#Whole46 Amazeballs

Day 13 of Whole46 and we're chugging right along.  This weekend KLH and I got together to make another batch of the infamous protein balls i've been telling you all about.  I am always looking for quick easy breakfast/snack ideas and these fit the bill perfectly.  Here's the recipe so you all can give them a try! 

Ingredients:
-1 jar Sunbutter (if you're following Whole30 it needs to be the organic kind without cane sugar)
-1 package dried dates
-1 package dried pineapple or cranberries (i've tried both)
-1 scoop egg white protein powder
-optional: you can add in any other type of nuts or dried fruit that you'd like.  I've also used unsweetened coconut flakes before for a different flavor.

Directions:
1. Cut dates and dried fruit on a cutting board (I found that it was easier to cut them before you put them in the food processor). 
2.  Place cut dates and fruit into a food processor and pulse a couple times.
3.  Add one jar of sunbutter and mix well.
4.  Pour mixture into separate bowl and add egg white protein powder.  Mix well.  You can add more if the "dough" is still very sticky. 
5.  Roll into balls (whatever size you want) and refrigerate.
6.  Enjoy!

*Depending on the size of the ball the protein content changes.  It doesn't have a crazy high amount of protein, but it has a great balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to fuel you throughout the day. 

So, you might be wondering how these got the name of Amazeballs.  Well not only did KLH and I make these on Friday, but we also watched an "incredibly fantastic" movie with our friend KM.  And i'm being extremely sarcastic with that statement.  We ended up Redboxing the movie So Undercover with Miley Cyrus.  Obviously, we were setting ourselves up for a terrible movie, but it was exactly what we wanted on a girls night in.  The major slogan in the movie was Amazeballs, which we figured was the perfect name for these protein balls!

On to another fun-filled Whole46 day!

Lessons Learned

So i'm not going to lie...these past couple days have been hard.  I'm not sure if it's the weather or other hormonal/body issues (TMI), but I have been out of it.  No I haven't cheated on the Whole46, but I definitely haven't been eating the best (insert tons of dried fruit and sunbutter here).  Now don't get me wrong, those foods are not bad by any means, but the portions aren't always controlled.  This leads me to the fact that my meal planning has stunk this week.

I have tons of meals prepared for lunch and dinner, but I am struggling with breakfast.  As we all know, getting a good breakfast meal sets us up for success during the day or vice versa.  So as a dietitian, i'm going to try and take my own advice and improve my meal planning.  I'm going to head to the store this afternoon to buy eggs and then make more protein balls tonight (again, I promise i'll write up this recipe).  I already have fruit, egg white protein powder, veggies, and almond milk at home.  This should set me up to have the option of a smoothie, protein balls, or eggs/omelets in the morning.  Plenty of nutritious food to jump start my day.

Now to get my butt back in the gym as well!

KLH's Week 1 Food Log

Wednesday, 2-13 (Day One!)
7:30 - 3 scrambled eggs with spinach (cooked in coconut oil), coffee w/ cocoa powder
11:30 - chicken curry soup with cauliflower rice (one of my favorites), pear, green tea
3:15 - small handful raw almonds
5:00 - workout (weighed 134.5)
6:00 (post workout) - apple and a few more almonds
7:15 - chocolate chili
9:00 - spoonful Sunbutter

Thursday, 2-14 (Day Two...and Valentines Day....aka candy EVERYWHERE day)
8:30 - 3 scrambled eggs with spinach (coconut oil), coffee w/ cocoa powder, pear
11:00 - handful raw almonds
1:00 - burger (no bun) w/ lettuce and tomato
3:45 - handful raw almonds
4:30 - homemade larabar
6:45 - chicken salad w/ tomatoes, guacamole, and grilled veggies (from Chipotle)
8:00 - decaf coffee w/ cocoa powder

Friday, 2-15 (Day Three)
8:30 - coffee w/ cocoa powder
9:30 - 2 fried eggs w/ salt and pepper (coconut oil)
12:00 - chocolate chili, homemade larabar
3:45 - large handful almonds
6:00 - workout
7:00 - more almonds
8:15 - chicken curry soup with cauliflower rice, homemade larabar (decided I maybe shouldn't make these larabars anymore because I'm treating them like dessert)

Saturday, 2-16 (Day Four)
8:45 - homemade larabar (gotta finish off the batch!), Sunbutter, black coffee
12:00 - mixed greens salad w/ salmon (oil and vinegar)
2:00 - Sunbutter (can't stop eating the stuff! like KPH said...My name is Katie and I'm addicted to Sunbutter)
3:00 - small apple and some more Sunbutter (don't judge)
5:00 - 4.5 mile run
8:45 - chicken fajitas w/ salsa and guacamole

Sunday, 2-17 (Day Five)
7:30 - coffee w/ cocoa powder
8:30 - 3 eggs w/ spinach (coconut oil)
10:00 - small piece of bread and cup of grape juice (it was communion...I usually wouldn't write this down, but it was a big piece of bread and a pretty full cup of juice!)
10:30 - handful of raw almonds
12:45 - more almonds (I was starving after church)
2:15 - pork tenderloin w/ mango salsa and brussels sprouts
5:15 - apple w/ a few slices of leftover pork (not really hungry, but I'm going to a basketball game and figure I will get hungry during it if I don't eat)
8:45 - decaf coffee w/ cocoa powder

Monday, 2-18 (Day Six)
8:00 - coffee w/ cocoa powder, few walnuts
9:00 - 2 eggs w/ spinach (coconut oil)
11:45 - small handful walnuts and green tea
1:00 - leftover pork tenderloin w/ mango salsa, spinach salad (oil & vinegar), lemon water and peppermint tea
4:30 - small apple and some walnuts
7:00 - more walnuts (I had a study session from 6-9 and was really wishing I had eaten beforehand at this point!)
9:15 - two eggs

Tuesday, 2-19 (Day Seven)
7:15 - black coffee, walnuts
8:30 - 3 eggs w/ spinach (coconut oil) 
11:30 - handful walnuts
12:45 - small bowl chicken tortilla soup
4:15 - chicken shawarma plate from The Pita House (as far as I know...I didn't cheat at this meal. but I also didn't ask too many questions ;) )
7:00 - coffee w/ coconut milk and cocoa powder

Well, KPH and I made it through week 1! Besides a slight Sunbutter addiction, I'd say things are going well! We still have a lot to learn, but we are excited about the next 39 days :)

Week 1...

We are officially one week into our Whole46 challenge.  This week hasn't been too terrible, but I feel as though i've learned a lot of things along the way.

First off, my name is Katie and I am addicted to Sunbutter.  Yup, it has officially taken the place of peanut butter and I think that KLH would agree since we've had multiple texts about this issue in the past week.  It is a great source of protein and good fats however, I realize that I have started to rely on it too much.  I'm going to try to decrease my intake of this for the rest of the Whole46.  I did find a great way to incorporate it into my diet though in the form of protein balls.  I'll write up the recipe later this week.

This weekend was also my first weekend experiencing eating out on the Whole46.  I went to visit my siblings and some family in Charlotte this weekend.  Even though I was able to bring food along for some meals it was harder to choose the "right" options when I was out to eat or when my sister-in-law brought amazing cupcakes!  Friday night we ate at Bonefish grill.  I was able to avoid the BangBang Shrimp and instead got a steak with vegetables for my sides.  They did a very good job with my requests, which I was impressed by.  Sunday we had lunch with the family.  My aunts brought chili, vegetable soup, and cornbread.  It all looked delicious, but unfortunately was not Whole46 approved.  I had a chicken salad instead.  All in all I was able to make food choices that fit into my diet, but it definitely meant giving up some foods that I love (cupcakes!).

This weekend was also a time that I saw a huge need to rely on the Lord.  When I am with my family I usually eat what I want and enjoy my time with them since I don't see them all the time.  This typically leads to overeating.  Had I not been doing the Whole46 I definitely would have overindulged in cupcakes, bread, and of course BangBang Shrimp.  However, I was able to see the underlying importance of this season and look back to the changes that the Lord is making in my life through this.  Our friend also sent us a very motivating verse yesterday... "The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing" -Psalm 34:10.  Here's to one week into Whole46 and many more to come!

So What's the Point?

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day yesterday.  Mine was spent getting some quality snuggles from an adorable little puppy (no I didn't get a puppy, but I get to play with one, which is almost as good).  With Valentine's Day comes TONS of sweets and snacks.  I didn't realize how much people celebrated this holiday until my office was flooded with cakes, cookies, chocolate, and candy.  Exhibit A shows the day after remnants:

Seeing that reminds me that yesterday, even though it was only Day 2, was difficult.  It's hard when people bring treats for you and you can't indulge.  However, it also reminded me of the ultimate purpose of our Whole46.  We are doing this for 46 days instead of 30 because of the time it falls with Lent.  Of course you're supposed to give something up for Lent so it makes sense that we go on an eating challenge.  But then Katie LH and I got to thinking about the real reason behind this:  How is doing this challenge going to bring me closer to God? 

For me this eating plan gives me the opportunity to abstain or give up certain foods that I normally wouldn't  think twice about eating.  This "fasting" reminds me that I have to rely on God.  Everytime I want that cake, or cookies, or bread, or peanut butter I am reminded that I don't need these things to make my life full.  My life is full in Him and I can put my fath and trust in Him to provide for me.  I know that it will get easier and easier to stay away from certain things as we progress in our challenge, but I also believe that is because my relationship with the Lord will grow stronger and stronger.  I'm excited to continue on and see how I grow throughout this time. 

Now on to conquer Day 3!

College Life and #Whole46

Well, day 1 of Whole46 is almost over and...so far, so good! Only 45 more to go!

In order to keep myself accountable during this 46 day test, I've been telling EVERYONE I know about it. Family, friends, classmates, people at the gym, everybody. There have been a lot of the usual reactions so far: a ton of questions, "you need carbs to survive" lectures, stern warnings about making sure I eat enough, etc etc. But by far the most common concern I have heard is that I cannot possibly pull this Whole46 thing off while in college. No. Way.

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about it. The Whole30/Whole46 requires a lot of planning and preparation- something that doesn't always happen for college students when you're pulling all-nighters during the week and livin' it up downtown every weekend. However, that won't be a problem for me because 1) I don't pull all-nighters (or even stay up late) and 2) my classes this semester have done a good job ensuring that my social life is pretty lame (cough cough Senior Design Theory). Personally, I don't think being in college is a good excuse not to take your health seriously. College is unique because - while your schedule may be busy - it is also flexible. Groups are willing to meet at 9 pm, you can sleep in late-ish during the week, workout in between classes, and all that. So why not use this time in my life to learn how to take care of myself?

So, back to how I plan to get through the next 45 days without breaking out the peanut butter during a study session (a bad habit of mine):
1. Frozen meals. No, not Lean Cuisine. I'm going to choose one day each week to cook my food for the rest of the week and freeze it all. I've found that this is very helpful because it allows me to just grab a container in the morning and heat it up on campus for lunch or dinner.
2. Snacks. If I go to long without eating, things get ugly. I become a totally different, really grumpy person that will devour the first edible thing she sees. So, the logical way to prevent this from happening would be to keep a snack with me at all times. But if you have looked into the Whole30 at all, you know that good, portable snack foods are hard to find. Basically the only practical Whole30 snack food I've found is nuts, so I plan to keep those with me always.
3. Drink a ton of water. The more I drink, the less hungry I am.
4. Sunbutter. Who knew it was this good?! Not me! I love everything peanut butter, and was expecting Sunbutter to be a sad, sorry replacement. But it is absolutely delicious! If you've never tried it, go get you some!

That's all I've got for now. I'll keep you updated on helpful hints as I discover them (:


Oh, and here is a picture of lunch on day 1! It was coconut curry soup (one of my favorites) with cauliflower rice and a pear. Yum!

Hippie Shake Whole46

In Highschool my friends used to joke on me about the "rabbit food" I ate.  I was the girl that would bring lettuce, carrots, and tons of other veggies to school for lunch, which some kids interpreted as being "Hippie".  That being said I grew up in quite a healthy home.  My parents were vegetarians for multiple years so beans, rice, and vegetables were a huge staple.  As kids we did eat eggs, chicken, and fish, but not a whole lot of red meat.  My mom has been a huge inspiration to me over the years in seeking out healthy options for our family and creating dishes that were not only healthy, but tasty.  When I moved out of the house I adopted one of my mom's typical breakfast meals that works perfectly for the Whole46-The Veggie Smoothie.  And yes, I still call my mom to ask her nutrition advice even though I'M the dietitian ;). 

My smoothies are a little bit different than my mom's, but they pack quite the punch when it comes to vitamins and other nutrients.  They are very similar to the Green Smoothies that are becoming all the rage these days.  I use the following ingredients in my typical smoothie: kale, beets, carrots, banana, egg white protein powder, and almond milk.  I used to use whey protein powder, but that isn't allowed on Whole30 so I switched it up.  I usually get the unflavored kind because the flavored ones make me nauseous (must be because i'm around them all day at my job!).

Cool thing that I learned from my mom is that the blade for the blender can screw directly on to a mason jar.  That means that I can prepare a bunch of mason jars in advance and store them in the fridge, making my mornings that much quicker.  Screw on the blade, blend, and viola!  You've got an easy breakfast that has good nutrients and excellent protein!

Side note:  The banana is very overpowering so you can play with some other fruits to see if you like the taste better.  Beets and carrots are sweet so they do help with some of the taste.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

About us and #Whole46

The Katies are two girls in their mid-twenties living in South Carolina.  They started this blog for accountability on fitness and dietary goals as they embark on a new challenge that will be known as #Whole46 (to be explained later).  So first off, a little bit about the Katies.

Katie PH is a dietitian who is a transplant to South Carolina from the DC area.  Katie LH is a bioengineering student at Clemson University (yeah she's super smart!).  The Katies met doing the HOPE Relay in 2012.  They realized that they had more in common than just their names and became fast friends.  Both are very interested in nutrition and fitness.

So, as for this #Whole46 and the point of starting the blog.  Katie LH had heard of a challenge called Whole30.  This challenge is a stricter version of the Paleo diet for 30 days, meant to reset your system to a healthy metabolism.  Both of the Katies had followed a Paleo diet before (both have started doing Crossfit), but "extreme" Paleo would be a new challenge.  Whole 30 cuts out sugars, legumes, dairy, and grains.  It also cuts out any sweetener, including stevia, and certain types of oils are restricted.  To read more about the Whole30 visit the website at http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/

Now the real question is why is this called the Whole46.  Since it is the season of Lent, the Katies have decided that they will go the whole 46 days on the Whole30 challenge.  Katie LH and Katie PH will both be writing entries to let you all know of their updates and intake during this Whole46 challenge.  Please feel free to comment and ask any questions!