I follow a lot of foodies or influencers on social media and some of them are people you really need to know! It’s no secret I love food, love cooking (most of the time) and really love healthy recipes. I got caught up a few months ago on a Netflix movie called “The Magic Pill”, produced by Australian paleo chef Pete Evans. I’ve always tried to follow the paleo diet but then life happens and before I know I’ve got a small mint oreo cyclone in my hand and well, those things are just pure bliss in a cup. But watching this movie lit a fire in me! I actually got up the next morning and cleaned out my kitchen of all things non-paleo. I do not recommend this! My family was not happy with me. I didn’t throw away things that were still ok to eat as far as expiration dates or things that weren’t paleo or “clean” but I did try to get tricky and move those items all to the very top shelf. A place I know my kids can’t reach or even see, therefore not tempted to grab when they think I’m not looking. I also know my husband wasn’t willing to search to the back of the top shelf for things. He has to have things in his line of sight or they don't exist. So as far as my family knew, their beloved crackers and grain-filled, sugared up foods were gone. Like I said, this went over like a house on fire. But I was inspired! Food is medicine. Food can change lives and heal and really make a huge difference! If you haven't watched that movie, I highly recommend watching it with an open mind and just absorb the knowledge about the food you put into your mouth and the effects it can cause on your body. Eventually I gave back in because life stepped in again and since my children are very active in sports and activities, as well as our farming lifestyle, that means dinner is rarely ever a meal we eat together. I’m still working super hard on my son to eat any source of protein besides hot dogs and Mac-n-cheese. Yes, I’m aware those aren’t really sources for protein but it’s all I’ve got currently! I finally, FINALLY, got my children to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich folks. My daughter is 10 and is only now realizing the pure joy of this childhood staple!I can't go to a swimming pool without craving a pbj. It's just nostalgic for me in the worst way! Her pbj's are sugar-free blackberry jelly on sugar-free bread with no sugar added peanut butter but my kids aren’t complaining. They don’t miss those added ingredients and I’m making them a part of our healthy choices as a family. But it took a lot of effort to even try the slice of heaven so I know I’ve got miles to go before getting my son to eat something actually nutritious as a protein source. Pete Evans has written many, many books regarding the paleo or keto diet. He also has another Netflix tv show I love to watch called “The Paleo Way”. There are different topics for each show but what I love is that he shows you how easy it can be, and quick, to prepare nutritious, healthy meals for the family. He even involves in daughters in an episode where he stresses the importance of teaching our youth how and why they should eat real food! When I visited Australia years ago in college, before I actually had a vested interest in nutrition, it was noticeable how much the Australian culture is health-conscious. The people I met in Perth took very good care of their bodies through exercise and nutrition, and nourished their skin through loading up on sunscreen. Perth is close to the equator and the sun really does have a greater impact! The Aussie's take their sunscreen seriously. Pete takes his nutrition seriously and through his books, shows, and social media, he’s really working hard to spread the word on eating foods to fuel, heal and nourish our bodies. Interestingly enough, one of the people he interviews on his shows is another one of my influential nutrition gurus on Instagram, Danielle Walker of “Against the Grain”. Danielle has a really valuable story how food has changed her life. Food has actually given her life! I asked my husband for one of her books years ago and I’m still diving through the tons of recipes in her Celebrations cookbook. She has a gluten free base for her recipes with some vegan, paleo recipes mixed through her repertoire. I just spent the day making her BLTA Poppy Seed Burger and it was delicious!! Husband and kid approved! I made the gluten-free poppy seed buns, which was a first to try to dive into the art of making my own buns. I was nervous but it was so quick and easy! I might not ever buy buns again! Then I made the paleo mayonnaise which turned out just ok, but only because I didn’t follow the directions exactly and had to substitute avocado oil for macadamia nut oil. The flavor was great however the consistency was not as thick as typical mayonnaise. I used the mayo to make the special sauce, which I can only compare to the Big Mac sauce from "McDo-not-eat-there", minus any guilt because you actually know which real ingredients are in your food! Then, I moved on to the burger patty mix, followed by the avocado salsa. It was so messy but oh so incredibly tasty!! And the best part? It was completely grain-free and full of gut healthy foods! I was genuinely shocked my family loved it as much as they did but my daughter asked when I was making it again a few weeks after. Mom win!!
I've followed the Tone It Up Girls for years now and have put a few recipes on the blog already from them. I love their constant updates for new recipes and how they focus on seasonal meal plans. One of the staples in my house at the request of my children and husband is their recipe for Protein Balls. We're on the go a lot and these are a sweet treat the kids can dive into while I know they're actually eating vegetable based protein and real ingredients to nourish their bodies. Winning for everyone! This is a quick and easy recipe that you can tailor to your own cravings or dietary needs. I've added raisins before instead of chocolate chips, nuts or even shredded coconut and it all tastes yummy!
Protein Balls
1 cup dry oatmeal (I prefer the gluten-free rolled oats)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (The Enjoy Life brand is my preference)
1/2 cup peanut butter (try to find one with 0-1g added sugar)
1/2 ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 scoop of vegetable-based protein powder
Just mix together and try not to eat them all!
There are so many people out there trying to inspire us all to eat real food and make better nutritional choices. And like the old saying goes, "you are the company you keep" so if you feel like you aren't making good choices when it comes to food, surround yourself with new company! Search for the shows I mentioned and find people who inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
XOXO,
Ashley
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