Monthly Archives: November 2013

21DSD – Notes from Day One (Monday)

Posted on 19 November 2013 by Chris Dahl

First piece of advice: never start on a Monday. They’re busy enough. … It would help to follow the directions – the book suggests taking a week to get prepared. I am more of a Jump-Start person. I have a kitchen-full of “alternative” ingredients (almond butter, coconut oil, coconut amino, etc.). So I felt comfortable getting going.

On the other hand, why wait? I did not want to fall victim to “I’ll start tomorrow”.  And I’ve decided I don’t need to be perfect.  I’ve tried the Whole30 protocol and have FAILED repeatedly, making me think I am a FAILURE. False.  

I decided instead with the 21 Day Sugar Detox that 1) I am going to do several of these;  2) I will try my best;  3) I will not be perfect; and 4) I will be gentle and persistent. 

When I took the quiz, I scored as  a Level 1 [since I’ve been “free range eating” lately], which did not satisfy the inner-food-Nazi. But did delight the inner milk-addict.  I’m going to try the “easier way”.  Easy is good. Easy gets done. Easy leads to more joyful experiences. That’s my new story.

 

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Recipe: Tasty additions to Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Posted on 17 November 2013 by Chris Dahl

A while back I added a recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts HERE. I really love this way of roasting sprouts. They come out sweet and tender with a nicely browned leaves. Since writing up the recipe, however, I’ve switched to using coconut oil rather than olive oil when roasting to prevent oxidation.

This morning I chopped some walnuts and fried some pancetta. When the Brussels sprouts were finished roasting, I added a handful of each to the mixture and then squeezed half a lemon, mixing lightly. You could use pecans and/or bacon instead.

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21dsd Day zero. Sunday

Posted on 17 November 2013 by Chris Dahl

planning ahead means I don’t have to rely on will power to make good choices.

Planned:
eggs, bacon, tomato and spinach
coffee with almond milk

Ate:
Eggs scrambled in the remnants of fried pancetta
handful of sliced cherry tomatoes sprinkled with basil
roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and chopped walnuts
espresso with whole milk [my kryptonite]

Planned:
salmon salad with nori wrap, green salad

Ate: leftover Brussels sprouts cold from the fridge
Banana
Just wasn’t that hungry.
Coffee with whole milk

Planned:
mini-meatloaves
cauli-mash
salad

Ate: ground beef stir fry with recipe from Well Fed. It was tasty but I have to admit that Chinese five spice is not my favorite combination.
Japanese veggies. Boksoy, yellow carrot, mushrooms, red onion, leek and snow peas.

Roasted parsnips and pumpkin. So so easy!

Planned:
snack: beef jerky, hard boiled egg

Ate: None. Not hungry

thinking ahead: afternoon concert has a short pause where I can drink tea or coffee if I bring my own creamer. Enjoyed their fresh koffiemelk.

other good ideas:

water. Check.
sleep. Soon!
exercise. Not much yet.
fun. Definitely

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dusting off the ol’ blog and 21 days of pleasure

Posted on 16 November 2013 by Chris Dahl

I fell asleep at the wheel, figuratively, and I have developed a cushion around my middle.

[I just deleted several sentences in which I was pointlessly explaining my sins.]  I turn 50 in a couple weeks, and I want life-long health at a cellular level. And thinner thighs.  

I would like to model my nutritional beliefs by displaying a lean physique, rather than a middle-aged middle. So I’m starting a 21 day sugar detox tomorrow. And what better way than sharing my travails and successes here.  I picked Diane’s book 21dsd after my favorite mother-in-law introduced me to her beautiful writing and delicious recipes in Practical Paleo, a book I wish I had written. It’s smart and thorough. A shout out to Ann for giving me a copy of PP. 

Next year, which is really just weeks away, I’m  venturing out on my own, after nearly 30 years of institutional shelter.  I am following my passion, which is helping people feel good about themselves and the stories they tell about their lives.  This blog is part of that effort.  

I will spare you the gory details of weight, body fat, measuring tape, ad nauseum. Instead, meal plans and recipes. Because everyone has a body to feed and meal plans and recipes make success easier. And that’s what I’m about. Sharing.

So here’s my little phoenix bursting out of the fire, a photo that showed up when I challenged the Benevolent Universe to send me a gift of purple feathers. And voila! This is it! 

 Image

 

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