Author: peacel0vepale0

you can drink your wine and eat it too!

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

Another batch of burgundy red wine flank steak was made and I was in heaven eating every bite of this meal.  Please refer back to my first post for the initial recipe: wine infused steak… my husband added coconut sugar to this batch and wow the flavor is so much richer!  We also made other steaks, which weren’t finished for dinner the night before – I used some pieces in this salad:

photo 2

photographed: coconut water (home-made, check out the “hydration” tab above to see which brand I mix into water); bulletproof coffee remix (i use Nespresso vanilla pods with 1 tbsp of coconut oil mixed in a Nutribullet); green juice (apple + spinach juice made in the Juiceman appliance); beet & steak chopped salad (seasoned with herbs de provence, avocado oil & balsamic vinegar) and Terra sweet potato chips (MY NEW OBSESSION!!!).

photo 3

The next morning I got to enjoy this green juice again with breakfast made by my wonderful husband…

photo 5

Now it is time to burn off these calories!!!

I did part 1 & 2 only yesterday – I am working my way up to a 60 min video, currently just feeling satisfied with 40 minutes (a jump from 20 minutes).  And today I engaged in this activity:

Fab workouts!!!

Hope everyone is staying warm and having a pleasant friday night!

NOMaste y’all!!

good use of dried fruit & nuts.

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

Before you begin making more treats, have a quick bite so you don’t eat them all!  Here is a simple salad to make:  cut up rotisserie chicken, spinach leaves, sliced onion, chopped parsley, sprinkle of herbs de provence, avocado oil and balsamic vinegar.

photo 1

Now after you chow-down you can begin making these…

photo 2

Apricot Tart
1 cup dried apricots

2/3 cup of raw cashew pieces

1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp ground golden flax

1 tbsp maca powder

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp vanilla extract

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Key Lime Pie

1 cup dates

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp ground golden flax

1 tbsp maca powder

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice

Mix ingredients in food processor until “dough” forms.  Then begin taking chunks of mixture out and rolling “dough” into balls.  Place in a container and refrigerate.  Then, proceed to go on a stroller walk and take in the fall scenery!

photo 3

Happy Fall…

peace. love. paleo.

NOMaste y’all!

~\~…NYC…~/~

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

Polished off the asparagus from last night to jump start the body with some morning veggies!

photo 1

Plated: asparagus + eggs with a side of asparagus (thanks honey for the extra dose of asparagus!) and sweet potato hash

I attempted this new hype that everyone is posting about “Bulletproof Coffee!”  I don’t have this bulletproof coffee that apparently should be used, so we made a drip coffee using Cafe Du Monde Coffee and Chicory.

images

I used 20 ounces of water to make one cup – I am still adjusting to caffeine, just the slightest bit of stimulant is enough to get me going.  I placed this liquid in the large Nutribullet cup and let it cool.  I used the blending attachment and quickly mixed the coffee plus 2 tbsp of coconut oil [the bullet proof craze uses butter – I do not believe in butter being paleo if milk products are not “allowed,” because guess what BUTTER IS A MILK PRODUCT so none of my recipes use butter or ghee].  I prefer to use Nature’s Way EfaGold Coconut Oil as it has a richer coconut flavor when I want this taste.  If you want less coconut taste then I would recommend using Spectrum Coconut Oil.

imgres verse imgres-1

Go easy on the caffeine and coconut oil though – this is not for the individual who drinks multiple cups of coffee a day as you will easily rack up the calories!

enjoy this sunny fall day… and hopefully there will be an evening like this again today,

photo 4

my happy place:  NOMaste.

an ode to squash

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

Well after this divine meal I learned I am allergic to acorn squash.  I fully enjoyed preparing and devouring this dinner, however, I was not pleased by the rash and hives that had spread like wild fire from head to toe.  I am sad to say that I will no longer be posting glorious pages like this one:  SQUASH! and the one I am about to leave you with…

IMG_5569

Stuffed acorn squash (recipe below) paired with sauteed asparagus in olive oil with salt & pepper to taste.

IMG_5566

The recipe for the stuffed acorn squash is fairly simple, and is as follows:

Slice 1 large acorn squash in half, remove filling, cook inside facing down toward cooking sheet (coat with tin foil first), cook @ 400 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until inside is soft.  Remove from oven, and let cool.  Meanwhile, sautee over medium-high heat (stirring frequently) 1 green pepper that has been diced with 1/4 a white onion that has been diced as well.  Use olive oil as the grease.  Once this mixture is slightly brown add approximately 1 pound of ground beef (I used 80% lean 20% fat).  After the majority of the beef is brown, removed from heat and strain the mixture (over the sink).  This will remove excess olive oil and fat that remains.  Place the strained mixture back in the pan and add the following herbs & spices (dried & ground): 2 tsp thyme, 2 tsp fennel, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a dash of paprika.  Next you will mix the proceeding together and add in part of the acorn squash filling (I left a thin layer of acorn squash around the skin).  Begin mushing the mixture and then pack half of the mixture in each acorn squash.  Place the cooking tray with the squash + meat back in the oven for about 10-15 minutes – this will cook the rest of the meat.

Finish off your night with a full body workout:

and then fall asleep…

NOMaste y’all!

treatZzZzzz

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

The first one I will present is another version of my energy ballZ… Raw Sugar Cookie Dough Bites meet Raw Brownie Batter Bites!

photo 3

Recipe:  in a food processor mix…

1 cup dried dates

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup walnuts

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp maca powder

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa

2 tbsp golden flax meal

2 tbsp chia seeds

(brands of each product I use will soon be posted under the vittles tab – stay tuned).

And, the next to share: DRAGON FRUIT!

photo 1

Clearly I need to perfect my slicing skillZ.  This fruit is very interesting to cut as it is slippery and the skin is rough to cut through.  Dragon fruit does not have much taste – slightly sweet, but the flavor is very mild.  The skin is very bitter and does not add much taste, perhaps it detracts from the overall flavor.  My husband suggested removing more of the pink skin before slicing it into pieces – I agree!  I have to watch some youtube videos to teach myself how to make this fruit even more beautiful when prepared; I will get back to you with some tips.  I paired this fruit with coconut whipped cream I made.

photo 2

Finally, I perfected the paleo whipped cream after a failed first attempt with use of the entire can of coconut milk.  To prepare this topping I opened 2 cans of coconut milk, scooped out the top layer (this thick mixture is the coconut cream) and left the liquid coconut milk in the can.  Instead of wasting the byproduct I poured it into a Fred & Friends silicone ice cube tray and placed it in the freezer.  These frozen coconut cubes will be great to pop into a smoothie instead of ice cubes – richer flavor!  Back to the coconut whipped cream preparation – after I had removed all of the coconut cream I placed it in the mixing bowl of a Kitchen Aid and added the whisk attachment.  I began whisking the cream and poured in 1 tbsp of coconut palm sugar.  I skipped the vanilla extract for this batch, but contemplated adding it since I am basically addicted to vanilla flavor.  I thought the mixture would need to be whipped for quite some time, however, unlike heavy cream the coconut cream is already thick and just needs a little fluffing up!

Before you sweet on folks get in a quick ab workout after a brisk walk with the baby:

Fitness Blender HIIT Workout for Abs & Obliques (this websites gives you a breakdown of the workout)

and as always:

peace. love. paleo.

weekend recap y’all.

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

lazy sunday.

Breakfast: sweet potato & pork hash with a poached egg

Made by my wonderful husband (I will have to work on getting the secret recipe ;p ).

photo 5

Lunch: Frankie’s meatballs, tomato sauce & spaghetti squash

These meatballs are a modification of Frankie Spuntino’s Meatballs (click on link for recipe) – we omitted cheese.  Guilty, we used gluten-free bread, next batch I would like to omit that ingredient as well.  Thankfully my husband bares with my diet restrictions and kindly adjusts the recipe for himself and I.  The tomato sauce is simply whole canned tomatoes strained and cooked on medium heat until thick consistency meets your liking.  Refer back to squash post for preparation for spaghetti replacement:  spaghetti squash (click on link for cooking instructions).

photo 3

Dinner: sausage with bacon & apple cider vinegar kale and parsnip fries.

This mild italian sausage was purchased from Wegman’s (their own brand), no additives.  The kale was sauteed in bacon grease and topped off with finely chopped bacon of two pieces and apple cider vinegar (add until your taste buds appreciate the flavor, I used about 4 tbsp on my serving).  My husband made parsnip fries again, twice fried in avocado oil.  This round he made the slices a bit thicker – I thoroughly enjoyed the “meatier” fry compared to the thinner crispy fries.  However, I do have to say both are excellent and I highly recommend making this side.

photo 2 paired with photo 3 and photo 4

Dessert: Paleo Lemon Bars

These yummy treats were made from the recipe on Paleo Cupboard’s website:  Paleo Lemon Bars.  This is the second recipe I have tried for paleo lemon bars.  This recipe produces bars that hold their shape and are firmer, given that tapioca flour is used.  However, I do prefer the taste of the lemon filling from the other recipe I have tried – I will share that recipe with you the next time I make them. Maybe I could mix and match recipes… use this crust and the filling of the other recipe!  Experimenting in the kitchen will happen!!

photo 1

Along with this food collection I have some home exercise routines you can do while your baby is awake and not stirring.  The Baby Bjorn is a fabulous accessory!  Place baby in this pouch and begin… squats, lunges, squat walks, heel raises, tree pose ya-da-ya-da-ya.  Followed by a casual stroll, you and your baby will be happy as clams.

happy monday:

peace. love. paleo.

happy belated halloween!

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

photo 1 (home decorations, credit to my mom – you’re hired for the christmas prep!)

I’ll open with taking a moment to note that I didn’t eat any halloween candy!! I honestly looked at it a few times and thought about how nice it would be to eat a piece; however, there really wasn’t a “craving” for a piece of chocolate, so I just admired the wrapper.  Even days after the candy lingers in the house, I walk past it and try not to even notice it is sitting next to the door.  Honestly, after being pregnant I’m surprised at how I have my willpower back to not eat some of that sugar!  Instead I’m enjoying eating natural sugars.

Now I’ll skip to the food, we went to Xuan Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant in Leesburg the day after halloween.  I had a hard time reviewing the menu with diet restrictions.  I was hoping for the curry, but unfortunately coconut milk wasn’t the sole cream.  I ordered the lotus root salad with shrimp & pork and crushed peanuts (skipped the crispy onions), topped off with fish sauce.  The flavor definitely resembled a vermicelli bowl (considering that I dump fish sauce all over this dish) without the rice noodles — keeping it paleo friendly folks!  I had never enjoyed lotus root before, the texture smooth and is crisp/ crunchy – the vegetable did not disappoint!

photo 2

Read tomorrow for more weekend updates!  This week I will stay current with posts, no back tracking!!

peace. love. paleo.

one of those grateful nights.

/ peacel0vepale0 / 1 Comment

This evening my husband and I had the pleasure of dining with Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville.  This dining experience was quite unique and to our liking.  🙂

We both enjoyed these snacks & appetizer…

photo 3

Featured: dehydrated kale with yeast; sliced turnips with dipping seasoning; and root vegetable soup.

The yeast on the kale was absolutely amazing flavor – salty, but divine.  We are going to attempt making kale with the dehydrator; we are always looking for new things to dry!  The turnips were so crisp, they were honestly not what I was expecting at all.  The flavor was so subtle it was refreshing.  And, finally, the soup OH MY GOSH!!! This dish was absolutely divine, there were sunflower seeds and bacon vinegar at the bottom – an absolutely wonderful combo, making the flavor so rich.

I enjoyed this entree:

photo 1

Pictured: pork loin with roasted pumpkin, sweet potato chips, arugula and curried peanuts.  Filling, yet, not something that will drag you down and put you into a food coma.  Great earthy flavor!

My husband enjoyed this entree:

photo 4

Photographed: rockfish with grits, greens, fried fish skin – not sure of all the components, but those are the basics I believe.

We both got to enjoy this:

photo 2

What a great atmosphere.  The restaurant is located in a greenhouse that is decorated with lights and other fabulous items.  When you walk into the dining area it is an extremely unique and elegant experience.  The dining room is very quiet and relaxing; we highly recommend making a reservation!  P.S. – You can even keep paleo on your mind while you dine with them!

sleep well everyone:

peace. love. paleo.

6 pack… of ABS.

/ peacel0vepale0 / Leave a comment

I’m going to share with you all a fabulous ab workout… short, sweet and sweaty.

then

and then

All you need is 25 minutes of your day to get this done!

My new focus is on trying to live each moment; trying not to rush around and freak out about the baby crying [because that’s what babies do] and being sleep deprived at times.  These are just facts of my life right now and there is nothing I can do about the situation.  I just have to make the most of every moment and enjoy the time with the baby and my husband as much as possible instead of trying to plot how I can make him stop crying faster and get to bed earlier.  Slowing down is really helping me appreciate my life and realize how grateful I am to have the life I am living.  I recommend stopping the obsessive thinking over certain topics [it is just your anxiety speaking to you] so you can relax and be calm with yourself and the world around you.

Go get your sweat on, destress, and:

peace. love. paleo.

casual saturday.

/ peacel0vepale0 / 1 Comment

After a recent move I have been finishing up some tasks, I wanted to post before going to bed or else i would have to do a double-day tomorrow – not sure how I feel about that yet.  This evening we made it to the store by 8pm… thrilling to be shopping at Wegman’s for your saturday night activity.  My husband made Mahi-Mahi with lemon juice and sage with a side of potato hash and a simple salad (home-made mustard vinaigrette a top).

photo 2  with  photo 1

I followed with an energy ball creation – I have been seeing many posts for these little treats.  I thought I would give it a try – I was pleasantly delighted with the end product.  I threw some things together, bare with me while I perfect the exact amounts to share with you – all I have right now are approximates.  Recipe below —

Raw Sugar Cookie Dough Bites

photo 3

1 heaping cup of dates

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup shredded reduced fat unsweetened coconut

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp flax seeds

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp maca powder

1 tbsp vanilla extract

*depending on the consistency you can add more dates if your mixture is not sticking together enough or some coconut oil and honey.  After blending all ingredients in a food processor roll dough into mini balls and place in the refrigerator until they move from a soft texture to a firmer one.  When you bite into these treats you will swear you are eating raw sugar cookie dough!

Seriously is time for bed, hopefully.  I will dream about:

peace. love. paleo.