growing baby

This Sunday I will be starting my second trimester. I really can't wait to say so long first trimester, it was nice knowin ya. The sickness has faided, the fatigue is going away, and the major hunger is beginning. The paleo lifestyle is about 50% right now, or until my hunger settles down. But until then, moderation is key and know matter how many times those obnoxious cravings creep up on me, I am happy to say, I never knew how much willpower I have. Willpower, it's important.

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween!!!! I hope everyone had a spook filled Halloween full of fun, creativity, and of course healthy food. At work, I had a fun time working with kids in a small group setting, who of course did not want to work on reading, but instead talk about their Halloween costumes and favorite candy. As I watched these blue teeth, purple tongue kids (no doubt too much food coloring in their candy), I thought, how I remember getting excited like that when I was a little girl. Now, I actually dread Halloween because I can't stand the site of candy around my house. I dread it even more that we didn't get one trick or treater this year (blame that on the new development where we live and many vacant homes). I was however very excited to come home and dress up in a costume which I always do every year. Except, this year I didn't know what to be. I thought and thought and then a thought occurred to me. I will be a pregnant woman since I am practically showing already. But then I thought, Na! I will be a cowgirl like I am every year and so that is what I was. I am almost entering my second trimester. Morning sickness is getting better. My baby will be here before I know it!! Have a nice weekend ya'll.

Fast Food Idea #2

So last post I mentioned it was Taco Bell I was craving, but now it's McDonold's. There is no secret behind my obsession with both of these places. As a little kid, there is no reward I wanted more then McDonold's. My favorite thing to get there was the Happy Meal, and I always ate the hamburger without the bun. I hated bread, and I think it's funny that now, eating the paleo way, that is exactly how I love eating my burgers once and again. So, if you have the urge to eat a hamburger, ask for it wrapped in lettuce. Every place will do it for you, and often times they double the lettuce in lieu of the bun. You are eating the paleo way without even knowing it, and you will notice you don't even miss the bun.

Paleo and 7 weeks Prego Going Strong!!!

I decided to do the paleo diet during my pregnancy and I am so glad I am. I have to admit that weeks 5-6 of pregnancy were the toughest time to do paleo. I was contantly craving carbs, cheese, and everything else that is paleo forbidden. Last weekend, however, I gave into the urge and made a hoagie sandwich to shut my craving up. Ha, what a foolish thing. After being paleo for over two months and eating a huge hoagie sandwich, compare that to going to a foreign country and eating fermented beans for the first time. Seriously, you begin to hate bread after being diligent at paleo. So, I am 7 weeks prego, saw my tiny babies heartbeat, and am amazed at how awesome I feel. I am beginning to love my rapidly growing baby. My husband has been acting so funny and paranoid during this pregnancy. He is worried about me doing paleo due to the lack of calories, he gets upset when I lay on my stomach or lift heavy objects, and just loves this little growing embryo so much. I think I am way more relaxed then he is, but the man wants to be a dad more then anyone I have ever known. I applause him for that. The paleo diet is becoming so much easier now and I have total faith in it during my pregnancy desite my husband's insecurities with it. I am beginning to find cooking paleo not difficult at all at this point. Each time I come up with a new paleo recipe, I jump for joy. I don't think I have ever been into food this much these past few years. In addition to eating my paleo diet, here are some other things I am doing during my pregnancy that keeps me feeling great. I am doing zumba classes, going to curves, doing my yoga daily, and of course packing up because we are moving. Overall, I have good energy during the day, sleeping well at night, having only a little morning sickness which is hardly bad at all, and just eager for what's to come.

Paleo Breakfast Idea

Sorry about the format of this recipe. Blogger resigned their look and I have yet to figure out how to change it. This breakfast is so enriched with vitamins and full of fiber, you really couldn't resist it. As a paleo eater, I do eat nuts and seeds in moderation due to the high phytic acid contained in them. I do recommend you soak your nuts and seeds for at least 24 hours in 1/4 tsp. salt to reduce the acid levels. Then bake them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 200 degrees to dry them. This cereal includes nuts and seeds that contain lower phytic acid levels. Paleo Crunch Cereal 1 c. chopped pecans 1 c. pumpkin seeds 1 c. of hemp seeds 1 c. of flaxseed (whole seeds) 1 c. unsweetened shredded coconut 1/4 c. of chopped yellow raisons 1/4 c. of chopped prunes 1 c. of coconut flour 1 c. of extra virgin coconut oil 1/4 c. of honey cinnamon nutmeg Begin by melting oil and honey in a pot. Combine the flour and nuts and seeds in large bowl. Add the oil and honey mixture. Spread on a greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. May need an additional 5 minutes depending on oven heating variations. Serving ideas This is similiar to granola. You can eat with coconut milk or milk of your choice. Add fruit such as banana and peaches if you like. Makes a large serving, so should last several days. Store in a airtight container to ensure freshness.

Zucchini Lasagna

• This paleo style lasagna uses thin layers of zucchini in place of noodles. It is made exactly the same way as traditional lasagna is made, omit the noodles, cottage/ricotta cheese and cheese on top. Now by all means, if you are not as strict paleo eater, go ahead and add the cheeses. Either way, it is outrageously healthy and satisfying. Zucchini Lasagna 2 large zucchini sliced thin to resemble what lasagna noodles would like like 1 can of olives, chopped 2 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes 1 6 oz can of tomato paste 1 pound of ground meat of your choice (turkey, beef, sausage) 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. basil 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper olive oil Optional: cottage/ricotta cheese, and other cheese of your choice. Nutritional yeast for topping (this has a cheesy flavor naturally) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Begin by sauteeing onion, garlic, and meat of your choice in a pan with olive oil. Add all seasonings and tomato and paste. Simmer until sauce begins to thicken. Now here is the fun part. :) In a standard size cassorole pan that is greased, begin by layering the sliced (with skins on) zucchini on the bottom of the pan. Add mixture and diced olives. Repeat with zucchini, then mixture and olives. Keep repeating until you end with sauce on top with more olives. Bake at 350 for appr. 30-40 minutes. Enjoy!!

Need Help Finding Paleo Recipes?

I found this site very helpful for paleo recipes. There are tons of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in betweens. Paleoplan.com