Takeout-Style Coconut Chicken

I think I've always liked coconut. I was never a huge fan when I was younger, but I've always liked the taste. However, after going on the Whole 30, I am slightly obsessed. I love using coconut oil for just about any dish. It gives food such a nice nutty flavor.

This takeout-style way of making chicken, is delicious. I love that you make the chicken brown and crispy first. It gives it a "fried" taste. It's definitely one of those trickster meals. Give it to someone, and they won't even know it's healthy!

High Heels and Grills is where this recipe originated (I tweaked it a little to make it Paleo-friendly). I came across the site on Pinterest. Pinterest is awesome in that way. I think it's so cool that you can discover so many sites, just from a few recipes!

Deconstructed Beef Samosa

Indian food is for sure one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to food. I mean it's just SO good. I really have never had a bad experience. I mean, yes, there are places that are better than others. But, I literally don't think I have ever tried an Indian dish and been like "Eww, that doesn't taste good."

So, when I find a healthy version of anything Indian, I get really excited. I found this recipe on Pinterest. It's from My Heart Beets. It was a very fast and simple meal with tons of spice and flavors. I tweaked it a little, and found it very delicious. :)

Instant Pot Braised Kale & Carrots

I warned you about the Instant Pot recipes! I can't help it. I'm friggin obsessed with this thing. And then when paired with the crockpot, you have a whole meal in under 10 minutes....

Could it get any easier!?!?

It has snowed a bit in Ohio, and it's starting to look and feel more like winter. Cold and flu season is upon us in full force, and comfort food is a must. Especially comfort food that packs a punch of nutrients and antioxidants.

Say what you will about Kale, but there is no denying it's health benefits. Kale is high in vitamins A, K and C. It is also a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron & antioxidants. And then there's carrots with beta carotene and fiber.

Hello!? This side dish is a no-brainer. With this delicious recipe from Nom Nom Paleo, you will have no problem going back for seconds. Cooking the ingredients in the Instant Pot leaves the kale tender and flavorful. You could also try cooking it a little longer in the Dutch oven as well, if you don't have a pressure cooker.

Breakfast Stuffed Acorn Squash

This past weekend, we celebrated Friendsgiving here in Cincinnati. It was, as always, so much fun and so delicious. It's nice to celebrate with friends. I had a hard time at first, when we moved to Cincinnati. It wasn't that far from home, yet I felt that it was impossible to meet new people. Luckily, that didn't last too long. I made instant friends when I started working at Caribou Coffee that year, and I added to that as I got to know J's colleagues.

We ate many glorious dishes at Friendsgiving. I made the turkey, using the Rosemary Apple recipe from my Thanksgiving Roundup. Oh man. Yeah you guys have to try that one. There was salad, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies...just about everything you can imagine. Mmm Mmm.

Anywho... onto the recipe. I made this squash last week. It was a little chilly outside, and this dish definitely hit the spot. I don't think I've ever made anything with acorn squash. It smells a bit like pumpkin when you cut it open, but it's a little sweeter in taste. Man was it good. I loved the breakfast flavors that accompanied. This recipe is from paleOMG. This lady has some great stuff!

Korean Pork Chops Recipe

Can anyone believe the weather right now!? I mean... I live in Ohio, so I guess I can. You just never know around here. We started this morning in the low 60s. It's November! WTH? I'll take this nice weather and football at the same time, anytime.

Speaking of football... GO COLTS! YES. We finally got a win last Sunday. However, tragedy struck a few days ago, when we found out that Andrew Luck will be out for 2-6 weeks due to injury. "Luck"ily ;) we are on a bye this week. Feel better Andrew!! (I'm sure he reads my blog lol)

Today's recipe is one that would be great on the grill. If I would've thought about it before hand, I would've had the hubs fire it up to cook up these pork chops. Have I mentioned I love pork? I found this recipe while searching pinterest, of course, and could not wait to try. It's super simple, with minimal ingredients. Who can beat that on a weeknight!? This pork chop deliciousness comes from Jo Cooks. It looks like some of her recipes are Paleo, and all of the recipes on her site look DELICIOUS. Check it out!

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

It's almost here!! The most grand holiday, where we celebrate all of the carbs...er..I mean something about giving thanks, pilgrams yada yada

Anyway, it's definitely the time of year where we celebrate with family. It's also the time of year where we pack on the pounds. It's easy to do, with all of the delicious feasts that are held at Thanksgiving. My biggest tip around this time of year, is offer to bring what you can. If you are providing a dish or two, at least you will know that there will be something healthy to eat. You will know exactly what ingredients are in the dish that you have homemade yourself.

Many are starting to plan their big menus, so I've put together a roundup for you! Here are a few of my choices and ideas for dishes to bring to your next family or friends Thanksgiving :) All of the traditional favorites are here for a healthier holiday.

HAPPY FALL! | Paleo Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

Another long break between posts... Sorry guys! Fall is always crazy, schedule wise. Work, family, friends.. It's a busy time of year, but I'm extremely thankful!

The weather has been so nice recently. A little rain here and there, but for the most part, it's been gorgeous. Beautiful fall days are just the best. The leaves are so pretty, and everyone is in a good mood.

Fall is also a WONDERFUL time for food. Oh man...All of the warm, delicious recipes pop up during this time of year. Pumpkin everything. I'm one of those pumpkin freaks. Yep. Not at all afraid to admit it. I love cooking with pumpkin. It's so creamy, and it brings out some delicious flavors in your food. There's also sweet potatoes, squash, apples, etc... Yum!

I've been playing around with my pumpkin turkey chili recipe for some time, and I think I've finally got it down. The fire-roasted tomatoes really compliment the pumpkin well in this recipe. I also love adding cinnamon. It's such a great flavor. This chili is PERFECT for leftovers. Make up a huge batch, and eat this throughout the week :) It's also a one-pot meal, and super fast to make!

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Hello friends!! I haven't forgotten you. It's been a super busy few weeks. Lots of events happening, and I'm in charge of a division retreat at work.

It's been cray. But, I haven't let my healthy eating fall by the wayside! Here's a recipe to spice up your everyday dinner. I found this one on Pinterest, while looking for something different to do with shrimp. It's pretty easy and relatively quick. Two requirements for a weeknight in my book.

Paleo Comfort Food Recipe : Potato & Kale Hash

During the week, I teach Piloxing on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30. I don't get home until after 7:30, so hubby cooks the meals on these days. It's so nice to come home, shower, and have a hot meal ready for me after my workout.

I've started this week with a not-so-nice head cold and a cough. So when Jeremy said he was cooking this Potato & Kale Hash from The Domestic Man, I knew it would hit the spot. It definitely did not disappoint. This simple hash has SO much flavor.  My tummy was very happy after this meal.

Jeremy always gets his recipes from The Domestic Man blog, and let me tell you....They are all super delicious. The meals are hearty and healthy. It's a win win for sure. AND it's Paleo!

All of the photos in this post were taken by Jeremy. Double points for hubby this week.

Busy Weeknight Dinner Recipe : Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet

This week has been a little crazy. Monday was Labor Day, and that was actually pretty relaxing in the morning. However, then we had to run errands and do all of the weekend stuff that we had neglected to do earlier. Over the past couple days, I've been running errands, teaching, and packing and prepping for this weekend (when I haven't been working).

This weekend, one of my VERY best friends is getting married! I have known her for about 8 years now, and I could not be happier for her. I'm a bridesmaid in the wedding, so it's extra special that I can stand by her. :) Ahh I just can't wait.

Anywho, J and I are taking the day off tomorrow to head to Indianapolis, so our nights have been pretty packed. I wanted a quick weeknight meal, that could be made in less than 30 min. This one came in around 15! Perfect.

Easy Weekend Salad Bar Lunch

Labor Day weekend was just wonderful. My parents came to Cincinnati to visit us, and we had a blast. We did things around town, ate at some delicious restaurants, shopped, and spent some quality time at home as well. By the time Monday rolled around, it was nice to have a relaxing morning at home.

I thought that, because we had spent (a little too much) money over the weekend, it would be good to make something at home for lunch.

I had bought all of the ingredients, and some I had at home, for this DIY salad bar towards the end of the week. Everything was basically ready. I just had to throw the chicken in the crockpot in the morning, and pull everything out of the fridge when we were ready to eat! Simple and easy peasy.

Garbage Chili Recipe

Woah! Calm down, this recipe doesn't contain actual garbage ;) I actually stole this term from Nom Nom Paleo. Basically, it means I threw a bunch of left over stuff together to make a meal. Michelle from NNP uses this idea for stir-fries, but I thought that the same rule could apply to just about anything.

A week ago, we made a TON of Kalua Pork... like so much meat. We ate on it for a couple days, but then it needed a little sprucing up. Most of the ingredients I used in this recipe I had on hand, but I did have to buy a couple things. But it was things like diced tomatoes that cost less than a dollar. It was a quick weeknight meal that also lasted us a long while. Did I mention I love leftovers???

Pork-Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes

September is upon us, and that means FALL is close-by! I'm ready. I'm always ready. Autumn is my favorite season. I love the cool crisp weather, football, activities outside, Halloween... But most important, I LOVE THE FOOD! Pumpkin everything, Soups, Stews, Farmers Market, etc...

Of course I eat sweet potatoes year round, but they are especially yummy, when they are seasonal. This recipe was something I threw together during my Whole30. It's satisfying, and super easy to make, with any ingredients you like. Throw your favorite meat and green on there with some spices, and you've got yourself a meal!

Delicious Slow-Cooker Green Chicken Curry

The University of Cincinnati semester has started, and I am back to teaching Piloxing! Gosh, it feels so good to get back into that routine. Group fit is so incredibly fun for me to teach, and I have a great group this year!

With new group fit classes, comes late dinners. My schedule this year is a little later than I've had in the past. It's in kind of an awkward time, where I can come home from work, but I basically have time to change, turn around and leave. So, it's nice to have some crockpot meals ready to go. When I get home from teaching, dinner is ready. I know my muscles are grateful!

This curry had the most amazing flavor. The base of this recipe is from a wonderful paleo recipe blog called Rubies & Radishes. There are some really awesome things on this site. AND, I found that, like most crockpot meals, the leftovers from this meal were even better than the original meal. All of the spices seep into the chicken and veggies, and you're left with a great lunch the next day.

Farmer's Market Pick! | Paleo Stuffed Peppers

Farmers market season is upon us! This is the best time of year for your local market. There is always fresh produce just begging to be cooked up in a healthy meal.

Jeremy and I love going to the farmers market (Dizzy too!). It's so fun to walk around and see all of the stands and all of the gorgeous colors. I usually have to plan my meals out, but sometimes I let the market decide what's for dinner. You will find that dinner always tastes better, when it's made from local, fresh ingredients.

Recipe! : Simple Paleo Fajitas || Bonus Tortilla Recipe

First of all, sorry about the quality of the photos coming up over the next few weeks. My trusty good camera has pooped out for the moment. I'm hoping to get it fixed, but until then, I will be using my iPhone. Hey...it gets the job done right?

I don't know if this has become apparent over my last month of blogging, but I LOVE Mexican food. I mean I love it. I could eat it for every meal (even breakfast) every day. There's so much you can do with so little ingredients.

Another thing I've been loving lately are spices. We have a specialty spice and tea place here in Cincy, and it's literally right down the street from my house. I have so much fun picking up and smelling all of the different spices. I think about how I could use it in recipes, and new ideas to come up with. We also have a Penzey's right down the street. Yep, I'm screwed. Ever since I was little, I have loved spices. The spice cabinet used to be my favorite smell in the world...I'm not kidding...It was my comfort scent...and still kinda is to this day.

The last time we were in Penzey's I picked up their Southwest Seasoning. I was already planning on making fajitas for dinner, and it was a match made in heaven!

My 5 Go-To Healthy Lunch Staples

I think healthy lunches could quite possibly be one of the hardest things to plan. Sure, I can make a whole bunch of healthy meals when I'm at home. But on the go, it's so much harder to figure out exactly what I want to take. You have to think about what resources you will have at work, school, etc... Plus, you have to get proportions right and plan ahead.Leftovers are always nice, but you don't always have enough for the week.

I have a few lunch ideas that I keep in my back pocket....Just in case! These recipes contain ingredients that I almost always have on hand. They are things that I can whip up rather quickly at home in the morning or at the office. You should always plan at least a couple lunches ahead, but if you have these staples, you will never be left buying food you'll regret later.

Giveaway Winners Announced/ Recipe: Paleo Slow-Cooker Italian Chicken Soup

First thing's first... GIVEAWAY winners! The two winners, chosen randomly by an online generator, are Kristi and Tiffany :) Congratulations! I'll be messaging you both to get your addresses soon. Free Paleonola. YUM!

Now on to a new and delicious recipe...
With schools heading back to class, and everything starting up full swing, it gets harder and harder to plan your meals. When I teach group fitness at night, I hardly want to work, teach, shower and THEN make dinner. I want things to be ready, when I get home. Thankfully, I have a few slow-cooker recipes in my arsenal.

I discovered Dashing Dish, when I was first starting my health and fitness journey. I was looking for ways to eat better, while not sacrificing taste and satiation. This site does just that! There are so many recipes on her page, and she is constantly posting new and exciting recipes. This is where you find all of your favorite meals turned healthy.

I fixed this Italian Chicken Soup one day, when we planned on attending a Cincinnati Reds baseball game at night. I threw all of the ingredients in that morning, and we had a delicious dinner waiting when we got home. This was super convenient, and saved us some money (and calories) at the ballpark.

Taco Night! : Plantain Tortilla Recipe

Don't freak out! The first time I was looking for a way to make tacos on the Paleo diet, I came across a Paleo plantain tortilla recipe from ZenBelly. I saw the title, and I kind of freaked out a little. In my mind, there was no way I could make these tortillas. No way it would work. Sure, this blogger  I was following could make them, but I'm sure mine would turn out horrible.

Well, quite the contrary! I reluctantly tried these out anyway, and was VERY surprised, when they turned out perfectly :) They were also surprisingly easy. A few ingredients thrown in the food processor, and baked for a few minutes. It's actually a pretty simple. And the hint of sweetness from the plantains compliment your tacos wonderfully.

I've made a few different meats to go in my tacos, but after Jeremy made Kalua Pig without me, I was just craving that porky goodness. So I popped some Boston butt in the crockpot that morning. By the time we got home, we could literally smell it cooking from outside the house. SERIOUSLY! All I had to do was cook the tortillas, and we were ready for Taco Tuesday.

New Recipe! : Sweet Potato Hash with Over-Easy Eggs

Mondays are so blah. Yesterday, I was so tired all day. I was also starving all day lol We had a, let's just say, less than healthy weekend. We ate WAY too much fried food (Goettafest and County Fair). So when I got back to eating normally and healthy yesterday, my stomach was like "WHERE'S ALL THAT FOOD YOU GAVE ME OVER THE WEEKEND!?"

Anyway, when I got home after work, I was ready for dinner right away. This recipe, Sweet Potato Hash with Over-Easy Eggs, was already on the menu for the week. It's ridiculously easy and quick, and seemed like the perfect Monday dinner. Nom Nom Paleo strikes again with delicious Paleo food. This recipe was a Whole 30 discovery and an instant favorite.

Make sure to enter the GIVEAWAY on my previous post! Ends this Friday August 14. Free stuff! And not much competition at the moment ;)