Over the last three weeks I learned that I can’t rely on my brain to come up with delicious meals that accommodate my current dietary limitations. So I’m turning back to my favorite food bloggers for inspiration and then relying on my own ingenuity in the kitchen to modify as needed.
I’m finding it easier to have a couple breakfasts, a soup or salad, several entrees and a couple snacks I can rely on for the week. And they have to be easy to throw together or I’m going back to my favorite chips and salsa even though I know for a fact that those two are bad news for my stomach and skin.
I’m not as hardcore as you might think
It boggles my mind what a process this has been. I made it through nearly two weeks of a strict elimination diet but my tastebuds were so miserable that the physical benefits simply weren’t enough. That’s right, I said it – my love of food trumps my own health.
I’ve accepted some temporary gastrointestinal issues and acne while I track down a decent set of recipes I can be happy with for a while. Luckily, I identified a couple of food groups that were definitely problems for me, so I can mindfully avoid those while I sort out the rest. Beans, grains and pseudograins I’m looking at you!
Why don’t I get some help?
At this point, I would gladly hire a holistic nutritionist who could just walk me through the rest but unfortunately, the insurance company gods don’t think that’s worth covering so here I am learning through trial and error. It’s an enlightening experience and I’m lucky to be in a place where I’m able to do it. Though as Hubs pointed out, this may not be the healthiest thing for my over-analytical tendencies. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
So here we are. The first week of April and the fourth week of this little endeavor!
What are you cooking this week? Post a comment below or share with me on Instagram using #mystudyinfitness so I can eat vicariously through you! 😉
Breakfast
Breakfast Hash Template – This article has been such a lifesaver for me. Scroll down a bit to see the recipe for the breakfast hash template. It’s so nice to be able to groggily throw a few things in a skillet and have it turn out yummy and filling enough to get me through my morning!
Avocado, Apple and Berry Bowls
Cereal, Eggs, Bacon and Fruit – for the rest of the fam!
Lunch
Leftovers
Cobb Salad – Minus the eggs, cheese, chickpeas and tomatoes and sub in some roasted butternut squash cubes for me!
Sandwiches, Chips and Fruit – for the rest of the fam!
Dinner
Lemon and Provencal Herb Roasted Chicken w/ Roasted Parsnips and Broccoli – The roasted broccoli recipe doesn’t actually include parsnips but I’m adding them cause I LOVE parsnips!
Grilled Cod w/ Green Salad and Roasted Butternut Squash – Article from Food by Mars. You’ll have to scroll down to AIP Dinner Ideas to find this delicious recipe!
Paleo Carnitas Bowl w/ Tostones and Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice – I’m not big on pork so I’ll see what’s on sale that I can substitute. This is a true experimental meal since I’ve never tried the seasonings in lieu of spicy seasoning and definitely have never tried tostones!
American Goulash – This is chock-full of nightshades and simple carbs but I know my fam will love it. I’ll update if I figure out a way to make it fit my diet! I’m thinking a separate dish with zoodles and an Italian seasoned sauce is going to happen…
Snacks
Pineapple Guacamole w/ Baby Carrots (or Crackers for the rest of the fam)
Sweet Potato Chips
Cheese Sticks and Fruit for the rest of the fam!