How To Make the Most Nutritious Bone Broth

I am a convert to bone broth. I had heard about it so many times, even from my visiting teacher, but I never knew exactly how to go about making it. Complicated it sounded. Well, I decided to get my gear in action and learn how to do it. I mean, come on, how hard could it be. You go to the grocers, you go to the meat section, and you pick up some bones (chicken, beef, ham, any bone works). The issue was, there was no bones in the meat section that you could just buy alone. So, I talked with the butcher, asked if he had any bones with marrow, and little or no meat on them. He did, in fact, he had multiple selections and ended up cutting me femur bones which are the highest in bone marrow. I have made bone broth about 4 times now, and each time has not been easy. It takes practice. But I must say, as I am making some in my crockpot right now, that it does get easier each time. The first few times, I had too much fat in the broth, and I had to drain it multiple times. This time, I cut off the little fat on each bone, which is the way to do this, and then placed about 10 bones in a large crockpot, and about 8 c. of water. I set it on high for the first few hours, then reduced to low. When you make broth this way, make sure you allow to come to a boil and then reduce the heat. Allow about 10 hours for the bones to release vital nutrients into the water that mostly come from marrow. Why drink bone broth? Bone broth is the most nutritious way to go. Marrow is full of collegen, vitamins, calcium and minerals to name a few. Do the research. You will be amazed at how simple and nutritious bone broth is to make. Make sure you do drain the fat before you drink in a mesh colinder. If you have any bones left from chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, Never throw them away. The bones have vital nutrients you could never get in a single vitamin alone.

baby girl

My family and I, are a family of girls. My sisters had mostly ALL girls, and of course boys are the minority. Ever have that strong inkling that you just know what your having? I am having a girl, just wait and see. Only 3 weeks until the gender ultrasound. I have a closet full of baby girl clothes right now. Yes, that is my mothers doing. She has shopped for baby girl clothes for my baby. Even she knows. Anyway, my birthday today was AWESOME!!!!!!!! I went to the club at 7 am today, saw my cool buddies, had the best birthday party at this Vietnam place, and the best soup of my life, and got tons of presents. Probably more then i ever have. Whoohoo. Life is good!!!

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.