It seems like a bunch of my friends have hopped on the Whole 30 train and I’m not complaining. I really enjoy the Whole 30. I like that it cleanses your body. You know what you are feeding and nourishing it with and how you are reacting to the nutrients that you are providing it. Many non-scale victories are achieved- clearer skin, lower blood pressure, fewer allergies, increased energy and better sleep to name a few. One friend of mine who has been nervous and anxious about it decided to jump in. A) Finally! B) I was cheering her on from across the country. As a veteran myself, she sent me pictures of her meals (some of the recipes I have now put in my repertoire) and updated me on how she was feeling to have some accountability. After about a week, she told me she was sold. She felt great, began working out (couch to 5k-get it girl!) and having completed a round of Whole30, has decided to stick to an 80-20 format of paleo/whole30. Congrats girl, so proud of you. After salivating over her food porn pics, she inspired me to do another round. I grabbed a local friend of mine that I met in the fitness community and she was on board. Again, for her, accountability was key. She checked in daily, posted some awesome pictures and also after completing it, had some scale and non scale victories! This go ’round for me was about inspiring others and testing out new recipes. I can see how some people can get bored of eating the same meats/veggies, but guys, food and Whole30 doesn’t have to be boring! My go-to meat is ground turkey. I am very good at sautéing it up with pepper, onions, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and calling it a day. I can go the whole week- putting it in salads, making lettuce wraps (I know-boring). I wanted to try something new. With some adaptations from some online recipes these 2 are my new quick faves. Chicken (or turkey) zucchini poppers and Thai curry turkey meatballs.
Chicken(or Turkey) Zucchini Poppers (Adapted from One Lovely Life)
Ingredients:
1lb ground turkey/chicken meat
about 2 cups grated zucchini
2-3 sliced scallions
1 clove garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 – 1 tsp pepper
oil
Instructions
Mix ground meat with zucchini, scallions and seasonings.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Roll mixture into small meatballs or scoop a heaping teaspoon of mixture into the pan.
Cook about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown and centers are cooked through.
Serve (best with a pasta sauce)
Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs (adapted from Fashionable Foods)
Ingredients
For Meatballs
1 small onion (diced)
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt
pepper
2 teaspoons of curry paste (I used green)
1/2 cup almond flour
1 lb ground turkey meat
For Curry
Olive oil
3 heads baby bok choy (thinly slice)
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 tbsps curry paste
2 tbsps water
1 can coconut milk
(any additional veggies you may like)
Instructions:
Preheat broiler on HI
In a large bowl, combine onion, egg, salt, pepper, curry paste and almond flour.
Add the ground turkey meat and mix together until well combined
Scoop meatballs onto a parchment paper or foil lined baking sheet and broil for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. (Be sure to watch as it is easy to burn in the broiler)
While meatballs are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Add in bok choy, carrots and other veggies (if including) and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover for 2-3 minutes.
Remove lid and let remaining water evaporate.
Stir in curry paste until vegetables are coated, then pour in coconut milk.
Turn heat to low and bring to a simmer. Add in meatballs.
Serve!
Guys, our bodies are our temples (cliché, I know)! Seriously though, knowing what you’re putting into it is important. I’m not saying don’t indulge if you’re craving something. Do it, don’t feel bad about it because, well- balance. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Give these recipes a try and let me know what you think!
