Whoever said eating healthy had to be boring was incredibly incorrect. People have a fixated perception of eating healthy. The perception is, if it's not chicken, some kind of salad or water you can't eat it. Eating healthy can be so much more than that, if you allow it to be.
I've always heard people say "variety is the spice of life". I believe a variety of SPICES contributes to "the spice of life". By adding seasoning to your food you can not only be healthy, but also enjoy the food that you are eating without necessarily thinking of it as a "healthy" food. Some people are concerned because they hate vegetables. My response is, just add seasoning (just as long as it does not have added sugar). By adding a little seasoning to you food, you will be quite surprised at just how yummy even a few brussel sprouts can be.
When I discuss cooking with people, I often get the same reactions, which includes: "Ergh, I hate cooking", "I don't have time" or "I just don't like cooking". However, it can be simple and it's really a great way to channel your inner creativity. People, at times, have trouble waiting around while their food cooks on a hot stove, but what if I told you cooking on your stove is actually quite overrated. Owning a Crockpot, is like a small gift from Above. All you need to do is add your ingredients (meat, vegetables or seasoning) in the morning and keep it on low throughout the day. Also, being able to utilize your oven is a great way to cook. It only requires you to prepare your foods in a baking dish and turn the oven on (oh, and don't forget to set your timer).
The idea of eating has been swayed due to sit down and fast food restaurants. Restaurants are meant to be occasional and treats to reward ourselves. But instead, they are often abused by people eating out more frequently than cooking at home, which in turn creates an unhealthy lifestyle. There are so many benefits to cooking at home, which include: budgeting, health and food safety concerns. By cooking at home, one can usually get more BANG (from the seasoning) for their buck. Also, when going out to eat, you do not have control of how your food is prepared or cooked. This can be problematic in the aspect of your health, but also in the sanitation of the food. By cooking at home, I know what goes into and onto my food. A home cooked meal can also benefit your family by providing you with a time to sit, eat, and enjoy one another's company after a long stressful day at the office.
My challenge to you is:
1. Be creative in the kitchen.
2. Don't be afraid to try new things (you might enjoy them).
3. Eat MORE home cooked meals
4. Don't let something small like cooking steal your joy, most everyone has to do it, why not enjoy it.
*Below are several recipes that are both delcious and legal in the realm of Whole30/Paleo lifestyle.
Slow Cooker Mocha-Rubbed Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time:
Cook time: 6 hours
Total time:
Ingredients:
For the Mocha Rub (you will have extra)
- 2 tbsp finely ground coffee beans
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper (or sweet paprika)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Roast
- 2 lb. beef roast (I used grass-fed chuck)
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ an onion, chopped
- 6 dried figs, chopped
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the mocha rub by mixing together the finely ground coffee, smoked paprika, black pepper, cocoa powder, Aleppo pepper (sub: sweet paprika), chili powder, ground ginger and salt in a small bowl. You won't use the entire batch if you're making a 2-pound roast. It stores well in an airtight container.
- Pat the beef roast dry with a paper towel. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the mocha rub mixture over the roast and rub it in well with your hands.
- Combine the brewed coffee, beef broth, onion, figs, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Puree until liquified.
- Pour the liquid into the crock pot and place the roast gently on top.
- Cook for 5 to 6 hours on low.
- Remove the meat and shred with two forks. You can then boil the liquid until it reduces and thickens or simply serve as is. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste.
Thai spiced turkey burgers
Ingredients
 |
I, in the past, have left off the Paleo bread and avacado and
added more lettuce and some tomato, along with a little mustard.
|
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- 1 red chilli, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
- Optional: 4 – 6 slices of paleo bread, 4 – 6 lettuce leaves, and one avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except sesame oil in a large bowl, and mix together well using your hands.
- Form 4 – 6 patties, and place on a plate.
- Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, and fry each patty for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Serve each patty on top of a slice of paleo bread and a lettuce leaf, and top with avocado slices.
No comments:
Post a Comment