Recap: My first week of Whole30

Monday - Rosemary Roasted Chicken with mashed cauliflower and asparagus
review: I used fresh thyme instead of rosemary because that is what I had on hand.  The whole meal turned out great, I was really pleased.  The mashed cauliflower was very easy and really delicious.




Tuesday - Spaghetti Squash with Chicken Meatballs served with Rao's Marinara and roasted carrots
review:  Spaghetti squash was easy and tasted very good, I would prefer to have beef meatballs over chicken, they leave a little something to be desired.  I roasted carrots with salt, pepper and olive oil and they were very good.  I don't think I ever made carrots without honey before ;)



Wednesday - Hamburger w/avocado and Green Bean and Shittake Stir Fry
review: easy, quick meal... hamburgers made on indoor grill.  The stir fry was a cinch and very good.  I dont miss ketchup when I can have half an avocado with my burger! yumm!!!



Thursday- Grilled Buffalo Shrimp and Asian slaw
review:  I wont be making this recipe again... the shrimp were not that flavorful, only spicy.  Also when they went on the grill the smell took my breath away... literally.  My husband had to come see what was wrong with me.  The asian slaw was ok, I thought since it was an Alton recipe it would be fantastic, but I don't really see myself making this version again.



Friday - Herb Crusted Pork Chops and Oven Roasted Broccoli
review:  I loved this dinner!  Instead of panko, I used unsweetened shredded coconut for the crust.  It was so good!  I always love roasted broccoli, I think it tastes like candy!  (I know, I'm crazy!)  These pork chops are from a local farmer and they are so delicious and juicy!  I cant wait to order 1/2 pig from them!!!



Saturday  lunch- Sausage and Spinach stuffed portabello mushrooms
review:  This was a good dinner... I made three smaller mushrooms for myself and two larger ones for my husband.  I was nice and put some cheese on his LOL.  The meat was a bit crumbly when you cut into the mushroom, but the flavor was good and we used local meat:)


Saturday dinner - Grilled Flank Steak, herb mashed cauliflower and veggie kabobs
I didn't end up making this dinner, we were having a busy, holiday weekend.  Saved the flank steak for next week.

Sunday - Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken with fresh artichoke and lemon-tahini sauce

I didn't end up cooking this, I am saving it for next Sunday as we had a very busy Memorial Day weekend!!  I did bring a salad and leftover broccoli to my bike ride for lunch.  For dinner I was at a graduation party where I ate a hamburger and some pickles.  Slim pickens for me out in the real world, but just trying to remember food is fuel!  Super proud of myself for not just giving up and eating junk because I didn't have many choices.  Giving myself a great big pat on the back ;)  Also thankful no one was really paying attention so I didn't have to do too much explaining.

Overall, I had a great week.  I found that planning ahead and doing most of the vegetable prep on Sunday is key to having a successful week.  I would say that I got dinner on the table within an hour every day, if I had not prepped the daily time would have been much higher.  I am usually pretty hungry when I get home from work, so the sooner dinner gets on the table the better:)  For my breakfasts, I would have a green smoothie and a slice of frittata.  For lunch, I have a spinach side salad with homemade dressing and some leftovers from the previous night's dinner.  My snacks included fresh fruit and nuts.  I mostly drink regular filtered water, sometimes having herbal tea or coconut water (especially when exercising)  I am down three pounds this week and feeling good.  I have definitely felt a lack of energy while doing work around the house and also while sitting at my desk at work.  No real cravings have hit me (yet!)