Whole 30: Day 24, 25

I forgot to post yesterday.  Here's a combination summary of the last two days:

Breakfasts:  Salad.  Loved it again.  I have gotten used to giving myself extra of the things that the twins love to eat, because they crowd my plate and "please" for more.

Lunch: Salmon and celery.  I ran out of greens and frankly didn't even want to eat them again, anyway.

Dinner: Yesterday was scrambled eggs and celery and carrots, and today was something new.  I was excited to make a dairy-free mac and cheese recipe that my sister-in-law sent me for Lincoln.  He loves mac and cheese and it just breaks his heart not to have it.  It's just that home made does not even come close to the experience of boxed; of course, most people prefer the former, but not a 4 year old who can practically inhale Kraft.  This recipe is all done on the stove, which I thought would make it closer to what he is used to.  It made a ton, and without even thinking, I put some on my plate too because I was curious and excited.  I haven't had wheat noodles for what... 25 days now.  Oh well, I don't mind, the bigger bummer is that Lincoln wasn't impressed.  He did pick at it, though, so that is encouraging.  I didn't add enough salt and almond milk, I think.  I do still have hope.  I think maybe some turmeric too for coloring.  Tyler ate it out of support and the babies dumped it on their heads.  You can't please 'em all!  And yet... you can't stop trying either.  

Snack: Chia seed pudding with honey and cacao nibs.

Thoughts:  Having made a conscious practice of listening to my body and how it feels after eating certain foods, and what it wants to eat, I am curious about the female hormone cycle.  It would appear that chocolate is really good for the soul sometimes.  I have willingly and lovingly complied with the desire to eat sweets this week, felt no guilt, made sure it was still stuff I can easily digest, and continued onto the next meal of glorious veggies, fish, etc.  I feel like I'm feeding myself how I would my best friend or my mom: the best stuff, at the best time, to create my best self!  

Whole 30: Day 23

Breakfast:  The last of the coconut chicken and some more swiss chard, plus avocado and balsamic vinegar.  Those last two make a dynamite combination.  I first learned that from a sandwich shop in Salt Lake City.

Snack: Cherry Larabar.

Lunch:  A gross failure!  I tried wrapping prosciutto and cherry tomatoes (uncut) and carrot sticks in a noi wrap.  The moral of the story is that nori wraps need to be pretty solid inside, just like sushi.  Too much space between the ingredients inside means you notice the crunchy frailty of the nori, which I didn't like.

What I did like, was playing in the afternoon sun with these two:









Dinner: Spinach chicken sausage, cherry tomatoes, and mangoes.

The kids had the same thing plus apple sauce.  They also had waffles for a snack after bath.  This afternoon, Lincoln wanted waffles.  He has asked a couple times lately, so I found a recipe and we answered his craving.

All I had was plain white flour, and while the smell was delightful, I didn't want to eat any.  However, I do have some flourless peanut butter brownies in the oven right now!  It's that week.

Thoughts:  Lincoln has complained four times of a tummy ache since we added cheese back into his diet a week ago.  Considering the fact that he hates to mention pain at any level, I have a feeling that it's been worse than he lets on.  That might partly explain his sour mood.  Argh.  Dairy free is a pretty intense commitment.  I was hoping we wouldn't have to go there with our kids.  Not sure of what we're going to do yet.  

Whole 30: Day 22

Breakfast:  Another salad.  Leftover brussel sprouts and coconut chicken.  This is the first time I have bought swiss chard.  I like it so much better than lettuce!

Lunch: Cream of broccoli soup.  This is a recipe my mom sent me.  It has carrots, celery, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and the "creamy" texture comes from cashews blended into vegetable stock (but I used chicken stock).  I break up sweet potato chips into it.  Everyone loves it but Lincoln, who would not even try it.   

 

We also had pickles, plums, and a chocolate chia seed cookie.  Ami and the kiddos were over for a play date.  We put them in boxes and left them to fend for themselves.

  

Just kidding.  Lincoln was a pretty grumpy pill, though, and to be honest I did take him straight up to his room when they left, and shut the door.  To my surprise and relief, ten minutes later he came out with a more neutralized demeanor.  That kid really drains me sometimes.

Dinner:  Another salad.  Pretty much the same thing as my breakfast, but I was all out of brussel sprouts.  Sigh.  

Thoughts: Is spring really here yet?  Yesterday it sure felt like it!  We saw the sun, felt the warmth, and ushered the munchkins outside to play with our like-minded neighbors.  I hadn't seen some of them for months.

Ezra rode a balance bike for the first time.  I was amazed at how quickly he got the hang of it!  

Just look at them!  They are really kids now.  Not babies.  It gets easier and harder, which I guess is the way it always will be.  Within change, there is consistency.

White or Black?

Whole 30: Day 20

Breakfast: Coconut chicken over a big bed of lettuce, with sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar.  I woke up this morning really wanting brussel sprouts, but there wasn't time, so I chose a salad.  I've seen my mom eat salad for breakfast and thought it'd be hard to face a bunch of lettuce so early in the day.  But wow, this morning it hit the spot!  Great start to my birthday!

Lunch: Today I was out with my friend Ami.  We looked at the food court in the Natick Collection (a fancy mall) and I wasn't feeling it.  So we stopped by this cool place called Wasabi, where plates of sushi rolls on conveyer belts pass right by your table.  Grab anything!  So we did!  We each had a roll, then shared another one.  I ate all my wasabi.  And hers.  Mmmmm!  I love that spicy rush!  Obviously, rice is a grain and therefore not Whole 30 compliant.  I'm technically not following the challenge exactly now, even though I'm thrilled with it.  I've really learned a lot about how my body reacts to things, and how much I love vegetables!  I'll still blog for the 30 days, though, and do a final recap of my experience.

Dinner: Oh my word, this was good: roasted brussel sprouts (waited all day for these!) wrapped in prosciutto.  Wow.  I was oohing and aahing the whole time I ate these.  Tyler had a few, but the kids just ate leftover spaghetti and meatballs.  I guess this was just too awesome for the likes of them!

Dessert:  Lincoln insisted that I have birthday cake (you know, so he could have a piece, of course) so I did.  Chocolate but dairy free.  

Thoughts: Today I am 27!  Some people might say that on their special day, they just want to relax at home with their family.  Considering that's what my lucky pants gets to do all the time, I really wanted to be OUT!  Luckily my dear Ami thought to suggest touring the Orchard House, which is where Louisa May Alcott based her book Little Women.  When Liz visited us two Octobers ago, we drove by the house but weren't able to go inside, as we had three sleeping children in the van.  I'm so glad I finally got to experience the treasures inside this place!  The tour lasted 2 hours and was delightful.  Original quilts, paintings, drawings on the wall, trap door to the well underneath the kitchen floor... too many little details to relate here, but I highly recommend visiting this place if possible.  After you come by my place and pick me up, of course, because I'll willingly tour it again!

Then we ate lunch at Wasabi, like I said, and then on to dress shopping!  I tried on a few, but still no luck.  It's probably picky of me to want something fabulous for a tiny price.  Ha!  There are some stylish consignment stores around here that I will continue to check.  That's where yesterday's gray one is from.

Whole 30: Day 19

Breakfast: Scrambled egg, sausage and sweet potato noodles.

Lunch: Lettuce wraps with: pulled pork, cherry tomatoes, and sweet potato chips.  I have noticed I'm eating a LOT of sweet potatoes.  Maybe tone it down a bit...

Dinner: Meatballs and marinara with celery bits.  If you get annoyed by the strings with celery stalks, just chop them further into bite size pieces.  So much easier to eat!

Thoughts:  After my disregard of this Whole 30 Challenge yesterday, I returned quite easily today.  I felt pretty awful and smelled pretty awful after eating cereal and some cheese.  I am still recovering from the stomach ache and headache it gave me.  I didn't really feel guilty, like I "cheated" on my diet or anything, but I guess I just wanted confirmation that avoiding those foods is even worth it.  And you know, this way of eating may be more of a permanent thing for me than I thought.  I am not going to go crazy about added sugars in sauces at restaurants, or refuse sweets that people make me, but I probably won't eat grains or dairy on a daily basis.  As for Lincoln, his dairy experiment ended during the trip with a cream cheese bagel.  We aren't going back to cow's milk, but I didn't see enough of an added benefit keeping cheese out of his diet, too.

Oh, and despite my cereal yesterday, I still ate a Whole 30 lunch of coconut chicken and salad:

Whole 30: Days 14-18

Our trip to Portland, Maine, was exhausting but enjoyable.  We got to see Tyler's cousin Kenny and his pregnant wife Sarvi.  You guys, why didn't we take any pictures together?  Maybe there was chaos enough just to talk over three playful, rambunctious kids.  I hope you come down to visit us as soon as Sarvi feels healthy enough to travel.

We played in the pool...

...ate the abundant amount of food I prepared..

I stocked the hotel fridge for two days.  Over prepared!

Meatballs and marinara, or lemon garlic chicken.  You chose!

Or, just eat whatever mommy does.  

...visited the city library and children's museum...

....and slept together in one room: a king size bed, two cribs, and a couch fold-out.  Tyler read aloud, and put everyone to sleep at the same time.  It was a beautiful chorus of breathing!

It was good to be in a different environment, but traveling with our family means Tyler and I forego our evening break.  At home, usually we put the kids to bed, and then have a few hours to clean up, read, watch shows, decompress.  In this case, it was lights out for everyone at the same time.  It was lovely to have someone wash our towels and make our bed, though!  

The irony is that, after extensive preparation food-wise for this trip, avoiding everything in the hotel breakfast buffet except scrambled eggs, then eating out with book club last night and ordering from the menu according to Whole30, I ate cereal this morning for breakfast.  What?  I don't know.  I just don't know.  

I do know I'm looking forward to Tyler's spring formal next month.  His parents will be here to take care of the kids, while Tyler and I dance the night away!  I looked around for a dress last night.  I just love dresses!  (Excuse the purple bra.)

I haven't found the perfect one yet.  I am going to take some time this weekend to shop some more.

Whole 30: Day 13

Breakfast: Green smoothie, apple and almond butter.

Lunch:  Leftover Thai coconut chicken soup, sweet potato noodles.  The spiralizer is so fun!

Dinner: We went to Whole Foods to get some groceries and eat dinner.  It has been months since we've eaten out, because it's too chaotic with the twins and Lincoln.  But Whole Foods already is chaotic, plus there's toys, so it worked!  I ate chicken curry, roasted zucchini, and some sausage and peppers.  Delicious!

Thoughts:  I may not post for a few days, as we are taking a trip to Portland, Maine.  Tyler is on spring break, and we need something fun to do!  I love Portland, and even though it's going to be pretty cold, we're still going to venture out a bit.  Plus, there's a children's museum there that our membership covers.  Our hotel has a pool, and I'm excited to let the kids play!  We got a cooler from Costco, and tonight I will be busy cutting and preparing produce and cooking meatballs for several days on the go.  Specific diets are hard, but even more so away form home!  The hotel room has a kitchenette, so hopefully I'll be okay.  And I'm picking out a few restaurants that are very health minded.

Another dancing video, because my kids dance everywhere:

Whole 30: Day 12

Breakfast:  Scrambled egg and sausage.  Green smoothie.

Lunch: Sausage, cashews, carrot.  This was a weird one, because we were out and I didn't quite pack my lunch properly. This morning I put a chicken in the crock pot, made breakfast, and everyone lunches, then we headed out to meet our friends at the children's museum in Boston.  It was a madhouse, but such a blast!

Dinner:  Lemon garlic chicken.  This was pretty good.  I ate it over a bed of zucchini noodles, made with my brand new spiralizer!  Thank you for the early birthday gift, Mom and Dad!  It's going to be so fun to use it for potatoes and apples and squashes.  

Thoughts:  It's already time to plan for the next week's menus!  That happened fast. 

Whole 30: Day 11

Breakfast:  2 Lara Bars and coffee.  Thursday mornings are going to be more intense than we're used to.  The twins now have a toddler group from 9-11, and Lincoln is at school 9-12.  Even with Tyler's help, I still couldn't get out the door and eat a proper breakfast!  Of course, that's because I showered too.  Next time I'll save it for another less busy morning.

Snack:  Apples!  I like giving the twins whole apples, because they think it's fun, it takes some time, and they eat the peel.  For some reason, they choke on the peel when I slice it for them, but not when they hold it.

Lunch: Leftover Thai coconut soup.  Tyler likes it too!  I haven't bothered to give it to the kids.  I left the chicken in big chunks, and the zucchini is in long strands, which just isn't very easy to eat.

Dinner:  Ugh.  Not a fun one today!  I made the lemon and almond cauliflower rice again, but it wasn't as good this time.  I think the lemon was too sour, or I put more of its juice in this time.  At any rate, everyone made a yuck face.  I'm the only one who ate mine, because I made it, and I can't waste it!  We also had cucumbers, the rest of the leftover pork, green olives and grapes for dessert.

Thoughts:

Everyone is on the verge of a cold, and I'm trying my hardest to make sure it stays that way and doesn't turn into fevers and ear infections.  We played outside for a little while this afternoon, but the wind was biting cold, and their noses were dripping.  So, to pass away the rest of the time until dinner, Tyler and Lincoln made cookies.  Smelled great, and they look so beautifully chewy good!

In other news, Lincoln has been increasingly distracted by the thought of receiving his newest obsession: a Switch-and-Go Dino.  We've been allowing him to earn dimes by helping out around the house, but he wasn't quite grasping the idea of saving money until you reach a certain amount, and then buying something that costs that amount.  He's four, you know.  So we revamped the system and made it more visual:

Span arrived yesterday via UPS, this evening Lincoln colored in the last bar on his chart, and ta-da!  The two were finally united!  Please, please let this amuse him for a while before he starts asking for the next one.  

Meanwhile, this might amuse you!

Whole 30: Day 10

Breakfast:  Leftover sweet potato hash with fried egg.  Luckily Tyler joined in this morning and helped me finish it off!

Lunch: We were at Ami's house today and I brought Thai Coconut Chicken Soup.  I had slow cooked a whole chicken the day before and even made bone broth from it!  I used the broth in this soup and finished it just as we were heading out the door, so I didn't get a chance to taste it.  Luckily, it was really good!  Ami is my good luck charm!  She made us a salad and a veggie tray for the table.  Delicious!

Dinner: Leftover pork and apple sauce.  The kids finished off the meatballs.  We had carrots and grapes, too.

Thoughts:  I am amazing myself by my ability not to have sweets.  I've never made cookie bon bons (or any cookie) without partaking.  Of course, I believe strongly in moderation, so this is not a permanent thing.  I'll have baked goods every now and then after Whole30, but this has been a confidence boost for me, knowing that I don't have to eat my favorite things just because they're available.

Whole 30: Day 9

Breakfast: Leftover sweet potato hash and spinach.  Still prefer cereal, but it's only 30 days.  :-)

Lunch: Homemade meatballs and marinara sauce with leftover green beans.  The twins loved these.  Lincoln saw them coming out of the oven, though, and was immediately turned off by the "goo" that spreads out from the bottom of them.  I scraped it off, but the damage was done.  He ate one though!  Next time, I'll be sure he doesn't see them til I serve them!  Before they came out of the oven, he ate this cute little guy.  I'm learning that food should be fun for kids.  And adults, too, right?

Dinner: Leftover pork with apple sauce and kale chips.  I liked these a lot!  So did the twins.  Linc not so much.

Thoughts:  Tyler took the twins to the children's museum today while Lincoln was at school, so that I could be home alone and whoosh through some cleaning and cooking.  Let me tell you, every once in a while, it's awesome to blast the music and get business done without having three munchkins underfoot.

Whole 30: Day 8

Breakfast:  Fried egg over sausage, sweet potatoes and apples.

Lunch: Orange sesame seed dressing over spinach and seeds, with leftover stuffed peppers.  Lincoln helped me make the dressing, and liked it a lot.  He dipped lots of spinach in it.

Dinner: Pork roast.  It was supposed to be really moist and easy to pull apart, but wasn't.  I was bummed, and the kids wanted nothing to do with it.  Can't win 'em all!

Thoughts: Today was rough.  A neighbor friend invited us over for an impromptu visit, and it had been a while since we saw her.  She didn't know Lincoln was off dairy, and offered us some cake.  Lincoln took it very maturely, but it was quite heartbreaking.  Especially when I don't even know it's the dairy that's bugging him.    I don't want to deprive the poor kid, just help his body work optimally and, well, more comfortably than it is.  I had just made one of his favorite treats, earlier today: chopped dates and cashews with vanilla, cinnamon and cacao nibs or chocolate chips.  We call them cookie bon bons.  Those will have to suffice for now.

Parenting is hard.  Being human is hard.  We should all just be superheroes instead.

Whole 30: Day 7

Breakfast: Whole30 doesn't really include green smoothies, I think because people tend to load up on the fruit and so it ends up being more sugar than protein and greens.  But I drank one again this morning anyway.  First I made the kids one, then I made one for me with a LOT of spinach, some canned coconut milk, half a frozen banana and a quarter of a mango.  Delicious, thick, smooth and... almost too sweet.  I think after a week of eating this way, my taste buds are already adjusting.  Cool!  That means I can happily survive with less sugar!

Lunch: Leftovers all around.  Broccoli, omelette, and chicken patties.  Also some green olives, and salmon for the twins (actually, Hazel is the one who loves it.  Ezra spit it out).  I made Lincoln a grilled "cheese" sandwich with Daiya brand cheese and coconut oil instead of butter.  He ate broccoli again, no problem.  Can you see me grinning from ear to ear?  Cuz I am!

Dinner: We went to Costco this afternoon after the twins took a nap, which means we arrived back home exactly when I would usually be putting dinner on the table.  Formerly in this situation, we would have either ate pizza there, or put a frozen pizza in the oven when we got home.  Obviously this wouldn't work for me right now on Whole 30, but it also doesn't work for Lincoln now, as we are going a month without dairy for him to see if his painful tummy aches and digestive issues get any better.  So... no short cuts here!  I quickly made some zucchini noodles for me, wheat noodles for everyone else, and cooked a cubed chicken breast on the stove.  Spiced with garlic and Italian seasoning and covered in coconut oil, it was all delightful.  The twins are not patient when I start cooking.  They think banging a few pots and pans around= dinner served!  But kids, cooking takes TIME, especially when I really cook!  They'll get used to it.

Thoughts:  Today was a really fun day.  We let the kids play in the snow, Lincoln and Hazel got a little chess time with daddy (Ezra was napping), and I got to skype with my parents and talk on the phone with Liz.  All is well.  

Whole 30: Day 6

Breakfast:  This morning I was rather revolted by the sight and smell of meat.  I made sausage, gave it to the kids and Tyler along with leftover omelette, and made myself a green smoothie.  Canned coconut milk, lettuce, half a frozen banana, and some frozen mango chunks.  Sweet, thick and quite refreshing.  I ate a handful of almonds too.

Snack:  Before running errands, I knew I'd need a protein boost.  I ate two leftover chicken patties with dijon mustard.  

Lunch:  Leftover salmon with brussel sprouts and a balsamic vinegar spinach salad.

Dinner: Coconut crusted chicken with steamed broccoli and leftover "stuffing" from the peppers.  LOVED these!  So did Tyler and the twins.  Lincoln ate some, but seemed to prefer the chicken strips that were coated in egg only, not the coconut.  No problem, kiddo!  You ate your broccoli, that's reason  to celebrate!

Thoughts:  I love my kids.  I love a cup of tea.  I love Tyler's big, strong shoulders.  And I love moments alone to think!