First Steps: Finding Recipes

When I began doing Whole30, I found that my temptation to eat out (and probably compromise my Whole30) was highest if I was bored with the meals I was preparing. I would never have survived the Whole30 if it weren't for good recipes and varied foods. I have been craving a Shish Taouk platter (or that warmed up Double-smoked bacon, cheddar and egg breakfast croissant I just prepared for a customer) for about a week - every time I am caught without food at meal time, I've been eating the same thing for a few days, or I'm emotionally raw, or sick and exhausted.

This round I am using plantoeat.com to help me store my recipes, plan my meals, and create my grocery list. In the past I have built boards on Pinterest for each week's worth of meals. I have also used Excel to calculate my macros because I was feeling like I had too much starch and not enough fiber. Buying books or printing off my recipes have also been a part of my journey - but soft copies always make integrating meals easier. 

Plantoeat.com Planner

 
Using this website helps me to have my food prepared for meal time, add delicious varied foods, and to plan ahead for difficult situations and busyness. Finding the recipes to use can take time but the internet, library and friends can be a great source of ideas. Whatever your source, I would suggest finding at least a dozen recipes that help you to enjoy each meal.

You might not be as picky as me, and can survive off eating the same few meals week after week. I envy you. Don't feel like you need to add variety for variety's sake. Just know yourself and your weaknesses. I have 80+ recipes saved to Plan to Eat, and I continue to refine and develop my list. Add me if you're using the website too!

Plantoeat.com Recipes

Having that database, I am able to plan a few week's worth of meals and foresee my groceries and the time needed for preparing new dishes. I definitely have room to improve and refine my planning, but this is a lot better than before. It is so helpful to have it all together and takes away some of the stress. I posted here about how I would manage to prepare a week's worth of meals in just a few hours. When you make everything together, you don't have to clean and prepare your mise en place multiple times. I included foods of many different colours (for vitamins) and different meats (for change) and different cuisines (for flavours).

Beyond the recipes I included in my one week plan, below I have included a few easy recipes which I continue to include in my meal planning. Easy is not always boring, but it helps to cut down on the time you need to invest in eating healthy, which is so helpful.

Let me know what recipes have helped you on your Whole30 journey, I'd love to try some!

Poultry Mains -

Chicken Tagine with Fig and Ginger by Cook Eat Paleo: http://cookeatpaleo.com/mediterranean-paleo-cooking-fig-and-ginger-chicken-tajine/

One Pot Paleo Chicken Curry Stir Fry by Sweet C's Designs: http://sweetcsdesigns.com/one-pot-paleo-chicken-curry-stir-fry/
 

Sweet C's Chicken Curry Stir Fry

30 Minute Clean Thai Turkey Zucchini Meatballs by ifoodreal: http://ifoodreal.com/30-minute-clean-thai-turkey-zucchini-meatballs/

Salads -

Chopped Thai Salad with Coconut Curry Dressing by The Wicked Noodle: http://www.thewickednoodle.com/chopped-thai-salad/

Pesto Chicken Salad by The Nordstrom Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/p/sq3rQXrDEe/

Thai chopped Salad with Lime Ginger Dressing by From Cup to Cup: http://fromcuptocup.blogspot.ca/2014/01/thai-chopped-salad-with-lime-ginger.html

Thai Turkey Meatballs by iFoodReal: http://ifoodreal.com/30-minute-clean-thai-turkey-zucchini-meatballs/ 

South Jordan Beet Salad by Whole Sisters: http://www.whole-sisters.com/#!South-Jordan-Beet-Salad/c1v9p/551cbdbe0cf21933cd2e24e4

Whole Sisters' South Jordan Salad

Beef Mains-

Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef) by The Domestic Man: http://thedomesticman.com/2013/07/02/sukuma-wiki-kenyan-braised-collard-greens-and-ground-beef/

Simple Skirt Steak with Romesco Sauce by PaleOMG: http://paleomg.com/simple-skirt-steak-with-romesco-sauce/#

The Perfect Burger by Stupid Easy Paleo: http://stupideasypaleo.com/2014/03/27/perfect-burger/

Perfect Burger by Stupid Easy Paleo

Egg Dishes -

Easy Artichoke, Spinach and Herb Frittata by Linda Wagner: http://lindawagner.net/blog/2014/06/easy-artichoke-spinach-herb-frittata/index.html

Chorizo Scotch Eggs by Popular Paleo: http://thehealthyfoodie.com/paleo-chicken-scotch-egg/