30 Days Allergen Free - Trim Healthy Mama Challenge

Hello friends! As you know (maybe?) I started a 30 day challenge on My Facebook Page last week... Today is Day 9!  My new friend Sherry from I Like Rice A Lot has done great changes towards a healthier life and I was totally inspired by the things she was doing... I already follow a great plan...  Trim Healthy Mama but due to some health issues (thyroid, etc) I am trying to adapt my plan for 30 days (just for 30 days) and see how I feel and I hope to learn some things in the process... One of the crucial things of this 30 Day Challenge (besides excluding grains, dairy and beans) is NOT weighing/measuring and even when at times it is hard and I want to at least measure myself I am staying strong!

Today I am going to share with you a very simple and yummy recipe....

Salmon Salad with Homemade mayo

The recipe will be at the end of this post... FIRST... I want to share with you some of the things I've been eating to hopefully inspire you to jump on the "health wagon" and realize that you don't have to "miss out"

- Cauliflower Rice and Shrimp

 - Eggroll in a Bowl

-Grilled chicken with this delicious side salad (avocado, cucumbers, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, fresh squeezed lime juice, salt and pepper)

- I've been having eggs for breakfast, I know there are other grain free, dairy free, legume free options somewhere but I am so happy with eggs that I don't even look for anything else I just get creative how I prepare them:

And lots of yummy stuff that doesn't even let me miss dairy (ok... I miss it a little) and grains! Some of the meals I am eating are considered crossovers on the Trim Healthy Mama plan, crossovers are definitely on plan they just don't promote weight loss by themselves... but since I am not using some ingredients I am allowing myself to introduce some s-helpers and crossovers to hopefully help with my thyroid issues... I also want to share with you what I ate on Sunday...  we went to a picnic from hubby's work and this is what I ate there:

I used the veggies for the hamburgers as a salad and then just ate 1 hamburger patty and some pulled pork (without bbq sauce), I also had a larabar (only 3 whole ingredients YEAH!) It does contain dates which are not THM approved... YOU don't have to use them, they are off plan and I don't intend on abusing these, but since for these 30 days I am not even using stevia I am allowing myself to have a little bit of dates on extreme circumstances.

Now... let me share with you the Salmon Salad with Homemade Mayo recipe

Mayonnaise Recipe:

Don't get intimidated by mayo! You can make it super quickly! It's delicious and you are in full control of the stuff that goes in it... (slightly adapted from: Whole30 Mayo Recipe, all mayo recipes are very similar)

Mayonnaise was first created by chef of the Duke de Richelieu in 1756 so... basically the original credits go to him :)

Ingredients (for the mayo only):

• 1 1/4 cup -divided- of your favorite (on plan) Extra Light Oil -or a combination of two light oils- (avoid strong flavored oils like avocado oil or EVOO, you can use a light olive oil)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp. of salt (or to taste) 
• 1/2 tsp. Dry Mustard
• lime or lemon to taste (about 1/2 to 1)

 Instructions:

• Place the egg and 1/4 of a cup of oil, salt and mustard in a bowl of a standing mixer (if you don't have a standing mixer you can use a blender or even food processor but I used a standing mixer and the results are fantastic).- I love my KitchenAid Standing Mixer and my Ninja Blender -
• Run the mixer (or whatever you are using) on high and while after about 30 seconds into it (and while it's running) carefully and very, VERY slowly drizzle the remaining oil (do not let the oil touch the blades if your blender is uncovered or whisk attachment or it can get messy).
• When you've added all the oil and the mixture has emulsified/thickened add the lime or lemon juice and mix for 5 more seconds just to incorporate.

Transfer to a glass container with a tight lid and store in the fridge... To know how long you can keep this mayo just use the expiration date of the egg you used.

Enjoy your homemade mayo! All the good stuff, none of the bad! Make the delicious salmon salad from the first picture.... I used:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6oz) of wild caught salmon (I use Bear and Wolf Pink Salmon ) for my salads because it doesn't have any bones or skin already.
• 1/2 medium tomato (chopped)
• 3 tbsp. white onions (chopped)
• 1 stalk of celery (chopped)
• 2 tbsp. (or to taste) of your delicious homemade mayo
• salt and pepper to taste (I use this Himalayan Salt) ... Himalayan salt is great for you (not indispensable for this recipe) but the health benefits due to the many minerals in this salt are amazing. Hopefully you will try it.

Mix it all together with a fork, enjoy with cucumber slices instead of crackers!

This salad is an "S" on Trim Healthy Mama. 

Enjoy!

© Paloma K.

 Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

Allergen Free on Trim Healthy Mama - Day 2

Hello everybody, how is it going? I am here... man! Day 2 was rough! I was HUNGRY!!! And I don't like that feeling... like... at all... But, who does, right?

Trim Healthy Mama has spoiled me by never letting me go hungry... if you've been reading my previous posts you know that I am kind of switching things around to my own needs and I am taking the challenge of using more "pure" ingredients, whole and avoid things that could cause inflammation due to my healthy problems... I am doing this for 30 days and... I hope I finish! I like to take on new challenges and in the food freedom I've found on THM I realize I can do things like these and not mess up my life long journey with THM!

So... Day 2 was rough! Hungry, hungry... and just craving everything and anything... I might be a bit of a weird person because even when I hate hunger I am enjoying the challenge of "submitting my flesh" ... Man... it's hard! Especially when your husband gets a big slice of chocolate cake out and eats it right in front of you... Now, don't get the wrong impression, hubby is really supportive.. who knows what possessed him last night to eat in front of me like that... I think it's because he sees me so strong he thinks it doesn't make a difference... plus... poor guy... since I started THM he's involuntarily lost about 11 pounds he couldn't afford to lose! (MAN! Right???) even when he was eating crossovers!!! So ... I guess it's ok he eats "off plan" once in a while! Let him eat cake!

I still stayed strong! Now... if you want a word of wisdom it will be: Don't stay up late! Cravings hit harder at night and if you already had your good dinner you should avoid heavier meals that late ! So... yeah... last night I went to bed a bit past midnight and I couldn't wait to get up this morning and have some breakfast!

Now... here's what I ate yesterday:

Eggs with steamed zucchini and avocado, I also ate 1/2 a banana

THM Bit: The breakfast above would be a perfect "S" on Trim Healthy Mama, awesome to lower your sugar blood levels. (just omit the 1/2 a banana that I had with it... Bananas are not encouraged but they are still on plan, keep them in an "E" setting -1/2 of a banana- to avoid crossovers)

Chicken thigh, sweet potato with coconut butter and salt, avocado (and some strawberries)

THM Bit: This lunch above would be a crossover, which is perfectly on plan (you have to remember that) but it's not weight loss inducing... What makes this a crossover? The fats in the chicken thigh, avocado and coconut oil, the carbs from the sweet potato... keep your carbs and fats separate to have an E or an S. 

Ground pork with zucchini, spaghetti squash with coconut butter, salt and garlic plus 1/2 an apple

THM Bit: Dinner above would be a perfect S (minus the extra 1/2 an apple that I had) ... non-starchy veggies and fatty meats/oils are a perfect S combination.

And that's it...How are you doing? Did you accept the No measuring and no scale challenge? I think I am going to keep that NO numbers challenge past the 30 days... I am enjoying not being a  number... not my age, not my weight, not my size!

I want to thank Sherry from I Like Rice a Lot for sharing about her own journey and being such a great inspiration! She is following a different plan but I realize now that I don't have to take a break from THM to do things differently... I just have to avoid the foods that could be causing some issues for me. Follow her! And comment on her amazing blog... hopefully she'll motivate you to a healthier you as well!

And... also... Don't forget to visit my fellow THM bloggers (see my favorite THM blogs on my right sidebar) you will love them! They are not making this easy for me... They keep posting yummy, fat melting, on plan THM treats and dishes everyday! I can't wait to finish my 30! I have so many plans for my "THM Oat Fiber"


© Paloma K.

 Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

30 Allergen Free Days on Trim Healthy Mama - Day 1

Hello everyone... My first day on my 30 Day "Allergen Free" Challenge went great...Have you joined Trim Healthy Mama yet? Don't wait any longer! 

Now... if you don't have much healing to do ... you will probably just melt the pounds away on THM.... BUT if you need to heal... you might see the weight go down slower... either way, you will learn to beat food addiction and your relationship with food will become a healthier one where you realize you don't have to deprive yourself to be healthy... Plus there are fb groups specific to encourage everyone... whether you have allergies, lose weight slowly, are breastfeeding, etc... there's the right fit for you!

The recommendations:

• Don't be afraid of fats! They are indispensable for you! Coconut Oil is king! Avocado is thoroughly enjoyed!
• Protein is key to a healthier you! And it's the foundation of your meals
• Vegetables! Fill your plate up with it!
• Drink lots of water, stay active, don't go too long without eating.

What I am doing:

• NO Sweets! (Oh! how I miss thee THM desserts!). For 30 days I am not going to use any kinds of sweeteners and/or try to recreate sweets/treats/desserts.
• NO GRAINS allowed, at all... zip! zero! Nada!
• NO BEANS (except green/snap beans and sweet peas)...
• NO store-bought mayo, no dairy (cheese??? NOPE!) I am missing the delicious grassfed Kerrygold That I love so much!
• I am eating some meals that are "Crossovers" on THM ... I am combining some fats and carbs.
• If I want almond milk I will be making it... no store bought at all.
• No slips I will try to be strong and no off plan foods for these 30 days.

Here's what day 1 of 30 looked like to me:

Breakfast: 2 eggs with sauteed green beans, avocado and 1 mandarin

THM Bit: The breakfast above is considered an s-helper. The fats in this meal (from yolks and avocado) would be an S, but adding the fruit (which is always best in an "E" setting) is what takes it out of the S category. The carbs are not high enough for a full crossover though.

Lunch: Ground beef with broccoli, 1 small sweet potato with coconut butter and salt, 3 strawberries

THM Bit: This lunch would be a crossover because of the amount of carbs (sweet potato) mixed with the fats (S) from the coconut butter and olive oil I used.

Dinner: Chicken breast with lots of greens dressed with olive oil, fresh and lime juice. Avocado and tomato slices

THM Bit: This dinner would be an "S" on THM, (just watch the tomatoes and don't use too much of it, they're higher on sugar)... healthy fats are great for a healthy "S" meal on THM.

Now... of course I haven't weighed or measured myself... I can't do that for these 30 days either... that's a great thing... hopefully it will help me with that bad habit! I am more than a number!

As I said... I am trying to re-connect with my more "purist" side, and not abuse those wonderful ingredients that are allowed on THM but that should be used with caution. Taking a break from dairy and sweeteners will give me a chance to re-stock on the amazing THM protein Powder and their yummy sweeteners! (My favorite, always: Their pure stevia extract)... Get THM products HERE

Now... if you still don't know what I am talking about RUN... don't walk... RUN to join Trim Healthy Mama, it's not as strict as I am doing it... personal health issues are taking me to try a "no grains/no dairy" approach to see what happens... you WILL have the opportunity to make delicious desserts that are totally on plan and that will actually help you stay on course and continue to improve your health.

© Paloma K.

 Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.

Trim Healthy Mama - when you can't lose weight

What's one supposed to do when you can't lose weight? When you see all the other happy Trim Healthy Mamas losing, celebrating and rejoicing enjoying their new bodies with their families, etc.? (and then on top of that they'll say "and I don't even do it 100%)

Well... you:

1. Rejoice with them
2. Cry a little for yourself
3. Shake it off, get up and make some changes! 
4. Quit? NEVER!!!

So... I've been doing the Trim Healthy Mama plan for possibly 1 1/2 years... and it's been great! I've learned a lot about food and about myself... my numbers (triglycerides, cholesterol, etc.) improved dramatically! and it led me to realize that part of my health issues is my thyroid... I went to a doctor and I finally was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease/Hypothyroidism... I am so thankful to this plan!

But...I am taking 30 days kick things up a notch..  I am challenging myself for 30 days... I am re-connecting with my more purist "side" and removing all things that could be the cause for my weight stall and also my not so great health. I am also watching portion sizes.

A friend of mine has a wonderful sister, her name is Sherry, she has a blog and even when she is doing a different temporary plan, I loved what I saw! She is sharing her wonderful motivational journey here

That gave me the idea to follow on her footsteps... and even when I will be doing pretty much exactly what she is doing I realized I don't need to "quit thm" to do so... On Trim Healthy Mama you have the freedom to be as "purist" or "non-purist" as you want... and I am choosing the "harder road" for these 30 days... I am allowing myself some crossovers to help with my adrenal gland exhaustion that I know I suffer and to support my thyroid as well.  I feel like I just need to hit a "reset" button.

During these 30 days I will NOT USE

Use:

• Grains of any kind
• Beans/Legumes (pinto/navy/black/white/fava beans, chickpeas, etc.) -exceptions: green beans, sugar snap peas, snow peas.
• Sweeteners of any kind (including stevia)
• Treats, desserts that "resemble" junk food but prepared with "compliant ingredients" - I am hoping to remove some addictions from the brain too -
• Dairy
• peanuts
• other vegetable oils (I am only using coconut and olive oil)
• The scale or measuring tape

And I think that kind of sums it up! 

So... While at first I thought I would need to take a break from THM I've come to realize that I can still stay on plan while removing the things that I suspect are causing some inflammation, etc. due to my personal health problems.

During these 30 days I will not be able to re-create desserts (because of my personal choice to avoid sweeteners) -let's see how long I can last-

A big thing about this 30 day challenge is the not weighing/measuring! Join me on FB where I am encouraging you to do whatever you're doing but NO SCALE/Measuring tape involved: The Coffee Shop on Facebook

 This is just a 30 Day "Learning Experience" You can try it too if you want! (You don't have to do the exact same thing I am doing... THM can be personalized to your very own needs)

Now... if you are not a Trim Healthy Mama yet, what are you waiting for? Trust me... it's worth it... Join US on Facebook and learn more about the plan you can do FOR LIFE... If you are already on on some temporary challenge (exercise or diet) and you don't know what to do "when it's over" you are on the perfect moment to start something for life:

Get their book and products HERE

 © Paloma K.

 Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, this means that you pay the same price, but I also receive a very small compensation. I recommend products I have tried and love.