More success stories from Rossview

My Whole30 Adventure

I started at a weight on the scale that made me upset every time I saw it. To me Whole30 was about the scale changing, and me losing weight but once I completed it, it meant much more. I loved how I felt; I was more energized and didn’t “need” that daily nap. There were many challenges, such as, when going out to eat at restaurants and not being able to order that drink and chicken tenders that you wanted, when you were irritable and moody and just wanted that piece of chocolate or ice cream to make the day better, when you are stressed and wanted a glass of wine… these are just a few, but I made it through because I had a wonderful support system. I was able to see changes in my body, the scale did change, and I felt better.

If you are hesitant to try Whole30 just do it, I told myself for months that I couldn’t do it and then one day I changed my mind and said on July 26 I am starting Whole30. I was able to complete the entire 30 days and received more compliments on my figure than I had in years.

I lost 15 pounds total and even better inches. I was able to fit into pants that I couldn’t wear at all last year. I was able to see the change by looking in the mirror and it felt great.

This is my story of Whole30 challenge 1 and I can’t wait to do another 30 days.

Kenna Robards

Success at Rossview Middle

I have had a couple of folks finish their Whole30 this week, and I am so proud of each of them!  Here is what Mrs. Janice Thompson had to say about this new lifestyle...


I have never stuck to anything like this to see it through to the end.  I finished yesterday and am proud to say that I did it!  I didn't cheat, not one time!  The biggest challenge for me was finding a way to drink my morning cup of coffee without sugar!  I just whipped it in the blender each morning with some canned coconut milk and gulped it down.  I learned discipline above all and was rewarded by losing 10 lbs.  Yay!  Will I stick to this lifestyle of eating…maybe not 100%, but yes, I will try.  I didn't work this hard for nothing!!

Menu: Week 4

We are on the downhill slide!  This week, we are having some of our fav recipes

Monday:
Zesty Chicken Bites and Skillet Potatoes

Tuesday:
Hamburger Steak with Sauteed Onions (I like to mix yellow and red onions) and Roasted Asparagus

Wednesday:
Sheet Pan Fajitas

Thursday:
Beef Taco Salad

Friday:
Clean out the fridge day!

This week we are keeping it super simple.  It has been SO HOT that I just haven't wanted to really eat much or spend time in the kitchen. 

After this round of Whole30, I am taking a little time off and will do 80/20.  I will be leading a new group of Whole30ers for the month of September.  I am excited to share some success stories from our August Challenge.  I am SUPER PROUD of so many of my coworkers that have embraced this new lifestyle.   

Week #3 Menu

I am beginning Week 3.  Here is my dinner menu for the week...

Monday: Crock Pot Pulled Pork and Pineapple Slaw
Recipe: http://www.primallyinspired.com/slow-cooker-chipotle-pork-with-pineapple-coleslaw/

Tuesday: Zesty Chicken Bites and Steamed Green Beans
Recipe: http://lexiscleankitchen.com/2014/01/05/zesty-chicken-bites/

Wednesday: Beef Slaw with Roasted Broccoli & Carrots
Recipe: http://maryellenswhole30quest.blogspot.com/2016/03/dinner-time.html

Thursday: Leftovers (I need the fridge clean by Friday night.  I am going to the Flea Market all day Saturday, therefore I will grocery shop Friday after school and meal prep on Sunday...it's all about planning and prepping!!!)

Friday: Chipotle!!!  By Friday, I am tired and don't feel like cooking.  So this Friday, I am planning Chipotle!  Carnitas Salad with Salsa and Guac! 

Week #2 Menu

I am starting my second week of Whole30.  So far I am feeling great!  I definitely feel more comfortable in my cooking and am branching out a little on my dinner recipes.  Mentally, I was dreading a second Whole30.  Now that I am doing it, I am so glad!!!!! 

Enough about me...This week's menu:

Breakfast: I am sticking with the Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Casserole...why?  Because I LOVED it so much.  And, it was really great being able to grab a baggie and head out each morning versus fixing eggs, cleaning afterwards, etc.  And, this way, I can eat a little later in the morning.  I heat up my baggie once I am at school.  Recipe is here: http://livinglovingpaleo.com/2016/04/29/buffalo-chicken-breakfast-casserole/

Lunch: Okay, truly, I am a creature of habit...I am sticking with the Chicken Salad this week.  It is my favorite lunch.  It's easy to make, and it is convenient to grab my container in the morning.  As long as I love what I eat, I can eat the same thing every.single.day!  Recipe here: http://maryellenswhole30quest.blogspot.com/2016/04/blog-post_18.html 

Dinner:

Monday: Ginger Chicken and Butternut Squash
Ginger Chicken Recipe: http://agirlworthsaving.net/2012/06/ginger-chicken-recipe.html
*I use chicken breast in this recipe and it works great! 
Butternut Squash will be over roasted.  I have never had Butternut Squash, so this is new for me!

Tuesday: Beef Taco Salad
Taco Seasoning Recipe: http://www.emilyeatsrealfood.com/?p=51
Browning my meat, adding the seasonings, and will serve on lettuce and add tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, salsa, and guac.

Wednesday: Zesty Chicken Bites and Snap Peas (this chicken is in the weekly rotation...the hubby always wants it)
Chicken Recipe: http://lexiscleankitchen.com/2014/01/05/zesty-chicken-bites/
Steaming my Snap Peas

Thursday: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole and Salad
Chicken Recipe: http://www.oliveyouwhole.com/recipes/whole30-paleo-poppyseed-chicken-casserole-recipe/
Side Salad

Friday: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli (and if I get brave enough, I am trying Cauli Rice for the first time)
Chicken Recipe: http://livinglovingpaleo.com/2015/05/06/slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken/

Saturday: CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE DAY!!!!  This is the day where I might eat Ginger Chicken for breakfast...seriously, all day we will eat leftovers...I hate wasting food that I cooked!

This week's menu

So often in Whole30 I feel like my meals are inadequate compared to what I see on other blogs, instagram, etc, but since I have two children, I just don't want to spend all my time in the kitchen.  All my meals are easy, quick, and most importantly...Whole30 compliant!

Here is this week's menu:

Breakfast for the week: Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Casserole
(recipe is here: http://livinglovingpaleo.com/2016/04/29/buffalo-chicken-breakfast-casserole/)
And, let me tell you...this is LEGIT!!!  After this baked and cooled, I cut it into squares and placed servings into ziploc bags.  In the morning, I just grab a baggie, reheat in the microwave, and I have a filling breakfast. 

Lunch for the week: Chicken Salad
(recipe is here: http://maryellenswhole30quest.blogspot.com/2016/04/blog-post_18.html )
This will be served on butter lettuce with either a fruit or raw veggie side.

Dinner:

Monday: Zesty Chicken Bites and Roasted Asparagus
Chicken recipe here: http://lexiscleankitchen.com/2014/01/05/zesty-chicken-bites/
Asparagus: drizzle with EVOO, salt, pepper, and minced garlic...bake on 425 for 30 mins or until desired crispiness. 

Tuesday: Tropical Chicken Burger and Brussel Sprouts
Chicken recipe here: http://laughingspatula.com/tropical-chicken-burgers/
Brussel Sprouts prepared the same as asparagus above

Wednesday: Sheet Pan Fajitas and Sauteed Squash, Zucchini, and Onions
Fajita recipe here: http://laughingspatula.com/sheet-pan-fajitas/
Squash, Zucchini, and Onions will be sauteed in a skillet with Ghee

Thursday: Hamburger Steak and Baked Sweet Potatoes
No recipe here...just a big burger grilled (I will have lettuce, onion, and tomato with mine) and the sweet potato will have cinnamon sprinkled on top

Friday: Beef Slaw
Recipe is here: http://maryellenswhole30quest.blogspot.com/2016/03/dinner-time.html
This is a recipe that I saw on Facebook and simply adapted it to make it Whole30 compliant.

For this Whole30, I really want to focus on getting in more veggies.  My first go round I think I ate too much fruit.  I also want to limit potatoes to once or twice a week.  On Saturday, we will eat leftovers from the week.  Then I will grocery shop and meal prep for the next week!

New School Year = Whole30

I had great intentions over the summer to eat Whole30 80/20, and I just didn't do it.  I allowed for my family and I to go back to fast food for most meals.  So with the new school year upon us, I made up my mind to do a 2nd Whole30!  I am excited for this round for many reasons...

1. I learned so much my first time around, and I feel more confident with my cooking, recipes, etc.
2. I have several people at school on board with me (new peeps and some peeps that are on their 2nd Whole30)
3. I am ready to feel my best which is when I fuel my body with great, whole foods! 

Today is my Day #2.  When I end this Whole30, I WILL live 80/20. 

Tara Gant's Success Story!

Shortly after I began my Whole30, I knew immediately I wanted Tara to try it.  As I have said before, with Whole30, you don't have to count calories, points, etc.  You just have to eat within the food plan and avoid grains, dairy, and sugar.  I knew she could do it and be successful, and guess what...SHE DID IT!!!!!  You all already know how much I care about Tara.  She is more than my coworker, she is my very good friend, and I love her!  I am so excited that she gave Whole30 a try, and I am so proud of her for sticking with this lifestyle, and I can't wait to see her results as she moves forward!

Here is her story...

Hello, my name is Tara Gant and I teach with Mary Luther at Rossview Middle School.  She encouraged me to try this new eating style called Whole 30, well the first try I lasted a day and a half.  That is it!  Mary said, you will do it when you want to, well I wanted to and it has been the best experience ever.  Days 2, 3, and 4 were rough, but with Mary’s encouragement and the encouragement of the “Whole 30 team” here at Rossview, I stuck with it.  If it were not for the Whole 30 potlucks or the Whole 30 shopping day, I honestly do not know if I could have done it, but I am proud to report that on the morning of Day 30, I weighed in 24.4 pounds less!  Yes,

I lost 24.4 pounds and went down one dress size. I can wear a 3x shirt instead of a 4x.  My BMI has went from 60.83 to 57.68.

The compliments helped to fuel my will power to be true to the program.  The recipes that were shared also helped me! The support of my co workers was unwavering and I thank everyone who has noticed.  My plans are to go on an 80/20 plan for the next two weeks and do another Whole 30 (29) starting June 6^th. July 4^th will be day 30 and I am sure I will have a grilled hotdog!!!! 

I feel great!  I have increased energy and enjoy drinking my water!!  I will continue working out at Prime Fitness this summer and perhaps I will be ready to share some pictures by August.  I have found that shopping weekly, planning weekly meals, and cooking is what has helped me the most.  If I can do it, any of you can, I use to eat out 12 out of 15 meals a week!

Thank You Mary Luther for introducing Whole 30 into my life!

Tara Lee Gant, YOU have done this!!!  And, YOU are an inspiration for us all!  I am so excited for us to continue this journey all summer.  Thank you Tara for opening up and sharing your story.  It takes a lot of courage to share such personal information.  I appreciate YOU!!! 

If anyone out there needs to know more about Whole30, let me know.  We can meal plan together and grocery shop together.  We have an amazing support group here at Rossview, and we would love to add you to our team!   

 

Way to Go Keara Holliday!

So, I just have to brag on my friend and colleague Keara.  She has been on an amazing journey, and while she has not been strict Whole30, she has been watching what she eats to include cutting back on sugars, grains, and dairy.  She does Rossfit with me 3-4 days a week.  And, let me say, she works out hard and pushes herself to the max each session.  Here is her story (sent to me via email)...

"I'm down almost 34 pounds on this weight loss cycle. Before I started, which was the end of January 2016, I was in a 20 pants, and I worse a size 3x shirt. I am now as of May 17, 2016 I am in a size 16 pants and I can fit in a size 1x shirt. I haven't been this size since my freshman year in high school ! I feel so much better within myself, physically and mentally. I thank you so much for believing in me and continuing to help me reach my goals. The motivation you give me is out of this world. Thank you so much, and thank you for being a blessing to me!!! Way more to go, and I'll def get the job done with your help!!"

Reading her testimony gave me chill bumps!  She has done this for herself and is reaping all the benefits.  To say I am proud is an understatement.  And, she even shared this before and after pic...

How awesome is this?!?!?!?!  Keara, YOU are a true inspiration!!!  I am looking forward to our summer workouts and continuing our new lifestyle/journey!

Ground Beef Salad

Some nights I just need a QUICK and EASY meal...

Last night's dinner:

Butter Lettuce, topped with cooked ground beef, Frank's Hot Sauce, Guac, and served with sauteed onions and mushrooms

Hamburger Steak, Roasted Asparagus, and a Sweet Potato

I love this quick and easy meal...this is a go to on our busy nights.  Served on butter lettuce with a sliced tomato and sauteed onions.

You Can Roast Any and Everything!

I am roasting every veggie out there...it is so easy and the end result is always DELISH!

Simply prepare your veggies (wash, pat dry, cut), put veggies in a ziploc bag, add olive oil (or oil of your choice...make sure it is Whole30 compliant), minced garlic (optional), salt and pepper to taste.  Shake the contents of the bag to evenly coat veggies.  Spread veggies on a parchment paper lined pan.  Roast in the oven at 400 degrees until desired tenderness.  I usually cook mine for 35 mins.   

Zesty Chicken Bites

A weekly dish...we love them!  Served with Tessemae's BBQ sauce, roasted asparagus, and fresh pineapple.

Chili Lime Chicken

Recipe from Instagram...

Sprinkle chicken with Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, and Chipotle Chili Powder....sprinkle to your likings...I never measure anything.

Place Chicken on a pan lined with parchment paper.  Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. 

Served here with a sweet potato with cinnamon and roasted okra.

Mango Chicken Recipe

Last night I tried something new...I am calling this Mango Chicken...it definitely had a mustard like taste to it, but it was good for a change up!

Recipe:

2-4 pounds of Chicken (I use breasts)

2 Honey Mangos (you could use a variety of fruit...apricots is what the original recipe calls for)

1/2 cup of Water

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 cup Olive Oil

2 T fresh Rosemary

2 Garlic Cloves (I use minced garlic)

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Blend all ingredients (except chicken) together with a food processor or smoothie bullet.  Put chicken in skillet and pour in the mango mixture.  Cook chicken on high for 2-3 minutes browning the chicken on one side.  Then flip the chicken.  Put a lid on the skillet and cook on medium to low heat for 10 minutes.  Next, turn the stove top off.  Allow the pan to sit for another ten minutes before taking off the lid.  Once it's done, stir the sauce.  This is your "gravy" for your chicken.  Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

 

Served with steamed sugar snap peas and oven roasted potatoes

Chicken Salad Lunch

Because lunch really is this delicious on Whole30

Chicken Salad served on Butter Lettuce with Mandarin Slices

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Whole30 Chicken Salad Recipe

Now that the weather is warming up, I am definitely craving some of my fav Southern Summer meals.  This Chicken Salad recipe hit the spot for me for lunches this week.

Recipe: 

3 cups of cooked cubed chicken breasts (I boiled mine then cut into cubes)

Red Onion 1/4 cup chopped

Celery 1/4 cup chopped

Red Grapes halved 1 cup

Pecan 1/4 cup chopped (I used almonds because it's what I had in my house)

Whole30 Mayo 1/4-1/2 cup amount depending on the consistency you like (I use Tessemae's)

Salt and Pepper to taste

I plan to serve on in Butter Lettuce to make wraps with a side of watermelon.

My Sister Completed Whole30

I am so excited to share that my sister completed the 30 day challenge.  She did not cheat a single bite!  She is going to have a splurge weekend, and then get back to it Monday (mainly following the 80/20 lifestyle).  Her results...25 pounds of weight loss!!!!  I am beyond excited and proud of her!  She did this with zero exercise (which I am hoping to get her into exercising soon...baby steps, right?!?!?).  She is down a pant size and is feeling better than she has in years.  And, it put it in perspective...hold a 25 pound weight plate.  Think...this is how much she lost.  AMAZING!!!   

Sheet Pan Fajitas

These are LEGIT!  We ate them plain, but you could do lettuce wraps, salad, etc.  DELISH!  Note: I added an extra bell pepper (orange) and I added extra onion (red onion).  

Recipe is here: http://laughingspatula.com/sheet-pan-fajitas/

Fresh Eggs...Makes ALL the Difference

I have only had fresh eggs once, and I loved them then.  I had an awesome co worker bring me a huge carton this week...OH MY GOODNESS!!!  The eggs are the BEST I have ever had...EVER!  If you are able to buy fresh eggs or are lucky enough for someone to give you their extras, take full advantage.  They are amazing!!!

2 Fried Eggs served with leftover Beef Slaw (recipe in a previous post)

Whole30 Dinner

Here are a couple of dinners from this week...

First: Ginger Chicken (we love it so much that we have it weekly...recipe on previous post) served with Roasted Asparagus and a Sweet Potato

Second: Chili Powder and Cumin Chicken Beasts with Garlicky Green Beans (both of these recipes are on Official Whole30 Recipes Instagram...if you do not follow them, go click follow now!) and Fresh Watermelon

Food Prep Sunday

Food prepping is the easiest way to stay the Whole30 course.  And, it makes the week SO EASY!!!  Here are my next few lunches...Beef Slaw and Roasted Asparagus.  I put some mango slices in a ziploc baggie and am officially ready for the next couple of days. 

 

Veggie Time

My sister sent me this pic... A little veggie action pre roasting.   And while I'm blogging,  I have to brag on my sister and share her results thus far... In her first 21 days on Whole30,  she lost 20 pounds.   This is simply incredible.   She has been so disciplined and stays true to the Whole30 style.   I am beyond proud of her!!!   

Roasting Vegetables:
Cut Veggies (all about the same size for even roasting)

Put in big ziplock bag

Add Whole30 approved oil of choice and any other spices (salt, pepper, fresh or minced garlic, etc)

Line on cookie sheet (I cover mine with foil to make for easy clean up)

Bake in oven on 425 for 45 mins (more or less time depending on how you prefer your veggies)

Stir veggies every 15 mins

Recipe Inspiration

If you need some recipe ideas, you MUST follow @Whole30Recipes on Instagram!
Each week a new "poster" takes over the account and posts amazing recipes.  Remember, you can always change up the meat/veggie they are using to fit your taste buds. 

Other sites I have pulled from include...
http://www.thekitchn.com/12-of-my-favorite-whole30-recipes-227028
http://www.primallyinspired.com/whole-30-dinner-recipes-quick-easy/
http://www.theroastedroot.net/whole-30-dinner-recipes/
http://goodcheapeats.com/2015/10/quick-whole-30-dinner-ideas/
http://hollywouldifshecould.net/2012/08/a-month-of-whole-30-dinner-ideas/
http://lifemadefull.com/40-simple-whole30-recipes/

And, I have not used it yet, but I hear that Pinterest is a great source too. 

Happy Reciping!!! 

Beef Slaw

I made Beef Slaw yesterday...this time I used Broccoli Slaw instead of the regular slaw...I think I prefer the regular slaw, but this was still yummy!

Recipe is here:

http://maryellenswhole30quest.blogspot.com/2016/03/dinner-time.html

Snack Time

Whole30 does NOT encourage snacking...however, I eat breakfast at 6 AM and don't have my lunch break until 1:15...so a mid day snack is needed.  This is what stays on my desk at all times...

Water, Bare Almond Butter, a piece of fruit (today is a Clementine), Almonds, and a Larabar.  Keeping Whole30 snacks around helps to ensure you stay the course.  If you are going to snack, snack smart! 

And just to verify...I keep a variety on my desk so I can choose what I eat...I would not sit down and eat ALL of these items.  I generally will pick Almond Butter OR Almonds and a piece of fruit.  The Larabar would be my choice if ONLY eating that.   

Chops with Snap Peas & Mushrooms

Recipe:
Pork Chops: I use the thin cut
Minced Garlic: 2 tablespoons
Coconut Aminos: 3 tablespoons
Lemon: Juice of half of the lemon
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Snap Peas: One package
Baby Bella Mushrooms:  1 package sliced
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
Cilantro or Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped

Heat oil in a large pan.  Brown the chops on both sides over medium heat.  Add garlic, lemon, and coconut aminos, and cover tightly.  Cook for about 20 minutes over medium heat or until cooked through turning occasionally.  Uncover and add the mushrooms and snap peas, and cook together for the last five minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with cilantro or parsley. 

NOTE: The original recipe calls for 6 drumsticks.  You could also use chicken breasts. 

Recipe from LeTishia: Lemon Chicken Skillet

LeTishia fixed this deliciousness last night...Recipe is here: http://www.primallyinspired.com/lemon-chicken-skillet/

Hamburger Steak Night

This is what cooking looks like these days...all burners being used to create delicious Whole30 meals.  While clean up is never fun, it is totally worth it for the great meals we are having.  PLUS, I am FINALLY using my cookware! 

Last night's meal:
Hamburger Steak with sauteed mushrooms and onions (the hubby does not eat mushrooms, so I sauteed them separately) served on top of butter lettuce with a side of tomatoes and steamed asparagus.