Has it really already been a week? So much has happened in the last week it's hard to believe that it's only been one week since this journey began. If you don't know what I'm talking about see this post. The first two days were probably the toughest because I was hungry due to a lack of protein from meat. However, I quickly found plant based sources of protein-tempeh, beans, etc.
I believe meal prep is key not only for this challenge, but I meal prep every week. It keeps me on track with my macros and it prevents over or under eating. Granted, there is always wiggle room because some days I'm hungrier than others, especially on days I run.
One of the questions I've been asked is am I still tracking macros during this challenge period? Yes I am. Why? Because I want to make sure my body is getting the nutrients it needs. I have been eating more carbs during, but my body has been handling it beautifully. There's a huge difference between eating 20grams carbs of vegetables and fruit versus 20grams carbs of candy.
So what have I been eating? I posted a WIAW for a peek into one day, but my day starts off the same- baked oatmeal with fruit, usually pears or raspberries. If I'm hungry I may have a mid-morning snack of dates or an apple. Lunch I usually have prepped- lentil burgers, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed acorn squash, and some fruit. One day I had a hankering for breakfast so I made my coconut flour pancakes. Dinner, again usually prepped, I had pan seared lemon tempeh (so good!), roasted asparagus, roasted spaghetti squash with tomato sauce made only from tomatoes.
Even in just a weeks time the changes I've noticed have been pretty significant. I'm significantly less tired, my stomach has not been upset nearly as much as usual (I'm being tested for dairy intolerance soon), and I feel better all around. Now, is all of this attributed to changes in diet? Probably not. However, I do think some of it definitely is. Another change I noticed is when I wanted meat because I was hungry the first few days instead of complaining I started praying. It's amazing how the Lord can completely change your mindset. I'm forever in awe of God!
I've already been in the kitchen meal prepping for this week and I cannot wait to share the recipe! It's been in the works for a number of months and it's really good and perfect for chilly winter days!
I haven't done a what I ate Wednesday (WIAW) in a long time, way too long. I want to share my journey, both physical and spiritual, during the 30 day challenge. The 30 day challenge isn't actually a thing, but I've felt convicted so I made it a thing. It's sort of like the Daniel Fast. One of the things that made me laugh is a friend of mine started the Daniel Fast all while I was feeling nudged to start my own challenge and then at church the pastor started a series on Daniel. Nothing like the Lord sending the message loud and clear.
I went grocery shopping last week to get ready for the challenge. I had a few of the staples already in my pantry, but I still needed to get fresh fruits and veggies. If anyone is interested in what I bought let me know and I can make a post about it.
Before I worked out I had a Vega protein packet mixed with water. After my workout I had breakfast, which was my usual baked oats with raspberries (recipe here). Cora was extra interested in my breakfast for some reason, I don't let her beg because it's bad manners, but that face was too cute not to snap a pic!
I did a TON of meal prepping on Monday so I would be prepared for the week. For lunch I made lentil veggie patties, roasted sweet potatoes (literally my favorite thing ever!), my friend Clara's (follow her on instagram!) mashed acorn squash, french style green beans, and raspberries. Literally so good! Carb loading and LOVING IT!
I never normally snack, but I seem to be a bit hungrier because I'm not eating as much protein without meat so mid afternoon I was hungry. I had half a honeycrisp apple (not pictured) and a mini cherries and berries GoMacro bar.
For dinner I didn't feel like having anything, so I threw together a small veggie plate and salad. The salad is romaine, kale, and mixed greens topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, and a hard boiled egg. The veggie plate is cauliflower, carrots, and mushrooms. Later on I had a pear for snack.
If anyone has any meal ideas or plant based protein powders suggestions, please share! Have a great Wednesday!
Happy Monday, I hope you're staying warm! The weather has been crazy recently ranging from really warm and mild to freezing rain to blizzard like. The latter two occurred within the last 24 hours making driving conditions a bit rough (read: I should have ice skated to the gym not drove).
Anyway, I wanted to take a moment out from the 30 Challenge (it started today!) to talk about Only Natural Pet. I did a review about a month ago on the paleo inspired dog line and have gotten tons of emails from pet owners with questions. I'm going to do my best to answer the most common questions I've gotten, but I am no expert on the line. The employees at PetSmart will know FAR more than I will and will be able to answer all your questions.
What is in the dog food and how is it different from traditional dog food?
This was by far the question I got asked the most. The picture above is the ingredient list for Only Natural Pet turkey and sweet potato dehydrated food. Ingredients include turkey, sweet potato, egg, broccoli, vitamin E, vitamin B12, etc. Go look at the ingredient list for a traditional dog food package and it's about a mile long. One of the reasons I love Only Natural Pet so much is because of the ingredients. The food is made from high quality ingredients not artificial fillers, so I really don't mind paying extra to feed Cora the best food possible.
The main difference between this food vs. traditional dog food, in my opinion, is definitely the ingredients, but also Cora's desire to eat. It was fairly common for Cora to leave kibbles in her bowl and come back to it later. With the turkey and sweet potato dehydrated food she licks the bowl clean (not even kidding). It takes a little more effort to prepare, you have to mix it with water and let it hydrate for a few minutes, but it is definitely worth the effort.
Is it worth the extra cost?
I fully believe that it is worth the extra cost. Since we adopted her, Cora has always had stomach problems, but I have noticed a huge change since I switched her to Only Natural Pet. Am I just saying that because PetSmart supplied me with the food to do the review? Absolutely not. I have purchased the food since they sent Cora some to test. I also believe so strongly in the line that I purchased several bags along with other products from the Only Natural Pet line and donated them to the shelter where I adopted Cora from.
Are the products good for my pet?
I got this question a lot too and I can't fully answer that. You know your pet the best and what works and doesn't work for your pet. As always, I recommend talking to your vet before changing your pets diet. Your vet will be able to give you expert advice because next to you, they know your pet best. I talked with my vet before changing Cora's food and treats because I was afraid of all of Cora's allergies. My vet gave me the go ahead, which made me feel a lot better.
Which products do you recommend?
Again, this one is about personal preference. Cora's two favorite "table scraps" are fish and turkey, so she has been loving the turkey and sweet potato dehydrated food and the just fish feast food. She is still loving the bully stick treats, which the vet said are great for her teeth, and the all natural meat bites, which we use instead of biscuits. However, those are only a few of the products in the Only Natural Pet line. There are numerous other products in the line so you can find one your pet likes best.
I am definitely no expert on the product line, but I know what works for Cora. I definitely encourage you to go to PetSmart and talk to them, ask them all your questions because they will definitely be able to help you.
If you have any questions for me you can email me at minerrachael@gmail.com I'd love to hear from you!
*PetSmart supplied me with products from the Only Natural Pet line to do the review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
