The New Normal {WIW}

After completing the the Whole 30 program during the month of August, I find myself trying to find my new normal.  I know that I can't/won't resume my old eating habits.  What modifications do I make so I have a long term plan I can live with?  I know I need to add enough foods back into my diet so that I can continue this long term.  I know from history if I completely deprive myself of everything, I won't stick with it.  But I also know I'm not adding back in grains, sugars and things like that.

The day will come when I can not resist a cupcake or some other treat.  On that day, I'm hoping I can indulge in that one treat and resume my "new normal" eating habits.  I'm hoping a little bit of sugar wont' knock me totally off balance.

I ran across an older post at EverydayMaven, entitled "Thoughts on Weight Watchers and Paleo and if they intersect…"   Alyssa's comments really hit home for me.  I'm having trouble defining what my new normal is, let alone what to call it. I wouldn't say it is Paleo, and definitely not as strict as Whole 30.  I followed Weight Watchers for a long time and the plan is always looming in the back of my mind.  Old habits die hard.  I guess I need to just avoid the labels and eat the cleanest I can and enjoy my Whole Foods eating.

I continue to lose weight, albeit a little more slowly than I did during the Whole 30.  I know if I would add in consistent exercise, I would probably boost the weight loss.  We do walk every day.  Right now I'm babying my right shoulder due to some issues I have been having with it and a recent cortisone shot--  so I am really reluctant to do anything that involves my arms or shoulders.

We've been trying lots of new recipes.  This week, we tried a new Minestrone Soup recipe from Our Paleo Life.  It was Fantastic!!!  I used a spicy Italian, pork sausage, and also added in green beans.  This soup has great flavor and is filling--you'll never miss the pasta.  My hubs loved it too!  I'll leave you with the fantastic taco salads we had last night.  You'll never miss the cheese!

Spicy Taco Salad

I'm linking up with Kim of Just for Clicks for Weigh-In Wednesday.

Have a great week everyone!

Whole 30 Recap {WIW}

During the month of August, Rad and I followed the Whole 30 program. Honestly, when I started it, I wasn't sure I'd be able to complete it. No sugar, grains, dairy or legumes for a whole 30 days! YIKES! But once we started, I realized it wasn't that difficult. And honestly, I felt better than I had for a long time. Apparently simple foods agree with my body. In about 6 weeks, I've lost about 15 pounds!  Now that feels good!

Since the end of the Whole 30, we've basically been eating the same foods. None of the forbidden foods. I have since added in a little coconut milk creamer for my coffee and I have cooked a few times with a little almond or coconut flour. I guess it is similar to a Paleo diet now. I'm happy with the small additions to the diet and think I can continue eating like this, at least for a while. There are lots of things I miss, especially cereal and oatmeal of all things, but mostly I find if you are creative enough you can come up with a version of food that doesn't include forbidden foods.

Here's a quick list of things I love:

Fruit infused water. I've been putting everything you can think of in water. A mixture of berries and melons; lemon and basil; cucumber and melon and Rad's favorite lemon and mint. So refreshing and since I haven't had a soft drink in over a month, I need something to drink!

Cool Gear Bento Box. I picked up these little containers at Walmart for my daughter who is a teacher and myself. They are awesome! The bottom container expands and collapses to hold larger food items and the blue freezer tray is great as it helps to keep your food cold.

Paleo Coconut Curry Chicken. I made this recipe last night and I have to say this is my favorite new recipe. I think the curry and fresh ginger make up for the lack of rice it might be served on. Definitely worth a try if you like curry.

In other fun news, I want to share something non-food related with you. A friend of mine talked me into entering a quilt into our little, local county fair. Never having done this before I was a little nervous about a quilt disappering never to be seen again. So I selected a small quilt that I made a while back. And I won a blue ribbon! It was lots of fun to see my quilt on display and I will definitely plan to enter a few items next year.

I'm linking up with Kim of Just for Clicks for Weigh-In Wednesday.

Have a great week everyone!

Tula Pink 'City Sampler' Sew Along

I fell in love with Tula Pink's new City Sampler book that came out earlier this spring. I ordered the book and then drooled over the blocks for a few months. Then I found Sew Sweetness's sew along and knew I needed to join in. In the sew along, they tackle three blocks a week. So I jumped in even though, they are already on block 43. I figure, though, if I can keep pace through the end of the year, my blocks will be about 60% complete. These cute little blocks are only 6" so they use small bits of fabric. I've got a lot of great colorful scraps, but some of the blocks would be soooo much better served using Tula's own fabrics. I located the City Sampler Starter Kit which is a great jump start for these blocks! (Ok, I also ordered Tula's Aurifil thread!)

So here they are:

Block 43

Block 44

Block 45

I am loving these blocks and I'm hoping the sew along will help keep me on track to complete a few blocks (or more) a week!