Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters
Ready for more Whole30 prep? Time to make some Whole30 flavor boosters!
The hardest part of cooking is getting started. That’s why I’m bugging you an entire day before your Whole30 begins, and urging you to make three fab condiments and umami-packed seasonings. Keep ’em on hand, and they’ll help you whip up quick, tasty, and healthy meals on demand!
Here’s the game plan for today’s Whole30 Prep: Make my Arugula Pesto, a jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce, and a batch of Magic Mushroom Powder. Heck, you don’t even need to make the Magic Mushroom Powder, because starting on January 1, 2018, you can find it at all Whole Foods Market stores nationwide! (Look for the little tins at the butcher counter, spice aisle, or Asian food section!)
Click the pics below for the recipes:
ARUGULA PESTO
There’s nothing like a great Whole30 pesto. No cheese? No problem—especially when you can make a bright and tasty Arugula Pesto that hits all the right notes.
Click here for the recipe for Arugula Pesto!
ALL-PURPOSE STIR-FRY SAUCE
Despite the catchy name, this isn’t just a stir-fry sauce—it’s also a Whole30 salad dressing, marinade, dipping sauce, and more!
Click here for the recipe for All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce!
MAGIC MUSHROOM POWDER
This umami-packed seasoning salt is out of this world—it’ll magically transform your savory dishes from ho-hum to crazy-delicious. Even folks who don’t like the texture of mushrooms love my Magic Mushroom Powder!
Click here for the recipe for Magic Mushroom Powder!
Not sure how long these flavor boosters will last? The pesto can be frozen in ice cube molds for several months (or kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days). The All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is good for at least two weeks in the fridge (but it won’t last that long)! And the Magic Mushroom Powder will be stable on your counter in a sealed container for months. All three flavor boosters will quickly transform proteins and vegetables into lip-smacking dishes. Trust me: Make one or all three right now, because the few minutes you spend today will save you hours of prep time later.
You may be wondering: Why am I featuring these three flavor boosters? Because I’ll be using ’em in some of the daily Whole30 recipes I’ll be sharing throughout the month of January 2018. (Yes, I’ll be posting on this blog EVERY SINGLE DAY IN JANUARY!) But don’t let that stop you from making the tons of other Whole30-friendly flavor boosters on my Recipe Index or in my cookbooks! Pick and choose a few more flavor boosters, and you’re virtually guaranteeing that your meals in January will never be bland or boring!
Okay, gang—tomorrow’s Day 1, so if you missed my epic Whole30 Prep post, read it here. And don’t forget to check out my shopping guide over at the Whole Foods Market blog, too.
Then, stay tuned for tomorrow’s Whole30 Day 1 post—I’ll be sharing a new one-pan supper that’ll feature one of these Whole30 flavor boosters! (Hint: It’s the green one!)
A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I’m writing in the month of January 2018 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Not sure what the Whole30 is, or want info on how to get started? Read my Whole30 prep post—and then come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!
And remember: Throughout January 2018, I’m partnering with Whole Foods Market nationwide! In all Whole Foods Market stores, you’ll find my personally curated Nom Nom Paleo Picks on the shelves, a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar, and even my famous Magic Mushroom Powder available for sale!
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!
The post More Whole30 Prep: Flavor Boosters appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.
from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169133003314
Skinnytaste Meal Plan January 1 – 7
The details:
Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated Weight Watcher Freestyle Points for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!
The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often.
And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!
Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 1-January 7)
MONDAY (1/1)
B: 2 Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)
L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)
D: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup (5) with Mediterranean Bean Salad (1) over spiralized cucumber (0)
Totals: Smart Points 11, Calories 941
TUESDAY (½)
B: Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)
L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)
D: Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheese (1) and 1 ounce (about 18) baked tortilla chips (3)
Totals: Smart Points 12, Calories 980
WEDNESDAY (1/3)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)
D: Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash (4) with green salad and balsamic vinaigrette (3)*
Totals: Smart Points 17, Calories 938
THURSDAY (¼)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)
D: Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with Quick Spiralized Zucchini and Grape Tomatoes (1) (recipe x 2)
Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 874
FRIDAY (1/5)
B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (4) with 1 medium grapefruit (0)
L: LEFTOVERS Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)
D: Broiled Miso Salmon (1) with Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette (4)
Totals: Smart Points 13, Calories 923
SATURDAY (1/6)
B: 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes (4) (recipe x 4) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (3) and an apple (0)
L: Tomato Tuna Melts (7) (recipe x 2) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)
D: DINNER OUT!
Totals: Smart Points 14, Calories 762
SUNDAY (1/7)
B: Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowls (5) (recipe x 2)
L: Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad (3)
D: Salisbury Steak Meatballs (5) with Creamy Cauliflower Puree (1) and Easy Garlic Broccolini (1)
Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 812
from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169119072099
Friday, December 29, 2017
Whole30 Prep
Today’s post is all about Whole30® prep—’cause I know some of you are kicking off the New Year with a clean eating bang!
If you’re feeling run-down after the holidays, join the club. Even for committed Paleo eaters, December can feel like a series of food traps. Let’s face it: Every holiday party we attended was an orgy of sugar, and our collective face holes are sore from all the cookie-chomping and eggnog-guzzling. The trade-off for all that deliciousness and holiday cheer? Achy joints, bloating, and a foggy head (not to mention a bit of extra padding). Blargh.
Ready to turn the page on 2017 and hit the ground running in 2018? Then let’s start by being more mindful about the food we stick in our bellies!
For those of you who are embarking on a Whole30, I’ll help guide you along. Starting January 1st, I’ll be posting a Whole30-friendly Paleo recipe EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Some will be culled from my extensive archive of Paleo recipes, while others will be dishes that are entirely new to my blog. (I’ve done this before, so if you’re feeling antsy, go check out my previous collections of Whole30 recipes.)
Hang out with me this coming month, and I’ll fill your noggins with all sorts of tips and tricks for surviving a Whole30, and keep motivated as you figure out how different foods affect your health and well-being. In January, you won’t ever be left wondering what to cook or eat next. Sound good?
Cool. But before we jump into a January Whole30, let’s do a little prep.
WHAT’S A WHOLE30?
The Whole30 is a tried-and-true 30-day dietary reset that eliminates all the foods that could potentially mess you up big time. (Yes, that’s the scientific term.) Specifically—for a whole month, you commit to cutting out the bad-for-you stuff: the foods that are most commonly problematic, like sugar, dairy, grains, legumes, alcohol, or junk foods (even those made with “healthy” ingredients). Instead, you eat whole, nutrient-dense foods. For more information about the Whole30, go check out the program rules over here.
I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t the Whole30 the same as eating Paleo? Well, yes and no. I pretty much eat according to the Whole30 rules most of the time, which is why the vast majority of the recipes on my Paleo Recipe Index are entirely Whole30-friendly. But in the broader world, the term “Paleo” has taken on meanings that don’t always align with my core approach of eating foods that are more healthful than harmful. For example, many Paleo eaters overindulge in “Paleo” treats, despite the fact that most sweets and psychological “crutch” foods—no matter how grain-free or “natural”—aren’t exactly healthy choices. When you’re on a Whole30, certain foods that may be seen as “Paleo-friendly” are out, so don’t even think about making “Paleo” pancakes or “Paleo” cupcakes this month!
Not easy, I know. And yes, depending on what you’ve been eating up ’til now, it may take you a couple of weeks to adjust. But believe me: you will. And by Day 30, you’ll feel like a brand new person—and you’ll have a much better understanding of how different foods affect your wellness. You’ll be able to systematically reintroduce foods back into your diet to see how each of them makes you feel, which’ll help you develop your own nutritional blueprint post-January. Remember: you’re a special snowflake (just like everyone else!) so it’s important to learn what foods make you feel like a superhero.
Pretty awesome, right?
THIS SEEMS HARD. IS IT?
For some, yes: Sticking 100% to the Whole30’s program rules for 30 consecutive days will be a challenge. Frankly, for many folks, sticking to ANYTHING for an entire month is super-tough. But listen to Melissa Hartwig, the headmistress of Whole30:
Your only job during the Whole30 is to focus on making good food choices. You don’t need to weigh or measure, you don’t need to count calories, you don’t need to purchase everything organic, grass-fed, pastured, or local. Just figure out how to stick to the Whole30 rules in any setting, around every special circumstance, under any amount of stress… for 30 straight days. Your only job? Eat. Good. Food.
You can do this. Besides, it’s a Whole30, not a Whole365 or a WholeForeverAndEverAndEver. It’s just 30 days, and I’ll be helping you along each step of the way. What have you got to lose?
To be honest, the biggest challenge you’ll face during a Whole30 is boring food. If you try to tackle a Whole30 by eating nothing but boiled chicken breasts and steamed broccoli, by Week 2, you’ll be waging a full-on assault on a donut shop. That would be illegal (and violate the Whole30’s program rules), so instead, follow along with me this January, and I’ll keep your palates tickled with dozens of flavor-forward, super satisfying, nutrient-packed dishes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WHOLE30!
Start by devouring everything on the Whole30 website. Want even more details? Get your hands on a copy of The Whole30—Dallas and Melissa Hartwigs’ bestselling tome that lays out the science behind this awesome dietary reset.
If you’re a completist and avid reader, you should also pick up the other books by the Whole30 folks, too: The Whole30 Cookbook and The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook (which includes recipes by a number of contributors—including me!). These recipe books are crammed with tasty, clean eats. In addition, Melissa just released Whole30 Day by Day, a daily handbook to keep you engaged, motivated, and accountable during your month of mindful eating. And finally, Food Freedom Forever will help you develop a personal dietary template that’ll last you well beyond your Whole30.
GET INSPIRED!
It’s your lucky day: I’m a walking, talking Whole30 recipe generator.
For recipe inspiration and to whet your appetite, visit my free Recipe Index, which includes tons of step-by-step Whole30-friendly recipes. (Pro tip: For a complete list of my Whole30 recipes, scroll to the bottom of my Recipe Index page, and click on the Whole30 button. Or just bookmark this page!)
You can subscribe to my free weekly email newsletter to stay up-to-date on new Whole30 and Paleo friendly recipes. And definitely follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for all sorts of Whole30 goodness in January (and beyond), too!
Next, go pick up my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans and Ready or Not! 150+ Nomtastic Make-Ahead, Make-Over and Make-Now Recipes by Nom Nom Paleo. The vast majority of the recipes in their pages are entirely Whole30-friendly and 100% delicious.
Oh, and if you like to check off the days of your Whole30 on a wall calendar, don’t forget to pick up my Ready or Not! 2018 companion calendar—it even comes with a sheet of inspirational stickers to keep you cooking! (And right now, it’s super-cheap!)
If you’ve got an iPhone or iPad, download my completely revamped and updated, Webby Award-winning cookbook app, which contains over 160 (and counting!) step-by-step Whole30-approved recipes, a 30-day meal plan that takes you through breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an entire section devoted to Whole30 dishes. Get the app here!
(Note: If you already own the app but recently updated your device or iOS, the app may look a little weird or glitchy—but there’s an easy solution: Completely delete the app off your device, and re-download it for free from the App Store. If you continue to have any problems, shoot me an email so I can help you troubleshoot, ’cause I want to make sure you can get cooking!)
I’m by no means the only source for Whole30 recipe inspiration. Follow Whole30Recipes on Instagram, and check out all the wonderful Paleo recipe developers (including Melissa Joulwan, Michelle Smith, Jenn Bumb, and Teri Turner) who contribute to that feed. (Keep your eyes peeled: I’ll be taking over the Whole30Recipes IG feed for a week in January, too!)
GET SUPPORT!
In my experience, it’s infinitely better to do a Whole30 with others than to go it alone. Conscript your family, friends, and co-workers to join you on a monthlong challenge of healthy and adventuresome cooking and eating—and you can all help each other through it. You can coach and support your pals through the many ups and occasional downs, and best of all, you’ll never get bored with your food if everyone shares their Whole30 eats. Camaraderie, variety, and tasty noms are the order of the day!
And if no one in your immediate circle is willing to accompany you on your January Whole30, REEVALUATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS. (Kidding!) Then, visit the Whole30 Forum, where you’ll find free support from others who are on the same journey.
STOCK YOUR KITCHEN FOR SUCCESS!
Let’s start by tossing the crap from your kitchen and going grocery shopping. Looking for advice on what to buy? Go check out my recommendations on the Whole Foods Market website about how to stock your fridge, freezer, and pantry like a boss!
Next: Stock up on kitchen tools! My books discuss the supplies I try to keep in my kitchen to make super-nomtastic grub, but if you’re just interested in the basics, here are the bare essentials you should have on hand (note: these are Amazon affiliate links!):
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large cast-iron skillet
- Silicone spatula
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Stainless steel wire rack
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
You’ll also find that I frequently use the following tools, too—they’re not essential, but they sure make cooking a lot easier and more pleasurable:
- Food processor
- High speed blender and/or hand (immersion) blender
- Instant Pot (my favorite models and deals are always listed here)
- Spiralizer
And if you’ve got some holiday gift cards burning a hole in your pocket, this might be the perfect time to treat yourself to a new kitchen toy or two. (Check out my 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for my latest gadget picks—including my favorite Instant Pot models!)
COOK UP A STORM!
Most importantly: Cook! Trust me: It’s really, really hard to try to do a Whole30 without getting acquainted with your kitchen. The point of doing a Whole30 is to learn about how different foods affect you—and how can you possibly do that if you don’t know exactly what’s going into your mouth? As I said in Ready or Not!:
Knowing how to prep meals from scratch doesn’t just make you a more rounded individual or hearty survivalist—it makes you more mindful of the ingredients you’re putting in your body. By cooking at home, I know exactly what goes into my food. I never have to guess whether my dishes were cooked with ingredients that don’t sit well with me.
Not sure how to get started in the kitchen? Definitely check out my cooking hacks on the Whole Foods Market blog. Then, grab my cookbooks, check out some Whole30 recipes for inspiration, and get cookin’!
Also, before I forget: Do you aspire to be a meal prepping maven? I have four weeks of meal plans and shopping lists in our new cookbook, Ready or Not! If you want ultimate flexibility and customizability, subscribe to Real Plans—the most amazing meal planning program around! Seriously. It’s the bee’s knees. There are even add-on recipe modules by yours truly, Nom Nom Paleo, and the Whole30, too! Check it out here!
MAKE ENOUGH FOR LEFTOVERS!
“Leftovers” is not a dirty word—especially if you know how to transform your extras into exciting new meals. My latest cookbook, Ready or Not!, includes a big section on leftover makeovers, so definitely grab a copy and bookmark the “Kinda Ready” chapter. Prefer to simply reheat the awesome dishes you couldn’t finish last night? That works, too, and is a fantastic way to stay sane on your Whole30 without feeling like you’re spending the entire month in the kitchen. So remember: don’t be afraid to make extra!
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…
I know: It’s not easy to cook up delicious, 100% Paleo and Whole30-friendly meals from scratch EVERY SINGLE DAY AND NIGHT. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to!
Throughout the month of January 2018, you’ll find a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar in all Whole Foods Market stores in the United States! These meals—all curated from my latest cookbook, Ready or Not!
Okay, enough chit-chat. It’s time to gear up for an awesome January! As I’ve said before, keep your kitchen adventures fun and your taste buds excited, and you’ll cruise through the Whole30. Make this journey a nomtastic one, and it’ll become a life-altering change that you can sustain for the long haul.
Ready to go? I’m all about hand-holding, encouragement, and most importantly, PEER PRESSURE—so find a buddy to take the plunge with you, and let’s do this thing!
P.S. Got questions for me or tips for your fellow Whole30 participants? Please post ’em in the comments!
A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I’m writing in the month of January 2018 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!
Throughout January, I’m partnering with Whole Foods Market! As part of this sponsorship, in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, you’ll find my personally curated Nom Nom Paleo Picks on the shelves, a rotating menu of ready-to-eat Nom Nom Paleo dishes in the hot bar, and even my Magic Mushroom Powder available for sale!
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You’ll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!
The post Whole30 Prep appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.
from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169094790949
Top 25 Most Popular Skinnytaste Recipes 2017
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday week! We were away in Pennsylvania and we all got sick at the same time, so I’m a little late this year compiling my “Best Of” list for 2017. These are the most visited recipes posted in 2017 according to google analytics.
My favorite time of the year, looking back and reflecting on these past twelve months. Thank you for allowing me to share what I love every single day! I’m extremely grateful for all of you, your comments, sharing your photos on social media, getting inspiring emails from so many of you – this has always been my WHY and the reason I loved this little hobby that turned into a full time career.
It was a delicious year, to say the least! I’ve also shared links to my most popular posts from previous years, so if you are new to Skinnytaste or just want to start cooking more in 2018, these 25 recipes are a great place to start! Here’s to making 2018 a tasty, healthy year!
Top 25 Most Popular Recipe 2016
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2015
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2014
Top 25 Most Popular Recipes 2013
Top 25 Skinny Recipes 2012
Top 20 Skinnytaste Recipes 2011
Top 20 Skinnytaste Recipes 2010
Top Recipes Posted in 2017
2. Instant Pot Chunky Beef Cabbage and Tomato Soup
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup
4. Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Garlic and Lemon
5. 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes
8. Sloppy Joe Baked Sweet Potatoes
9. Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Rice
10. Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos
12. Sheet Pan Balsamic Herb Chicken and Veggies
14. Enchilada Chicken Roll Ups
15. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas
16. Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup
17. Cheesy Baked Penne with Roasted Veggies
18. Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Poblanos Rellenos
19. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies
20. Skillet Cauliflower “Arroz” Con Pollo
21. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
22. Balsamic Roasted Veggie and White Bean Pasta
24. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
25. Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa
from Tumblr http://vincentpennington.tumblr.com/post/169087080969