Shawn and I just finished a 30 day dietary change commitment based off of The Whole 30. We omitted all grains, legumes, corn, dairy, alcohol, sugar, sulfates and nitrates (preservatives.) I know it seems like a lot but we ate a bounty of really tasty, satisfying and nutritious meals. Lots of veggies, fruit in moderation, animal protein at most meals, tons of eggs, nuts, seeds, and a whole lot of healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, ghee and avocados.
We are both feeling really great and are inspired to keep some of these eating guidelines long term. Shawn actually had some positive results that have really opened his eyes. He stopped having daily sneeze-o-fits (20 something sneezes in a row.....not exaggerating), he stopped snoring (I haven't worn earplugs to bed in over 5 weeks!), his joint pain has seemed to disappear and he just feels more clear headed in general. Plus, he ended up losing 10 lbs! I didn't have anything particularly miraculous happen to me but I do feel awesome, have a bunch of new recipes that I adore plus I just feel really inspired and juiced about my overall health and eating.
My biggest challenge during our 30 days was my craving for a treat after lunch and supper. Fresh fruit and dried fruit are great options but I personally have the tendency to overindulge in fruit and pay for it later. So I started experimenting and perfected this combination of healthy, satisfying, non-belly gurgling ingredients. I used to have chocolate as my treat after meals but I actually now prefer these refrigerator squares. They also make a great alternative to energy bars for a healthy dose of fats, fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
I am in the habit now of making a double batch so that I always have my uber satisfying treats on hand. I love them so much - especially how easy they are - and thought I'd share the recipe I came up with. I hope You love them as much as we do! (I posted some photos of the process at the end of this post)
We are both feeling really great and are inspired to keep some of these eating guidelines long term. Shawn actually had some positive results that have really opened his eyes. He stopped having daily sneeze-o-fits (20 something sneezes in a row.....not exaggerating), he stopped snoring (I haven't worn earplugs to bed in over 5 weeks!), his joint pain has seemed to disappear and he just feels more clear headed in general. Plus, he ended up losing 10 lbs! I didn't have anything particularly miraculous happen to me but I do feel awesome, have a bunch of new recipes that I adore plus I just feel really inspired and juiced about my overall health and eating.
My biggest challenge during our 30 days was my craving for a treat after lunch and supper. Fresh fruit and dried fruit are great options but I personally have the tendency to overindulge in fruit and pay for it later. So I started experimenting and perfected this combination of healthy, satisfying, non-belly gurgling ingredients. I used to have chocolate as my treat after meals but I actually now prefer these refrigerator squares. They also make a great alternative to energy bars for a healthy dose of fats, fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
I am in the habit now of making a double batch so that I always have my uber satisfying treats on hand. I love them so much - especially how easy they are - and thought I'd share the recipe I came up with. I hope You love them as much as we do! (I posted some photos of the process at the end of this post)
Chocolate Chia Refrigerator Squares
raw - grain free - sugar free
Finely chop:
1/2 C Pecans in a food processor
Add:
1 C Shredded Coconut
1/4 C Chia Seeds
2 Tbs Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
2 pitted dates torn into smaller pieces
Process until ingredients are uniform and start to stick together
Add:
1/2 C Almond Butter
Process until ingredients form a big 'dough ball'
Using your hands, press 'dough' into an 8x8 baking dish lined w/ parchment paper
Finely chop:
Another 1/4 C Pecans in food processor
Dump chopped nuts onto flattened 'dough' and press in with hands
Refrigerate until firm enough to cut into small squares
Store in a covered container in refrigerator to keep their firmness
raw - grain free - sugar free
Finely chop:
1/2 C Pecans in a food processor
Add:
1 C Shredded Coconut
1/4 C Chia Seeds
2 Tbs Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
2 pitted dates torn into smaller pieces
Process until ingredients are uniform and start to stick together
Add:
1/2 C Almond Butter
Process until ingredients form a big 'dough ball'
Using your hands, press 'dough' into an 8x8 baking dish lined w/ parchment paper
Finely chop:
Another 1/4 C Pecans in food processor
Dump chopped nuts onto flattened 'dough' and press in with hands
Refrigerate until firm enough to cut into small squares
Store in a covered container in refrigerator to keep their firmness
Just a couple additional notes......
Perhaps you don't know what the heck chia seeds are. They are a superfood that is now commonly available at grocery stores, health and supplement stores, and in bulk at the Olympia Food Co-op. They are high in fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids. Check 'em out!
I encourage you to check out The Whole 30 food plan commitment if you are interested in doing something great for your health. I have never followed a 'fad diet' before but I really resonated with the particular guidelines in The Whole 30. We are really glad we made the decision to do it and stick to our 30 day commitment. It certainly paid off! Oh, and the book is great. Really delicious, easy and satisfying recipes and tips. It helped having something in hand to plan meals and grocery lists.
Perhaps you don't know what the heck chia seeds are. They are a superfood that is now commonly available at grocery stores, health and supplement stores, and in bulk at the Olympia Food Co-op. They are high in fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids. Check 'em out!
I encourage you to check out The Whole 30 food plan commitment if you are interested in doing something great for your health. I have never followed a 'fad diet' before but I really resonated with the particular guidelines in The Whole 30. We are really glad we made the decision to do it and stick to our 30 day commitment. It certainly paid off! Oh, and the book is great. Really delicious, easy and satisfying recipes and tips. It helped having something in hand to plan meals and grocery lists.
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