30, see note below)+++

+++It’s really important to always check the ingredient lists of any products you plan to consume when doing #WHOLE30. Some instant potato flakes contain sulfite preservatives or other additives not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (and which aren’t healthy for us to consume anyway). I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes. Stevia and other sweeteners are also not permitted during #WHOLE30. For a complete list of #WHOLE30 program do’s and don’ts as well as answers to just about any and all #WHOLE30 questions you may have, I highly recommend you check out the program rules here and other resources available at WHOLE30’s website to educate yourself prior to beginning your own WHOLE30 journey or whenever you have questions or need some support (the Facebook and Twitter feeds are tremendous sources of encouragement and support). Also, consider reading the book It Starts with Food prior to attempting a #WHOLE30. The book is chalked full of useful information and helpful tips to make surviving the whole 30 days a whole lot more tolerable (pun intended).

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

Hardware:
• 9X13″ Baking Dish or 2 – 8” Baking Dishes
• Medium-large sized mixing bowl
• Melon Baller or small spoon
• Colander
• Potato masher
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board(s)
• Large nonstick frying pan

 

 

Process:
1. Wash and dry each zucchini. Transfer to cutting board.
2. Remove stems, and cut each zucchini in half length-wise.
3. Using melon-baller or small pointy spoon, scoop out inside pulp from each zucchini half and place into large bowl.
4. Place hollowed zucchini “boats” into a ziplock freezer bag and store in refrigerator. Place pulp in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt.
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least an hour.
5. When ready to cook, place the zucchini pulp in a large colander and rinse well under running water. Shake colander to remove excess water. Then gently pat pulp dry.
6. Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray then place on stove over MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT.
7. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to the pan and allow oil to melt. Add ground turkey breast, zucchini pulp and 1 tsp. salt in pan and brown stirring continuously to break up any lumps. You may need to use a potato masher at the end of cooking to ensure the mixture is broken up into small, even chunks that will fit nicely into the boats. (see pic below).

Mixture should look more or less like this.

Mixture should look more or less like this.

8. Pour turkey mixture into medium-large mixing bowl. Preheat oven to 375° and prepare baking dish (or dishes) by lining with tin foil (for easier cleanup), then spraying lined dish(es) with nonstick coconut oil spray. Then set aside.
9. Using clean kitchen sheers, snip figs into fourths and stir into ground turkey and zucchini mixture. If using raisins, simply add to turkey mixture. Next add applesauce, walnuts, vinegar and spices (including stevia if using). Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10. Remove zucchini “boats” from refrigerator. Take out of bag and place into prepared baking dish(es) in a single layer, cut side up.
11. Scoop stuffing mixture into the zucchini boats. You may need to press mixture down firmly with your hands in order to get all mixture into the zucchini boats. It’s okay if they seem overstuffed. Then cover baking dish(es) completely with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven.
12. Bake for 45 minutes at 375°. Then remove baking dish(es) from oven and increase temperature to 400°.
13. While oven temp is increasing, remove foil cover. Once oven temp has reached 400° return uncovered baking dish(es) to oven, and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Allow to rest, very loosely covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.               Makes around 5 servings.

IMG_2301

Wisdom for the Day:
~Psalm 127:1-2, of Solomon (English Standard Version)
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to his beloved sleep.
KG’s comment – I love this Psalm from Solomon! It reminds me to refocus on those people and things that really matter instead those little projects and busyness with which I so frequently become preoccupied. Have you been slaving away at anything lately only to find yourself burned out and exhausted with little to no energy left for your family? Perhaps it’s time to take a break and rest. Step away from the projects and rest.
Read more here.

Makes 5 servings

 

Check out the other recipes in this series:
Easy Cheezy Chicken & Broccoli Soup with Crispy Potato Croutons
Chicken Tri-Almandine Casserole
Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Garlic Salad Dressing
Stuffed Zucchini 2 Ways

And be sure to subscribe to Daily Beauty Wisdom to automatically receive new posts sent directly to your inbox of choice!

Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing

Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing

Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing

Today’s recipe continues the series of recipes based on a recent HealthGrove study identifying the top 30 foods for producing beautiful skin and hair. As I discussed previously, all but 3 of the 30 foods on that list are #WHOLE30 foods, and the 3 foods on the list not technically considered Paleo or WHOLE30-compliant are legumes (i.e. beans), not dairy or grains. In case you missed my previous entries based on the beautifying ingredients from the HealthGrove study, you will find links at the bottom of this post for prior recipes. So, be sure to check those out and definitely stay tuned to Daily Beauty Wisdom because I’ll be posting all new recipes for each of the remaining 27 #Paleo / #WHOLE30 ingredients from that list (I think I’ve got about 22 or so ingredients left to cover).

Today’s beautifying ingredient – LEMONS (food #23 from HealthGrove’s list).

LEMONS - Delicious & Pretty, Both Inside & Out!

 LEMONS – Deliciously Pretty Both Inside & Out!

Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, a very important vitamin. Vitamin C helps the body synthesize collagen, a key component of strong skin and hair. You’ve probably heard Vitamin C referred to as an anti-oxidant. It helps counteracts the “oxidative” action of stress, toxins (like tobacco smoke, smog, etc.) and the sun’s UV rays, so stabilized forms of Vitamin C (e.g. L-ascorbic acid, or simply ascorbate) are often added to cosmetics and skin care products for that reason. But it’s also important for us to consume Vitamin C in the foods we eat. One lemon provides almost 75% of an adult’s daily requirement for Vitamin C. Read more about Vitamin C here.

This recipe developed out of necessity. Basically, we ran out of salad dressing. In an effort to keep Hubs eating salads every night, we had done a great job of keeping the house stocked with plenty of Tessamae’s Lemon Garlic salad dressing – that is, right up until our recent Memorial Day road trip which turned into quite an ordeal due to some unforeseen weather and traffic headaches. As a result our trip was extended an extra day and we returned home too tired to even consider heading back out of town to shop for salad dressing (I’ve written previously that we cannot purchase WHOLE30-approved dressing near our home. And I’ve done a poor job of pre-planning when it comes to ordering ahead. Scolding self internally, “Bad wife. Bad.”) So after my previous catastrophic mayonnaise fail, I decided to give it another go at making a dressing, this time with something easier, a vinaigrette.

I’m chalking this recipe up as a big win for the following reasons. Reason #1 Hubs said the dressing was “really yummy,” and “just as good as the stuff we were buying” (Tessemae’s). Not sure I’d go that far, but I’m thrilled to have successfully (and quickly) whipped up a suitable replacement with one of the HealthGrove beautifying ingredients. Reason #2 – My daughter “participated” in the preparation of the recipe by sitting on the kitchen island in her fabulous Mamas & Papas Baby Snug chair listening intently as I narrated the whole process. Anybody else have one of these chairs? We love ours! And it was a breeze to travel with. So much easier than trying to pack up a full-size high chair! And Reason #3, this was win because I was able to combine cooking with beauty products. Specifically, I used this nifty little hair color applicator squeeze bottle from Sally’s Beauty Supply. This little guy cost less than $2 (actually around $1.60 with my Beauty Club discount). It’s washable and reusable. You could use the gradations on the side for measuring ingredients. It comes with a tight-fitting lid that makes combining ingredients super easy, and it dispenses the dressing better than a wide mouth bottle that may allow too much goop to come pouring out and drown your salad. AND the narrow spout (guess that’s what you’d call it) prevents any large chunks of garlic from escaping the bottle. In this case that’s a good thing because this recipe uses raw garlic – good for flavor, but not really something you wanna chomp down on in a salad. Okay, enough rhapsodizing about the bottle, on to the recipe…

Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing

Quick & Easy Paleo Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing

                               ….Served Along Side a Luscious Summer Salad

Ingredients:
• ¼ tsp. grated lemon peel
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. iodized sea salt
• 10 cranks freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp. Dijon or yellow mustard (use yellow mustard if doing #WHOLE30)+++
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice from 1 small lemon)
• ½ Tbsp. Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos Sauce
• ¼ tsp. dried thyme, crushed
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
• pinch dried oregano, crushed (optional)
• 1/3 cup avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp. chia seeds

+++Most prepared dijon mustards contain white wine which is not approved for consumption during #WHOLE30. So if you’re actively “doing a WHOLE30,” be sure to substitute plain yellow mustard and (as always) be sure to check the ingredient list of any prepared product you use prior to consuming.

Hardware:
• Microplane
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Squeeze bottle or other dressing dispenser

Love this Squeeze Bottle from Sally's Beauty Supply Repurposed for Salad Dressing Application!

Love this Squeeze Bottle from Sally’s Beauty Supply Repurposed for Salad Dressing Application!

IMG_2240

 

 

Process:

1. Wash and dry lemon. Transfer to cutting board.
2. Using microplane, grate lemon peel then transfer to whatever bottle you will use to hold, dispense dressing.
3. Next finely chop (mince) garlic and add to bottle.
4. Add salt, pepper, mustard, thyme, lemon juice and Coconut Aminos sauce as well as any other herbs you are using.
5. Shake bottle gently to combine ingredients. Then pour in oil all at once along with chia seeds.
6. Place lid tightly on bottle and shake vigorously for about 2 minutes.
7. Taste for seasonings and adjust for taste.
8. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. It’s best to refrigerate at least 3-4 hours before using.

Serve This Tangy Dressing over Crisp Salad Greens and Revel in the Compliments!

Serve This Tangy Dressing over Crisp Salad Greens and Revel in the Compliments!

 

Wisdom of the Day:
“…and (God) said to humankind: ‘Look, the fear of the Lord is wisdom; turning from evil is understanding.”
~Job 28:28 (Common English Bible)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
Sleep is a key component in any beauty regimen. You simply cannot look or feel your best without sufficient sleep. For most adults, that means at least 7-8 solid hours of sleep per night. Struggling to fall or stay asleep? Check out this list of things that may be impending your sleep:
6 Things that Can Steal Your Sleep from ShareCare (P.S. I’m totally guilty of #6)

Previous recipes from this series include:
Easy Cheezy Broccoli Soup with Crispy Potato Croutons
#WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini Boats 2 Ways
Chicken Tri-Alamandine Casserole
And don’t forget to subscribe to Daily Beauty Wisdom by entering your email address in the subscription bar. That way you’ll instantly receive new recipes and beauty posts automatically sent to inbox of choice!

WHOLE30 Lifestyle Hits the Road for Memorial Day

Loaded Turkey Burgers in a Tasty Salad Make for a Delicious & Comforting Meal on the Go!

Loaded Turkey Burgers in a Tasty Salad Make for a Delicious & Comforting Meal on the Go!

Hubs and I finished our first WHOLE30 just over 3 weeks ago. With only a few hiccups, we’ve survived reintroduction and transition to a WHOLE30-esque lifestyle. He is now eating gluten-free grains without any problems. I’m still grain-free. Neither of us is consuming any dairy or legumes. Hubs eats what he describes as “a minimal amount of sugar” (which translates to a few spoonfuls of coconut sugar in his coconut oil coffee each morning and the occasional gluten-free cookie after dinner). And I’m still using a little artificial sweetener (primarily stevia), but avoiding all forms of refined sugar. All in all, this plan is working well for us. It’s sustainable. We’ve maintained the results we achieved during the 30 days and we don’t feel deprived or have any major cravings.

We had planned to host family this Memorial Day weekend. But plans changed due to the sudden illness of a family member. So we’re packing up our baby girl (and ALL her accoutrement) and hitting the road. This will be our daughter’s first road trip and our first WHOLE30 traveling experience.

I’m not sure which has me more nervous. I’m probably equally anxious about both. Of course, I want things to go smoothly as we travel with our daughter and I don’t want to derail our new healthier WHOLE30 lifestyle. We are blessed beyond all measure with a daughter who is calm, good-natured and easy-going. She basically adapts to anything we do with her. Plus, like most new parents, we’ve over- packed for all contingencies, so she should be well-occupied during our 9+ hour drive (each way).

Speaking of that drive, we’re definitely gonna have to eat at least a few meals on the road. The WHOLE9 / WHOLE30 folks (The Whole9 Guide To Navigating a Restaurant Menu) and others (for example: Life Health HQ WHOLE30 Restaurant Guide) have provided some great resources for eating out during the program, but I feel like (especially when you’re eating at chain restaurants as we will) you can never be truly certain that your veggies and proteins are cooked in approved oils; that no refined sugars were included in the salad dressings; etc. So I’m taking the same approach to our meals as we’re taking to traveling with our daughter – plan for all contingencies and pack our own – our proteins and veggies at least. We also have a hotel room with a full kitchen. So that will allow us some additional control over our meals.

In the meantime, here’s what I’ve packed just in case:
Loaded Turkey Burgers To Go (recipe follows)
• Grilled Aidell’s Chicken Apple Sausages
WHOLE30 Deviled Eggs Florentine (recipe follows)
• Pre-made tossed salads
• 2 Boxes of Wholly Guacamole Minis
• Homemade Trail Mix (mix of walnuts, pecans, cashews and unsulphured raisins)
• Bananas
• Bottled water + Ginger Green Tea
Coconut oil

So that’s it. A little preparation makes Mommy feel a whole (no pun intended) lot better before hitting the road. Plus the turkey burgers are really delicious! Hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend as well!

Loaded Turkey Burgers To Go

IMG_2635
Ingredients:
• 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled
• ½ cup organic unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1.5 tsp. iodized sea salt
• 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 lb. Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast (98% Lean)
• 1 lb. Lean Ground Turkey Breast (93% Lean)
• 5 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil (I used Carrington’s brand organic extra virgin)

Hardware:
• Potato masher
• Potato peeler
• Large mixing bowl
• Large nonstick frying pan or skillet with lid

Process:
1. Cut sweet potato into 3 roughly equal pieces. Then wrap in a paper towel. Microwave on HIGH for 4-5 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave. Carefully remove from microwave and place on a small plate, then transfer to refrigerator. All to chill about 1 hour or until cool enough to handle.
2. Remove sweet potato from refrigerator and using your hands, “shmush” the pieces into smaller pieces over a large mixing bowl. Next add the applesauce.
3. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until more or less smooth with no large chunks visible.
4. Add salt and spinach to mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Next add turkey and walnuts. Then use your hands to thoroughly combine mixture and form into patties of roughly equal size. I made 12 patties.
6. Place a large nonstick skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil and allow oil to melt and then rotate pan so oil covers the entire pan.
7. Place 4 patties in hot oil and cover pan. Then allow patties to cook about 6 min before flipping. Cook an additional 5 minutes (uncovered). Then remove to a platter and repeat twice with remaining patties and coconut oil.
~Makes about 12 burgers.

#WHOLE30 Deviled Eggs Florentine

Deviled Eggs Florentine Are the Perfect Cooler Snack!

Deviled Eggs Florentine Are the Perfect Cooler Snack!

Ingredients:
• 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chilled
• ½ 10-oz. pkg. frozen spinach, defrosted and very well drained
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. WHOLE30-approved mayo (e.g. Primal Kitchens Mayo, or Tessemae’s Mayo)
• 2 Tbsp. DBW Paleo Cheez It Sauce (optional) or additional 1 Tbsp. Mayo
• Optional garnishes – sliced black olives, smoked paprika, sliced almonds, etc.

Hardware:
• Small paring knife
• Cutting board
• Small-medium sized mixing bowl
• Spatula or fork

Process:
1. Place each boiled egg on cutting board and cut in half horizontally (see picture below). Cutting the eggs this way allows you to store the deviled eggs in an empty (dozen) egg container. If you’re planning to serve your deviled eggs in a traditional deviled egg platter, you will want to halve your eggs vertically.

Vertical cut on the left. Horizontal cut on the right.

Vertical cut on the left.                                                                           Horizontal cut on the right.

2. Place halved egg whites into whatever container you will serve them. Because I’m taking my deviled eggs to-go I placed them back into a an empty egg container which I had cleaned and dried.
3. Carefully scoop the yolks into a mixing bowl (you want to avoid breaking the whites). Using a form or spatula, mash up the yolks until no large lumps remain.
IMG_2591
4. Next add the spinach (you can save the left over spinach for some other use), salt, mayo and Cheez Sauce (if using). Stir all together until well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust if desired.

5. Spoon filling into halves and decorate with garnish as desired. I piped the mixture in using a pastry bag just to be all fancy, but that’s totally unnecessary.

N.B. This recipe makes an excess of filling. I’m not wasting the filling. Hubs and I are packing filling up and taking it with us in a small Tupperware container because it makes a tremendous salad dressing!

~Makes 12 deviled egg halves.

 

 

Wisdom for the Day:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
~Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
Check out the wonderful and informative Paleo Hacks Blog and be sure to sign up for one of the free recipe guides!

WHOLE30 Lifestyle Hits the Road for Memorial Day

Loaded Turkey Burgers in a Tasty Salad Make for a Delicious & Comforting Meal on the Go!

Loaded Turkey Burgers in a Tasty Salad Make for a Delicious & Comforting Meal on the Go!

Hubs and I finished our first WHOLE30 just over 3 weeks ago. With only a few hiccups, we’ve survived reintroduction and transition to a WHOLE30-esque lifestyle. He is now eating gluten-free grains without any problems. I’m still grain-free. Neither of us is consuming any dairy or legumes. Hubs eats what he describes as “a minimal amount of sugar” (which translates to a few spoonfuls of coconut sugar in his coconut oil coffee each morning and the occasional gluten-free cookie after dinner). And I’m still using a little artificial sweetener (primarily stevia), but avoiding all forms of refined sugar. All in all, this plan is working well for us. It’s sustainable. We’ve maintained the results we achieved during the 30 days and we don’t feel deprived or have any major cravings.

We had planned to host family this Memorial Day weekend. But plans changed due to the sudden illness of a family member. So we’re packing up our baby girl (and ALL her accoutrement) and hitting the road. This will be our daughter’s first road trip and our first WHOLE30 traveling experience.

I’m not sure which has me more nervous. I’m probably equally anxious about both. Of course, I want things to go smoothly as we travel with our daughter and I don’t want to derail our new healthier WHOLE30 lifestyle. We are blessed beyond all measure with a daughter who is calm, good-natured and easy-going. She basically adapts to anything we do with her. Plus, like most new parents, we’ve over- packed for all contingencies, so she should be well-occupied during our 9+ hour drive (each way).

Speaking of that drive, we’re definitely gonna have to eat at least a few meals on the road. The WHOLE9 / WHOLE30 folks (The Whole9 Guide To Navigating a Restaurant Menu) and others (for example: Life Health HQ WHOLE30 Restaurant Guide) have provided some great resources for eating out during the program, but I feel like (especially when you’re eating at chain restaurants as we will) you can never be truly certain that your veggies and proteins are cooked in approved oils; that no refined sugars were included in the salad dressings; etc. So I’m taking the same approach to our meals as we’re taking to traveling with our daughter – plan for all contingencies and pack our own – our proteins and veggies at least. We also have a hotel room with a full kitchen. So that will allow us some additional control over our meals.

In the meantime, here’s what I’ve packed just in case:
Loaded Turkey Burgers To Go (recipe follows)
• Grilled Aidell’s Chicken Apple Sausages
WHOLE30 Deviled Eggs Florentine (recipe follows)
• Pre-made tossed salads
• 2 Boxes of Wholly Guacamole Minis
• Homemade Trail Mix (mix of walnuts, pecans, cashews and unsulphured raisins)
• Bananas
• Bottled water + Ginger Green Tea
Coconut oil

So that’s it. A little preparation makes Mommy feel a whole (no pun intended) lot better before hitting the road. Plus the turkey burgers are really delicious! Hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend as well!

Loaded Turkey Burgers To Go

IMG_2635
Ingredients:
• 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled
• ½ cup organic unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1.5 tsp. iodized sea salt
• 10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 lb. Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast (98% Lean)
• 1 lb. Lean Ground Turkey Breast (93% Lean)
• 5 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil (I used Carrington’s brand organic extra virgin)

Hardware:
• Potato masher
• Potato peeler
• Large mixing bowl
• Large nonstick frying pan or skillet with lid

Process:
1. Cut sweet potato into 3 roughly equal pieces. Then wrap in a paper towel. Microwave on HIGH for 4-5 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave. Carefully remove from microwave and place on a small plate, then transfer to refrigerator. All to chill about 1 hour or until cool enough to handle.
2. Remove sweet potato from refrigerator and using your hands, “shmush” the pieces into smaller pieces over a large mixing bowl. Next add the applesauce.
3. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until more or less smooth with no large chunks visible.
4. Add salt and spinach to mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Next add turkey and walnuts. Then use your hands to thoroughly combine mixture and form into patties of roughly equal size. I made 12 patties.
6. Place a large nonstick skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil and allow oil to melt and then rotate pan so oil covers the entire pan.
7. Place 4 patties in hot oil and cover pan. Then allow patties to cook about 6 min before flipping. Cook an additional 5 minutes (uncovered). Then remove to a platter and repeat twice with remaining patties and coconut oil.
~Makes about 12 burgers.

#WHOLE30 Deviled Eggs Florentine

Deviled Eggs Florentine Are the Perfect Cooler Snack!

Deviled Eggs Florentine Are the Perfect Cooler Snack!

Ingredients:
• 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chilled
• ½ 10-oz. pkg. frozen spinach, defrosted and very well drained
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. WHOLE30-approved mayo (e.g. Primal Kitchens Mayo, or Tessemae’s Mayo)
• 2 Tbsp. DBW Paleo Cheez It Sauce (optional) or additional 1 Tbsp. Mayo
• Optional garnishes – sliced black olives, smoked paprika, sliced almonds, etc.

Hardware:
• Small paring knife
• Cutting board
• Small-medium sized mixing bowl
• Spatula or fork

Process:
1. Place each boiled egg on cutting board and cut in half horizontally (see picture below). Cutting the eggs this way allows you to store the deviled eggs in an empty (dozen) egg container. If you’re planning to serve your deviled eggs in a traditional deviled egg platter, you will want to halve your eggs vertically.

Vertical cut on the left. Horizontal cut on the right.

Vertical cut on the left.                                                                           Horizontal cut on the right.

2. Place halved egg whites into whatever container you will serve them. Because I’m taking my deviled eggs to-go I placed them back into a an empty egg container which I had cleaned and dried.
3. Carefully scoop the yolks into a mixing bowl (you want to avoid breaking the whites). Using a form or spatula, mash up the yolks until no large lumps remain.
IMG_2591
4. Next add the spinach (you can save the left over spinach for some other use), salt, mayo and Cheez Sauce (if using). Stir all together until well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust if desired.

5. Spoon filling into halves and decorate with garnish as desired. I piped the mixture in using a pastry bag just to be all fancy, but that’s totally unnecessary.

N.B. This recipe makes an excess of filling. I’m not wasting the filling. Hubs and I are packing filling up and taking it with us in a small Tupperware container because it makes a tremendous salad dressing!

~Makes 12 deviled egg halves.

 

 

Wisdom for the Day:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
~Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
Check out the wonderful and informative Paleo Hacks Blog and be sure to sign up for one of the free recipe guides!

WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini Two Ways

IMG_2302
Several days ago I wrote about a study from HealthGrove identifying the best 30 foods for beautiful skin and hair. The researchers compiled the list by creating an algorithm based upon the top vitamins and minerals to support skin and hair health and calculating which foods were highest in those nutrients and lowest in unhealthy, pro-inflammatory factors. As I explained at the time, all but 3 of the 30 are WHOLE30 foods, the remaining 3 being legumes (i.e. beans). I then issued myself a challenge to create all new Paleo / WHOLE30 recipes with each of the 27 foods.

In case you missed it, my first attempt was based on #20 (broccoli) from the list of beautifying foods. Incidentally, that recipe and this one both use instant potato flakes. It has come to my attention that some brands of instant potato flakes contain various preservatives including sulfites, which are not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (and which are unhealthy for us to eat at any time). I highly recommend Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes. You can purchase this product online through iHerb or Amazon, and it is available in many grocery stores. The moral of the story – it’s always important to check the ingredient lists of any products you purchase, especially when doing WHOLE30.

IMG_2296

#29 on Healthgrove’s List of Best Food for Beautiful Skin and Hair

So with all that said, today’s mystery ingredient is (drum roll please) – ZUCCHINI! I love the green summer squash for it’s mild flavor and versatility.

The following recipe offers you two high protein, vegetable-heavy main-dish treatment options for stuffed zucchini. The great thing about this recipe is that you can prepare both options using 5 zucchini and 1 pound of ground turkey breast plus a few pantry staples. Both treatments received rave reviews from my family. None of us could choose a favorite, so I am sharing both. Option #1 is savory with an Italian flavor and seasonings. I served the savory zucchini boats with my Paleo Cheez Sauce along side. The tangy, creaminess of the sauce provided a wonderful compliment to the tomato and turkey stuffing. I also think the Cheez Sauce makes this option a bit more kid-friendly.

Option #2 is savory/sweet with what my mother described as “an almost Persian taste.” I’m not sure about that. I suspect she was referencing the flavor and texture of the figs. If you or your family don’t like figs – or you just don’t happen to have any in the house at present – you can certainly substitute raisins or prunes for that matter. I wouldn’t use dates for this recipe, however. They’re just too sweet. Also, if you’re actively doing WHOLE30,
remember to always be mindful to avoid any dried fruits preserved with sulfites which (as noted above) are off limits during the program. If you’re on the fence about figs and need a reason to give them a try, check out this link to find out why figs are among the world’s healthiest foods and one of the best guardians of health.

One final note, this is not a difficult recipe, nor are the ingredients terribly exotic or tough to come by. It is, however, time-consuming as you may have guessed if you skipped ahead to read the process. This is the type of recipe that is likely to impress guests and is sure to please even those not following special dietary regimens. For those reasons, I would suggest saving this for a weekend meal or some day when you have a little extra time to prepare dinner. Wishing you good health and delicious meals!

Ingredients:
• 5 medium-large zucchini
• 2 tsp. iodized sea salt, divided
• 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast
• 2 Tbsp. organic coconut oil, divided
• 1 cup walnuts, divided
• Nonstick cooking spray (I used Pam nonstick coconut oil spray)

For Savory Stuffed Zucchini
IMG_2300
• 1 can diced tomatoes, well drained (be sure the brand you buy has no added sugar or unapproved additives)
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
• ¼ tsp. dried oregano
• ½ small sweet onion, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup instant potato flakes, e.g. Bob’s Red Mill
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. grated lemon peel
• 2 Tbsp. nutrient yeast (optional)

 

 

For Sweet-N-Savory Stuffed Zucchini
IMG_2301
• 10 dried figs or 1/3 cup raisins (for WHOLE30 be sure to use sulfite-free figs such as these or these raisins)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. allspice
• pinch ground cloves
• pinch pure stevia (omit during WHOLE30)

 

 

Hardware:
• 2 – 8” Baking Dishes
• 2 – small/medium sized mixing bowls
• Melon Baller or small spoon

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

• Lemon zester
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board(s)
• Large nonstick frying pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process:
1. Wash and dry each zucchini. Transfer to cutting board.
2. Remove stems, and cut each zucchini in half length-wise.
3. Using melon-baller or small pointy spoon, scoop out inside pulp from each zucchini half and place into large bowl.
4. Place hollowed zucchini “boats” into a ziplock freezer bag and store in refrigerator. Place pulp in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least an hour.
5. When ready to cook, place the zucchini pulp in a large colander and rinse well under running water. Shake colander to remove excess water. Then gently pat pulp dry.
6. Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray then place it over MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT.
7. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to the pan and allow oil to melt. Then place ground turkey breast, zucchini pulp and 1 tsp. salt in pan and brown stirring continuously to break up and lumps. You may need to use a potato masher at the end of cooking to ensure the mixture is broken up into even chunks that will fit nicely into the boats. (see pic below)

Mixture should look more or less like this.

Mixture should look more or less like this.

 

8. Divide this mixture equally into 2 large mixing bowls. Then wash and dry pan to prepare for reuse.
9. For Savory Zucchini Boats:
Drain tomatoes well and add to turkey mixture along with ½ cup walnuts, garlic, oregano and ½ tsp. salt. Place frying pan over MEDIUM heat and add remaining 1 Tbsp. coconut oil. Heat oil until it melts. Then add pepper and onion. Cook veggies over MEDIUM heat until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (N.B. If you’re lazy, like me, you can save time and cleanup by tossing the peppers, onion and oil into a microwave-safe bowl and nuking on HIGH for 4 minutes. Then proceed as above). Add cooked onions and peppers to turkey/tomato mixture and stir to combine. Next add dry potato flakes, nutrient yeast, lemon peel and juice. Stir to combine and test for seasoning, adjusting to taste.
10. For Sweet –N- Savory Zucchini Boats:
Using clean kitchen sheers, snip figs into fourths and stir into ground turkey and zucchini mixture. If using raisins, simply add to turkey mixture. Next add applesauce, remaining ½ cup walnuts, vinegar and spices (including stevia if using). Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11. Preheat oven to 375° and prepare baking dishes by lining both dishes with tin foil (for easier cleanup), then spraying lined dishes with nonstick coconut oil spray. Place 5 zucchini halves in each baking dish.
12. Scoop savory mixture into the 5 “boats” in one baking dish and repeat with sweet/savory mixture in second baking dish. You may need to press mixture down firmly in order to get all mixture into the zucchini. It’s okay if they seem overstuffed. Then cover both dishes with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven.
13. Bake for 45 minutes. Then remove baking dishes from oven and increase temperature to 400°.
14. Meanwhile, remove foil cover from baking dishes. (At this point, I sprinkled the savory zucchini boats with a bit more nutrient yeast, but that’s totally optional. I didn’t notice it made much difference in terms of flavor.) Once oven temp has reached 400° return dishes to oven. Cook for 15 minutes longer.
15. Remove both baking dishes from oven. Allow to rest, very loosely covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 5 servings

Makes 5 servings

N.B. In case you prefer one version over another, note that I will shortly be posting links to each option above using full pound of meat.
Check back soon!

Wisdom of the Day:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:6-8 (NASB)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
Curious as to what exactly constitutes a well-stocked WHOLE30 pantry? Check out the WHOLE30 Pantry Stocking Guide.

#WHOLE30 Stuffed Zucchini Two Ways

IMG_2302
Several days ago I wrote about a study from HealthGrove identifying the best 30 foods for beautiful skin and hair. The researchers compiled the list by creating an algorithm based upon the top vitamins and minerals to support skin and hair health and calculating which foods were highest in those nutrients and lowest in unhealthy, pro-inflammatory factors. As I explained at the time, all but 3 of the 30 are WHOLE30 foods, the remaining 3 being legumes (i.e. beans). I then issued myself a challenge to create all new Paleo / WHOLE30 recipes with each of the 27 foods.

In case you missed it, my first attempt was based on #20 (broccoli) from the list of beautifying foods. Incidentally, that recipe and this one both use instant potato flakes. It has come to my attention that some brands of instant potato flakes contain various preservatives including sulfites, which are not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (and which are unhealthy for us to eat at any time). I highly recommend Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes. You can purchase this product online through iHerb or Amazon, and it is available in many grocery stores. The moral of the story – it’s always important to check the ingredient lists of any products you purchase, especially when doing WHOLE30.

IMG_2296

#29 on Healthgrove’s List of Best Food for Beautiful Skin and Hair

So with all that said, today’s mystery ingredient is (drum roll please) – ZUCCHINI!

I love the green summer squash for it’s mild flavor and versatility. The following recipe offers you two high protein, vegetable-heavy main-dish treatment options for stuffed zucchini. The great thing about this recipe is that you can prepare both options using 5 zucchini and 1 pound of ground turkey breast plus a few pantry staples. Both treatments received rave reviews from my family. None of us could choose a favorite, so I am sharing both. Option #1 is savory with an Italian flavor and seasonings. I served the savory zucchini boats with my Paleo Cheez Sauce along side. The tangy, creaminess of the sauce provided a wonderful compliment to the tomato and turkey stuffing. I also think the Cheez Sauce makes this option a bit more kid-friendly.

Option #2 is savory/sweet with what my mother described as “an almost Persian taste.” I’m not sure about that. I suspect she was referencing the flavor and texture of the figs. If you or your family don’t like figs – or you just don’t happen to have any in the house at present – you can certainly substitute raisins or prunes for that matter. I wouldn’t use dates for this recipe, however. They’re just too sweet. Also, if you’re actively doing WHOLE30,
remember to always be mindful to avoid any dried fruits preserved with sulfites which (as noted above) are off limits during the program. If you’re on the fence about figs and need a reason to give them a try, check out this link to find out why figs are among the world’s healthiest foods and one of the best guardians of health.

One final note, this is not a difficult recipe, nor are the ingredients terribly exotic or tough to come by. It is, however, time-consuming as you may have guessed if you skipped ahead to read the process. This is the type of recipe that is likely to impress guests and is sure to please even those not following special dietary regimens. For those reasons, I would suggest saving this for a weekend meal or some day when you have a little extra time to prepare dinner. Wishing you good health and delicious meals!

Ingredients:
• 5 medium-large zucchini
• 2 tsp. iodized sea salt, divided
• 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast
• 2 Tbsp. organic coconut oil, divided
• 1 cup walnuts, divided
• Nonstick cooking spray (I used Pam nonstick coconut oil spray)

For Savory Stuffed Zucchini
IMG_2300
• 1 can diced tomatoes, well drained (be sure the brand you buy has no added sugar or unapproved additives)
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
• ¼ tsp. dried oregano
• ½ small sweet onion, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup instant potato flakes, e.g. Bob’s Red Mill
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. grated lemon peel
• 2 Tbsp. nutrient yeast (optional)

 

 

For Sweet-N-Savory Stuffed Zucchini
IMG_2301
• 10 dried figs or 1/3 cup raisins (for WHOLE30 be sure to use sulfite-free figs such as these or these raisins)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. allspice
• pinch ground cloves
• pinch pure stevia (omit during WHOLE30)

 

 

Hardware:
• 2 – 8” Baking Dishes
• 2 – small/medium sized mixing bowls
• Melon Baller or small spoon

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

A melon baller makes it easy to scoop out the centers of each zucchini half

• Lemon zester
• Potato masher
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board(s)
• Large nonstick frying pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process:
1. Wash and dry each zucchini. Transfer to cutting board.
2. Remove stems, and cut each zucchini in half length-wise.
3. Using melon-baller or small pointy spoon, scoop out inside pulp from each zucchini half and place into large bowl.
4. Place hollowed zucchini “boats” into a ziplock freezer bag and store in refrigerator. Place pulp in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least an hour.
5. When ready to cook, place the zucchini pulp in a large colander and rinse well under running water. Shake colander to remove excess water. Then gently pat pulp dry.
6. Spray a large frying pan with nonstick spray then place it over MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT.
7. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to the pan and allow oil to melt. Then place ground turkey breast, zucchini pulp and 1 tsp. salt in pan and brown stirring continuously to break up and lumps. You may need to use a potato masher at the end of cooking to ensure the mixture is broken up into even chunks that will fit nicely into the boats. (see pic below)

Mixture should look more or less like this.

Mixture should look more or less like this.

 

8. Divide this mixture equally into 2 large mixing bowls. Then wash and dry pan to prepare for reuse.
9. For Savory Zucchini Boats:
Drain tomatoes well and add to turkey mixture along with ½ cup walnuts, garlic, oregano and ½ tsp. salt. Place frying pan over MEDIUM heat and add remaining 1 Tbsp. coconut oil. Heat oil until it melts. Then add pepper and onion. Cook veggies over MEDIUM heat until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (N.B. If you’re lazy, like me, you can save time and cleanup by tossing the peppers, onion and oil into a microwave-safe bowl and nuking on HIGH for 4 minutes. Then proceed as above). Add cooked onions and peppers to turkey/tomato mixture and stir to combine. Next add dry potato flakes, nutrient yeast, lemon peel and juice. Stir to combine and test for seasoning, adjusting to taste.
10. For Sweet –N- Savory Zucchini Boats:
Using clean kitchen sheers, snip figs into fourths and stir into ground turkey and zucchini mixture. If using raisins, simply add to turkey mixture. Next add applesauce, remaining ½ cup walnuts, vinegar and spices (including stevia if using). Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11. Preheat oven to 375° and prepare baking dishes by lining both dishes with tin foil (for easier cleanup), then spraying lined dishes with nonstick coconut oil spray. Place 5 zucchini halves in each baking dish.
12. Scoop savory mixture into the 5 “boats” in one baking dish and repeat with sweet/savory mixture in second baking dish. You may need to press mixture down firmly in order to get all mixture into the zucchini. It’s okay if they seem overstuffed. Then cover both dishes with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven.
13. Bake for 45 minutes. Then remove baking dishes from oven and increase temperature to 400°.
14. Meanwhile, remove foil cover from baking dishes. (At this point, I sprinkled the savory zucchini boats with a bit more nutrient yeast, but that’s totally optional. I didn’t notice it made much difference in terms of flavor.) Once oven temp has reached 400° return dishes to oven. Cook for 15 minutes longer.
15. Remove both baking dishes from oven. Allow to rest, very loosely covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Makes 5 servings

Makes 5 servings

N.B. In case you prefer one version over another, you can find the full Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe here. And I’ve posted the full Sweet-N-Savory Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe here.

Wisdom of the Day:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:6-8 (NASB)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
Curious as to what exactly constitutes a well-stocked WHOLE30 pantry? Check out the WHOLE30 Pantry Stocking Guide.

All In – Making a Lasting Commitment to the WHOLE30 Lifestyle

A few days ago, Hubs and I went grocery shopping. Nothing out of the ordinary. But as we were unloading our haul, which was especially heavy on the frozen meats and veggies, we realized there was no room in our freezers to accommodate our purchases. How could that be when I’d made the list myself based on items I knew we were out of? And, we’re blessed to have an extra refrigerator/freezer combo in our garage. So we should have tons of storage space, right? Hubs soon diagnosed the problem. Loads of assorted veggie burgers, patties and meat substitutes of all kinds were hiding at the back of each freezer, taking up valuable space.

For the next several minutes, we stood there holding bags of rapidly defrosting chicken, broccoli and green beans while I debated the pros and cons of tossing all my old vegan favorites. “But they taste so good,” I whined. “Remember I how loved the ‘crispy chick’n’ ones! Oh and here’s the 7-grain crispy tenders’ (by now, any current or former vegetarians out there know exactly which brand I’m referencing)! Those are my favorite! Remember how I loved them? They’re so expensive. I don’t wanna just throw away money,” I pleaded.

Hubs tried reasoning with me. “But Karen, remember how those things made you feel, how your stomach hurt all the time. You haven’t touched any soy in so long, and those breaded ones have grains all over them.”

Still I resisted. “But I used to love them,” I protested. “And you know how I hate throwing away food. It’s such a waste of money.” Then I came clean. “And, they taste so good. What if I wanna eat them again someday?” The crux of the matter – I was holding onto these foods knowing full well they were full of crazy chemicals; that they were loaded with artificial, processed ingredients; created in a lab somewhere by scientists to simulate real foods. But I hadn’t let them go because in the back of my mind I thought someday I might want to eat them again despite knowing how unhealthy they are. I wanted to keep my options open.

On hearing this, Hubs’ patience ran out. He grabbed a bag of faux meat and started reading the ingredients aloud. I think it was about when he reached “methylcellulose” or “cane sugar,” that he looked at me and asked “really? Is this really what you want to put into your body? Can’t you make something just as good with real foods?” He knows me so well. That was exactly the right button to push with me. Issue a challenge to my competitive nature, and I’m hooked. At that I promptly tossed all faux meat into the garbage and only looked back to take this pic.

Tossing out the artificial and making room for whole food freedom!

Tossing out the artificial and making room for whole food freedom!

Plus Hubs made a valid point – why settle for less than the best? It reminded me of a story from the Bible (Numbers 11). The Children of Israel had been rescued by God from slavery in Egypt and were being led by Moses through the desert to the Promised Land. During their time in the desert of testing, some of the people started complaining about the food they “had” to eat (literally Manna from heaven). The complainers decided they would have been better off returning to enslavement in order to have the foods they previously ate in Egypt. The upshot of this affair is that the complainers were allowed to eat some of the foods they were craving but with disastrous consequences. Click here to read more.

Be clear. I’m not suggesting I would drop dead if I took one bite of my old “chick’n” tenders. But it is important that we make wise choices each day and with each meal, choices that bring life and health to our minds and bodies. Wise choices are those foods created by God (the kind of foods with only 1 single pronounceable ingredient on the ingredient list), not scientifically engineered products filled with chemicals created by man. Wise food choices are exactly the kinds of foods that comprise the WHOLE30 and Paleo plans. Incidentally, those same whole foods are the ones identified as best for beauty in this recent study. It is important to remember why we started on the WHOLE30 program – to feel better, more energetic, maybe lose some weight and reduce/eliminate other nagging health problems (in my case to lose baby weight and decrease life-long GI troubles). In the face of this truth and the freedom the program has offered, it hardly makes sense to go running back to enslavement to former foods.

N.B. I’m all for allowing yourself the occasional splurge. But I believe in those rare instances, the indulgence should be something truly exceptional and comprised of all whole foods, not pseudo foods created by chemists. And it probably shouldn’t come from a freezer bag. For more on this approach to healthy splurging, check out this fantastic article by Melissa Hartwig where she describes her “One Bite Rule.”

Incidentally, for a couple of real food recipes that deliciously replace those sad soy substitutes, click these links and thank me later:
Paleo Leap’s Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips
WHOLE30 Thanksgiving in a Meatball

Wishing you peace, wisdom and delicious whole food meals in the coming weeks!

Wisdom of the Day:
They will turn their backs on the truth and turn to myths.
II Timothy 4:4 (Common English Bible)
Read more here.

Resource of the Day:
From Immunity Foods 20 Easy & Tasty WHOLE30 Lunch Recipes
(PS: Recipe #16 will blow your mind!)

Easy Cheezy Chicken & Broccoli Soup with Crispy Potato Croutons (Paleo & WHOLE30 Friendly)

Mmmmmmm soup!

+++This post has been updated including a modification to one of the original ingredients and an added comment below.

Ever since I wrote about the recent Healthgrove study identifying the top 30 foods for beauty, I have been a little annoyed with myself. Here I am writing a blog about beauty, with the goal of helping women feel more beautiful every day through diet, and wise choices for health and home. And, because of the amazing WHOLE30 experience, I’ve been able to share some great recipes (at least I hope they’re great). But I realized that only a few of the recipes I’ve posted thus far included ingredients listed among those top 30 foods for beauty. So I’m challenging myself to create at least 1 new Paleo (and WHOLE30-friendly) recipe for each of the 27 foods in that list (not including the 3 legumes).

I chose to start this challenge with a difficult ingredient right out of the gate – BROCCOLI. If you’ve read any of my recipes previously, you’ve probably noticed my references to Hubs’ utter abhorrence for 3 specific vegetables – namely, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and (you guessed it) broccoli. He calls them “the 3 deadly veggies.” Prior to WHOLE30, he’d positively refused to even taste any of them, claiming even one bite would cause him to “hurl” (his word not mine). That’s why I considered my Oven Fried Sprouts and Paleo Chop Suey such victories – because he not only ate but actually enjoyed Brussels sprouts and cauliflower (respectively). But broccoli still eluded me, until now.

Hubs "deadly" trio of vegetables - cauliflower, brussels sprouts & broccoli

Hubs “deadly” trio of vegetables – cauliflower, brussels sprouts & broccoli

The secret to this recipe is the cheese-like flavor imparted by the combination of nutrient yeast, pumpkin and mustard. The coconut milk contributes extra creaminess and that certain satisfying something that saturated fat always provides. When Hubs pronounced it: “super delicious” and suggested the recipe be posted under the title “heavenly chicken yum fest,” I knew we had a winner! If your family members are also broccoli-phobic, may I humbly suggest this recipe as a means of sneaking this beautifying veggie into their meals without the usual complaints and dramatics. May you enjoy in good health and peaceful dinner times!

Ingredients:

IMG_2129
• 1-40 oz. (2.5 lb.) bag frozen chicken breast tenderloins, no need to defrost
• ½ sweet onion chopped
• 1 14oz. can coconut milk (I used Thai Kitchen Organic)+++
• 16 oz. homemade or organic chicken broth (be sure to use broth without unapproved additives)
• ½ cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix, be sure no added sweeteners)
• ½ cup instant potato flakes (see note below)+++
• 1 tsp. iodized sea salt
• ½ cup nutrient yeast
• 1 Tbsp. spicy mustard+++ (not dijon, be sure that the mustard you use does NOT contain white wine, other unapproved additives if doing #WHOLE30)
• ½ tsp. white pepper
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. hot sauce (optional)
• 12oz. bag frozen broccoli spears or florets, no need to defrost
• 1 Tbsp. Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos Sauce

+++The original version of this recipe listed “dijon mustard” instead of spicy mustard among the ingredients. Upon further review, I discovered that most dijon mustards contain white wine which is off limits during #WHOLE30. Oops! So I’ve updated this recipe to more accurately reflect the #WHOLE30 program rules. This is an example of why it’s so important to read the book It Starts with Food and familiarize yourself with the #WHOLE30 website before beginning your own #WHOLE30 journey, to avoid mistakes like I made. It’s also important to always check the ingredient lists of any products you plan to consume when doing #WHOLE30. Some instant potato flakes contain sulfite preservatives or other additives not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (and which aren’t healthy for us to consume anyway). I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes. Also, be sure to check your coconut milk to be sure it contains no sulfites (a type of preservative commonly used in canned coconut milk which is listed among those additives off limits during the WHOLE30 program). For a complete list of #WHOLE30 program do’s and don’ts as well as answers to just about any #WHOLE30 questions you may have, I highly recommend you check out the program rules here. Don’t miss the other resources available at WHOLE30’s website to educate yourself prior to beginning your own WHOLE30 journey or whenever you have questions or need some support (the Facebook and Twitter feeds are tremendous sources of encouragement and support). And again I encourage you to read the book It Starts with Food. It’s chalked full of useful information and helpful tips to make surviving the whole 30 days a whole lot more tolerable (pun intended).

Hardware:
• Crockpot
• Crockpot Liner Bag (optional)

Process:
1. Place liner in crockpot (if using) and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Next add chicken tenderloins, chopped onions, broth, coconut milk, pumpkin and seasoning to pot. Stir to combine and place lid on mixture.
2. Cook on HIGH setting for 2 hours. Then stir in instant mashed potato flakes. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover pot again and continue cooking on HIGH crockpot setting for 1 more hour.
4. Remove lid and add broccoli. Again stir well to combine. Turn heat to LOW.
5. Cover pot and allow mixture to cook 30 minutes more. Then turn heat to WARM. Soup will keep like this for up to 90 minutes but continue stirring occasionally.
6. Just before serving, stir in Coconut Aminos sauce and test for seasoning. Add salt, pepper etc. as desired.
7. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and serve with crispy potatoes sprinkled on top as croutons (recipe follows).
Makes about 5 servings.
N.B. This soup is fairly thick. You may “thin it out” by adding additional broth, water or coconut milk. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings if you choose to add more liquid.

Crispy Potato Croutons

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Ingredients:
• 1.5 lb. Baby Red Potatoes, washed (unpeeled)
• 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil, melted
• 1 tsp. Salt plus additional salt
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• Dash Oregano Flakes

Process:
1. Wash and dry potatoes but do not peel. Cut the spuds into more or less uniform size pieces (halves or thirds depending on size of each potato).
2. Place potato pieces along with all remaining ingredients in a bowl. No need to stir just yet. Microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave.
3. While the potatoes cook, preheat oven to 400 degrees (Fahrenheit), and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray (I used Pam nonstick coconut oil).
4. Remove potatoes from microwave, add all remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Be sure potatoes are evenly covered with oil and seasonings. Then turn mixture onto prepared cookie sheet, being sure to distribute evenly on sheet. Sprinkle mixture lightly with additional salt.
5. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until desired crispiness.

Creamy, yummy, tasty goodness!

Creamy, yummy, tasty goodness!

Resource of the Day:
Do you have sensitive eyes that get red, itchy and irritated? My mother suffers with this problem and has avoided wearing mascara as result. Sad because mascara is probably the single most impactful eye makeup product. Check out this list of the best mascaras for sensitive, allergy-prone eyes. Mom and I like Clinique’s High Impact Mascara. For my money, it’s one of the top 3 best mascaras on the market, and I don’t have sensitive eyes!

Wisdom of the Day:
The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
~Psalm 145:15-16 (New American Standard Bible)
Read more here.

WHOLE30 Motivation – The 30 Best Foods for Beautiful Hair & Skin

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Researchers at Healthgrove just released their comprehensive study identifying the top 30 foods for beautiful skin and hair. Not coincidentally (at least not to me), all but 3 of the foods on the list are WHOLE30-approved. And those 3 foods not approved for consumption during WHOLE30 (numbers 18, 22 and 25 noted with * on the list below) are legumes. There are NO grains, pseudo grains or dairy foods on the list. So if you’re struggling to find the motivation to start WHOLE30 or you’re having a hard time sticking to your WHOLE30, take some time and read this study, then have a good long look in the mirror. Ask yourself, “do I want thicker, shinier hair? Would I look better with clearer, brighter, younger-looking skin?” I’ll bet you’ll find renewed motivation to get with the WHOLE30 Program!

You can read the entire article, including how the study authors created the list, as well as complete nutritional information for each food, here.

I have provided the complete list of the top 30 foods below along with links to a few WHOLE30 recipes from Daily Beauty Wisdom and other sites. Enjoy!

1. Sweet Potatoes
2. Red Bell Pepper
3. Kale
4. Collard Greens
5. Papaya
6. Beat Greens
7. Butternut Squash
8. Spinach
9. Wild Rainbow Trout
10. Pacific Oysters
11. Swordfish
12. Bitter Melon
13. Pumpkin
14. Sockeye Salmon
15. Oranges
16. Carrots
17. Strawberries
18. Lima Beans*
19. Brussels Sprouts
20. Broccoli Spears
21. Red Grapefruit
22. Pea pods*
23. Lemons
24. Sunflower Seeds
25. Green Peas*
26. Almonds
27. Cranberry Juice
28. Steamed Clams
29. Zucchini
30. Pacific Halibut

Resource of the Day:
Speaking of beautiful skin, with the days getting warmer and the sun hotter and brighter, it’s time to re-evaluate your daily sunscreen. Check out this list of the 12 best sunscreens according to Total Beauty.com.

Wisdom of the Day
O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.
~Psalm 34:8 (Amplified Bible)
Read more here.

Hi I'm Karen.

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