I am obsessed with butternut squash! Well, let me back up...I am obsessed with sweet potatoes! But, I love butternut squash because it tastes almost just like sweet potatoes and isn't as starchy of a vegetable (plus it counts as a green instead of a yellow for all my fellow 21 Day Fixers:) Anyway, I usually just roast it and season with salt and pepper and maybe a little coconut oil and cinnamon. YUM!!!! But, I HATE cutting a butternut squash and I HATE having to get the seeds out. I know that sounds like a spoiled brat, but it is seriously hard to cut a raw butternut squash...try it! So I have found these awesome little bags of pre-cut/pre-seeded butternut squash that you can either roast or even steam in the microwave! SCORE!!! (I found my most recent butternut squash at Trader Joe's, but I have also found it at Target.) I love steaming it in the microwave for a super quick side dish, but the other night I made butternut squash soup and it was so simple and so good. Here is what I used: -1 package cut butternut squash soup -1 cup organic chicken broth (I used the Pacific brand with low-sodium) -a dollop of coconut cream (I didn't measure, but it was probably 2 Tablespoons or so) -salt and pepper Steam butternut squash in microwave for 5 minutes (puncture bag). Heat chicken broth in microwave or stovetop. Put all ingredients in a food processor, nutribullet, or blender and blend until smooth. Voila! Super simple and extremely creamy and delicious! Hope you enjoy!
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Week 1 TipsI am on day 9 of the Whole30 and I am so proud of myself for surviving the first week! It wasn’t always easy and I want to share with you my top tips for surviving YOUR first Whole30 experience. If you aren’t familiar with the Whole30 check it out here. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Before diving into this new way of eating for the next 30 days make sure you have read up on what you are doing and why. This is not like most plans where you can just make a haphazard decision to give it a try. If you do that you will more than likely not succeed in sticking with it the full 30 days. There will be times when you want to quit, but if your “why” is big enough you will not give up! Read blogs, recipes, books, etc. on cleaning up your diet so you are well informed and prepared and know the foods that you can and cannot have for the next 30 days. Once you do dive in make sure you plan your meals for the week and shop according to your list. A lot of extra junk in the house is the last thing you need! While we are on that subject, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to throw out the junk food you know will tempt you or at least have your spouse take it to work. Finally, on this subject it is important to know that this plan is hard and takes a commitment level that most “diets” don’t and that is why if I suggest finding a better reason than just weight loss for doing this program. Knowing this going into the Whole30 is the only way to survive! 2. Herbal Tea and Water: This has been KEY for me this first week! I have had at least 3 cups of hot tea per day and it has saved me from snacking many times! Chugging water is also extremely helpful because not only does it hydrate you, it will help you feel full and keep you from going to the junk food! I think you will be surprised how many times you think you are hungry, but once you down a big glass of water the feeling goes away. This is because a lot of the time thirst is mistaken for hunger. So drink water and keep a variety pack of herbal teas handy (don’t forget that you cannot sweeten the tea though)! 3. Snack Often: Snacking is what I love about this plan. The fact that there is no calorie counting going on and I don’t have to track my macros (fat, protein, and carbs) has made snacking a lot easier. I am a big fan of portion control in your normal daily nutritional habits when not doing the Whole30. But since this plan does not focus on portions and because I have given up so many foods I am used to eating I have allowed myself to snack more on healthy fats (almonds, avocados, etc.) without guilt. I have done this because my goal is not to lose weight, but to help with my Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. So, if your goal is weight loss make sure that you are not snacking on too many healthy fats because too much of a good thing can be bad when it comes to losing weight! 4. Go to Bed: The first week you will be TIRED! I was in bed by 8:30pm two different nights this past week and I am not ashamed! Your body is going through a detox of sorts and you do not have the normal amount of sugar and carbs that you are used to. This will affect your energy until your body gets used to it so nap if you need to. If you are tired at an earlier time than usual, then go to bed! Sleep is so important and it is a proven fact that people who don’t get enough sleep make more unhealthy food choices. So not only will going on to bed help you from sneaking into the kitchen for a late night snack, but it will also help you make better choices the next day! 5. Find Accountability: This one is possibly the most important tip. If you know someone who has done the Whole30 before then they will be your best resource. They can share tips, recipes, and help talk you off the cheating ledge when the time comes (and it will come). If you don’t know anyone who has done the Whole30 then find accountability in your family and friends. Share with them what you are doing and why and let them know you need their help in sticking to the plan. If they know what you are doing they are less likely to invite you to ice cream and pizza and who knows…maybe they will join you in the Whole30 journey! So there you have my top 5 tips for surviving your first week of Whole30. If you would like more info on this meal plan and way of eating feel free to fill out this form below with your email address and questions and I will get back with you ASAP. If you are interested in having some accountability in your own Whole30 journey I will be hosting a totally free Whole30 online challenge group where I will share my top tips, recipes, snack ideas, and experiences from my current Whole30 plan! I would love to help in any way I can, so don’t hesitate to reach out via email!
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Susan OzierChristian. Wife. Mother of 2 Boys. Runner. Clean-eater. Fitness and Nutrition Coach. Archives
April 2016
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