Time: Batch cooking using the crockpot and more

I have friends who are lacking inspiration, initiative and knowledge for making food at home which is nutritious and instead eat most food by delivery or going out. I realized that through this experience, I have some insight on how to make delicious meals! What a better place to begin, than large batch slow cooking.

Definitely one way to maximize your time while on Whole30 is to use a slow-cooker. Usually you can find delicious recipes which take about 20-30 minutes in prep and then you leave your meal cooking for 2-10 hours depending. What a great way to prepare healthy food while asleep, heading out with friends, or going to work - and everything will be ready when you return!

Kalua Pig - shredded with roasted root vegetables

Another great way to maximize your time is to find larger recipes which take under an hour to make, and then having leftovers for the week or to freeze for later!

It's also helpful to separate the dish into meal sized containers so that you can just grab and go. Even if I'm eating it at home, I'll reheat a meal from the container and not need to worry about portion size. This way you know how many meals you have covered and when you'll need to cook again!

Here are some ideas for your next meal: favourites, ones I have bookmarked for later, and recipes from trusted cooks!

Slow Cooker Recipes:

Beef Bourgignon - The Healthy Foodie: http://thehealthyfoodie.com/slow-cooker-squeaky-clean-beef-bourgignon/

Bone Broth - Oh Lardy: http://ohlardy.com/chicken-bone-broth
[This is a great bullion replacement for soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and even to drink]

Crock Pot Whole Chicken - Cook Eat Paleo: http://cookeatpaleo.com/crock-pot-whole-chicken/

Kalua Pig - Nom Nom Paleo: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig
[careful because my slow cooker is a lot stronger and I only needed 7-9 hours to cook the same roast!]

Lamb Stew with Butternut Apples and Ginger - Healing Family East: http://healingfamilyeats.com/lamb-stew-with-butternut-apples-and-ginger-aip/
[I used beef and it was delicious; it can be cooked in the oven, or you could use the crock pot!]

Slow Cooker Apple Rosemary Pork roast - Pure and Simple Nourishment: http://pureandsimplenourishment.blogspot.ca/2014/12/slow-cooker-apple-rosemary-pork-roast.html
[Granny Smith, honeycrisp, or crispin apples if you don't have access to Lady Pink apples!]



Batch Cooking:

Cleansing Detox Soup - The Glowing Fridge: http://www.theglowingfridge.com/cleansing-detox-soup/

Chicken Mulligatawny

Chicken Mulligatawny - Naked Cuisine: http://www.nakedcuisine.com/chicken-mulligatawny/

Roasted Chicken - Primal Palate: http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/roast-chicken-with-rosemary-and-thyme/

Shepherd's Pie - Noshtastic: http://www.noshtastic.com/easy-shepherds-pie/

Sweedish Stew (Kalops) - The Domestic Man: http://thedomesticman.com/2013/04/16/swedish-stew-kalops/#more-4545


Trusted Blogs:

Simply Nourished Recipes: http://simplynourishedrecipes.com/category/whole-30-friendly/page/2/

Personally: Emotions and Whole30

In my earlier Whole30 stints, the biggest lesson was that cravings are under my responsibility and do not have to control me. It really doesn't help working surrounded by pastries and sandwiches whose fragrance permeates the cafe. Yet despite their perpetual presence, I have felt a lot less temptation and craving during this Whole60.

I think I am learning the place of emotions in my identity and my decisions during this time of abstinence. It is still in the early stages of understanding and consideration, but it's coming together. This winter has been very difficult emotionally, which brings it to the forefront of my attention. But one thing that I am understanding is that while my emotions are my responsibility, they do not control me and they are not my identity.

According to Whole30.com, the average person experiences a few days of crankiness, irritability and impatience within the first half of a Whole30, but I have been feeling all of these for the past 48 days. It is warned that (during these early days) someone might look at you with a cheery smile and a warm 'hello' and for no particular reason you will feel the urge to punch them in the face. I have not noticed this as much as I have recently.

I am quite certain that my nutrition and Whole30 is not the sole contributor to this problem. With some researching, I am certain that I need to see a nutritionist and discover what Autoimmune issue is underlying my continued digestive issues and tiredness. On top of this, I think that some seasonal depression and an unusual amount of personal stress have added to this irritability.

Last year I ended my first Whole30 right after Easter. This means that I have never done Whole30 during the depth of winter or for 60 days; but rather as spring was arriving to Montreal, with a hopefulness for the warmer weather and sunshine. Therefore, I have nothing with which I can compare my current emotional situation.

In the winter it is always a challenge to get enough exercise, sun, and fresh air. Lately I have noticed feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day, wanting to go to bed as the sun sets (at 5pm) as well as irritable and hopeless. This sadness has affected the social engagements, plans, and risks that I am willing to take. I have tried cutting down on my coffee intake and even go whole days without coffee. I have opened up the curtains in all of the windows in the apartment, and spent more time in prayer and writing my thoughts in a journal.

I have recognized stress stemming from a fear of being rejected for being different, and a desire to fit in and be like others. I think that this has surfaced in my Whole30s, but it is present in other areas of life such as being a Christian in Montreal, being over-weight in a society which places value on skinny, and being poor in a culture that worships the wealthy, stable, and independent. I have become defensive and passive-aggressive. I need to not fear rejection (what is the worst that could possibly happen?), be confident in living my life true to who I am, and remember my priorities! This stress as well as the stress of personal decisions, finances and responsibilities have made this situation even more complicated.

A popular recommendation to overcoming irritability and sleepiness while on Whole30 is to increase your carbohydrate intake through starchy vegetables and fruits. And while I think that this is probably helpful, what I really need to add is exercise. In just over a month, the Bixi bikes will start to populate the interior of Montreal. But until then, I need to find another way to get the endorphin pumping and the muscles stretching. Yoga/stretches and walking at a quick pace are my starting points. But I am excited to get outside of the city this weekend and I hope to enjoy the outdoors with some friends.

Through a good talk with my brother I was reminded that I am not my emotions, just as I am not my cravings. I can recognize an emotion or the feeling of anxiety, and pray for understanding. I think that to begin, the best thing is to remember Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your supplications (requests) before God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding will preserve your heart in Christ Jesus."

Once I have learned to recognize these emotions, and to seek God's peace in the moment, then I can look for the root and deal with the underlying issues, and choose how these emotions should affect my behavious, thoughts, and personality. Not all emotions are bad, even anger has a place in a healthy life, but I have to not be controlled by my anger.

How are you finding joy in the long winter? How do you manage your emotions in an healthy way? I'd love to hear your insights!