Paleo Chicken Fajita Soup

     Finally, the fall semester is over! I am looking forward to my Winter break of relaxing, cooking, family, and crossfit. It has been hectic these past few weeks getting Crossfit Huntington ready to WOD, as well as finishing up my schooling and work for the fall semester. Don't worry though everyone, I have been cooking still! Here is one of Tom and I's favorite soups. You can getting in your veggies and protein with a twist. I enjoyed mine with some Paleo bread from a local baker.

Ingredients for Chicken:

• 16-24 oz chicken breast
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (enough to coat chicken)

Ingredients for Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 can (14 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Preparation:

1. First prepare the chicken, by heating your oven to 350 degrees F, and coating the chicken in olive oil and cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic power, salt, and pepper.
2. Allow the chicken to cook thoroughly for approximately 20-30 minutes.
3. While the chicken bakes, add your olive oil into a large pot, along with the minced onion.
4. Next, chop and add your onion and peppers. Allow these to simmer for 5-10 minutes before adding your chiles and tomatoes.
5. Add the tomatoes along with the remaining spices. Mix the soup thoroughly.
6. Once the chicken is finished baking, shred the pieces into the soup mixture. This is when you will add the chicken broth and lime juice as well.
7. Allow soup to simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring every 5-10 minutes.

 

     Enjoy your soup and stay warm this holiday season. Here are some photos of Crossfit Huntington from day 1. We have all worked hard to get this box ready for our community to enjoy with us. The bottom photo is from last Saturday when we all joined together for our first "Hero" WOD at our gym to remember the life of a fallen police officer. Come out and WOD with us this week as well! We will be there at 6 PM today, tomorrow, and Friday. We will also be working out on Saturday at 2 PM! Sign the waiver on our website crossfithuntington.com and join us for a good time and hard work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Little About Me and a Side of Paleo Breakfast Pizza

          I always thought I would be a writer. I wanted to write books and travel the world. As I have gotten older, my dreams, of course, have changed. I have found a passion for health and fitness through my own life experiences. Two years ago, I had a series of scary health problems that completely changed my perspective. While I typically do not talk about this openly, I was terrified about what could happen to me. I first had surgery to remove a lesion on my scalp that was 2 by 3 inches in size. This lesion left me with approximately 40 staples in my scalp. I had previously had this place removed twice, but it had grown too large to be simply removed in a Dermatologist's office again. Dr. Stephen Miller, a plastic surgeon, was sought to remove the lesion. Whenever I first met Dr. Miller, I was instantly at ease. He was incredibly kind and kept all nerves at rest. Little did I know, his wife was going to be one of my great Crossfit friends in the future. My surgery went wonderfully, and I didn't even have to have my head shaved. ;) Dr. Miller made the experience as perfect as it could be. While I could not have done anything health wise to prevent this lesion from growing, this experience planted the seed of nutrition knowledge in my mind. I began to wonder what I could do to better myself and prevent health complications for myself and others.

          That surgery took place on December 14, 2012. My recovery went well, but it took a while for me to be able to participate in physical activities without feeling dizzy or getting a severe headache. Around April/May of that following year, I went to the doctor for my third case of strep throat in the matter of just a few weeks. While they concluded that it may be time for the tonsils and adenoids to be taken out, they also discovered a heart murmur. I knew heart murmurs were common, but I had never had one before. They immediately set me up an appointment with a Cardiologist. About a week later, I went to the Cardiologist and had my first EKG. It was so weird to me to be attached to all of these electrodes. While I assumed this would probably be my last trip to the Cardiologist, I was very wrong. My EKG came back as abnormal, and I was scheduled an ultrasound of my heart for the following week. The ultrasound gave us a lot of helpful information. They concluded that I have two  leaks in my heart, which is nothing to be concerned with for the time being. Overtime, they can worsen and need surgery, but for now, I can continue living my life as I usually do. After going through those two weeks of my heart scare, I decided that I was going to do my best to keep my body and my heart healthy. Perhaps, I won't actually have to go back to the Cardiologist, but if I do, it will not be because of my own irresponsible actions. I joined Crossfit Thunder shortly after these incidents. While I was always an athlete in high school, these health problems had broken my spirit a bit. I looked for something to pour my heart into, and I found just that in Crossfit. I made so many amazing friends there, and I found my best friend and boyfriend there as well. Tom deserves far more credit than he receives for everything he does for others. He is the most loving and giving person I have ever met. When I say he would do anything for anyone, I mean that. He loves and forgives in the way God wants all of us to. He makes me a better person each and every day. I only hope to become half the person he is.

          My goals now are to better myself through health and fitness, so I can in turn, help others. I see so many people who love health and fitness, but they just don't know where to begin. I was like that once, and I want to be able to help others grow with knowledge of nutrition. While I am still working on bettering myself, I am thankful to have a strong support system. Throughout everything I have been through, God has placed his own perfect people to help get me through. How can you get down on yourself when everyone around me you is ready to instantly pick you back up? That tells me one thing, and one thing only, I have chosen a great group of people to surround myself with and I am truly blessed.

         In light of all of this, some exciting news awaits! While many of you may already know, Tom and I have recently been blessed with an incredible opportunity. We will be coaching at the new Crossfit opening here in my hometown. Crossfit Huntington will have our soft opening January 1st. For those who are already signed up as members in December, you all will be able to help us build our gym and get some killer workouts in. I am so thankful for all of my friends that I have made in the Crossfit world thus far, and I can't wait to see where my journey is headed. I am thankful for each and every person who has supported me, and I am thankful for every kind word spoken. I thank Mark, Ann, Amy, and Jeff for wanting me to be a part of their business. I can't wait to embark on something life changing with them. This a chance for me to grow as a person and as a coach in the sport that I hold dearly to my heart. I wanted everyone to hear about why I chose Dietetics as my career field and why Crossfit is so important to me. It was something I could run to during a tough time in my life. For that, I am eternally grateful. God has a plan for us all, but we must never lose our faith in him. If our God is for us then what will ever stop us?

         Now, finally, onto a recipe! I have a spin on my other Paleo Pizza Recipes, a Paleo Breakfast Pizza! Like my other pizza, choice the toppings you are craving. I went with bacon, eggs, and sausage. I can not forget the Paleo gravy in which I made just for this recipe! Next up, Paleo Biscuits and Gravy. You all may notice that many of my recent recipes have not included any added sugar. By this, I mean from agave, honey, etc. I have been cooking without these for the most part. I will be adding a little extra sweetness soon. Be ready for some yummy holiday sweets coming your all's way!

Paleo Breakfast Pizza (I promise it is easier than it looks!)

Ingredients for Cauliflower Crust:

• 2 packages of Kroger Fresh Selections Cauliflower (Refrigerated, not frozen. You could also just buy a head of cauliflower if they do not have this.)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 c almond flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Preparation:

1. Begin to boil a pot of water, and rip the cauliflower into smaller pieces. After about 20 minutes, drain the cauliflower and pour it into a large mixing bowl.
2. Next,  mash the cauliflower by hand. You could easily use a food processor, but I gave this method a try and it worked out great! Do not worry about making sure it is all completely grated. 
3. Add the eggs, almond flour, sea salt, and pepper.
4. Lather the baking sheet in olive oil. (I literally poured it onto the sheet and spread it with a paper towel. This helps keep the crust from sticking!) Spread the batter evenly on your baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Ingredients for the "Gravy Sauce":

• 1/2 c almond flour
• 1/4 c coconut milk (Add more or less until you develop a creamy texture.)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Preparation:

1. Mix all of these ingredients in a pan. You will want the gravy to be creamy like the good ol' fashion gravy we are all used to. Adding more pepper will give it an extra little kick!

Topping Ingredients for Breakfast Pizza:

1. 1 package of nitrate free sausage
2. 5-6 pieces of nitrate free bacon
3. 5-6 eggs
4. Pinch of sea salt and pepper

Grand Preparation:

1. First, follow the steps above to create your crust. While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings and gravy!
2. Start your gravy in a side pan, while stirring frequently.
3. While the gravy cooks, begin cooking sausage in a separate pan. Break it up into small pieces with your spatula and make sure it cooks thoroughly.
4. Once the sausage is finished, I poured it into a bowl and set it to the side.
5. Next, cook the bacon in the same pan or you can get a new one out for this ingredient.
6. Finally, cook the eggs once you have finished cooking your meats. I made mine scrambled. They were delicious!
7. Once the crust is finished baking, and light golden brown, lather your gravy over the crust with a spoon or knife.
8. Finally, spread your sausage, bacon, and eggs evenly across your pizza. I created a protein packed pizza here. What was I missing? My veggies! Add spinach, kale, onions, peppers, or whatever you choose to incorporate extra vitamins and minerals to your morning breakfasts. Enjoy the recipe and enjoy your day everyone!

                                         

Paleo Crockpot Beef Stew

         

 

           Happy Food Day Everyone! Celebrate this National holiday the healthy way. Forget the junk food, and let's all cook up our favorite nutritious recipes. Need a nice recipe to warm up this chilly fall day? The best part about fall is variety of yummy soups and stews you can make. They are the perfect meal to enjoy while cuddling up on the couch with your friends or family. We loved this one, and I hope you all will to!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat (They had some in Simple Truth brand at Kroger.)
• 2 tbsp Paleo cooking fat (I used bacon fat.)
• 4 c beef stock
• 1 c onion
• 1 c celery
• 3 carrots
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1/2 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 pinch sea salt and black pepper (Add more to taste.)

Preparation:

1. Dice the onion and celery into small pieces. Peel and chop carrots.
2. Add beef to the crockpot followed by your vegetables, beef broth, and spices.
3. Mix together thoroughly and then set your crockpot to medium for 4-6 hours. Stir the stew occasionally while it cooks. Break up the meat with your utensil.
4. After 4-6 hours, set the crockpot on warm for 4-6 more hours. The mixture will thicken up as the meat separates and potatoes break up. It will have more of a soupy texture than you may expect, but it tastes amazing!

Sausage and Spinach Egg Muffins

          The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of schoolwork, my job, volunteering, and Crossfit. I had the opportunity to compete in the WV Crossfit Championship last Saturday, placing second, alongside many awesome athletes and friends. My boyfriend, Tom, placed first in this championship! He is an incredible and talented athlete. I am so proud of him. Yesterday, I also got to judge the Festivus Competition at my home box, Crossfit Thunder. It was another competition full of great athletes who love what they do. I love seeing people do things they never thought would be possible.
          I finally have some time to share my recipes with you all. I promise that next time, it will not take me this long! In the midst of a busy fall schedule, we could all use extra recipes to meal prep for breakfast. These Sausage and Spinach Egg Muffins can be made quickly. They can last for days, unless you live in my house. They didn't make it through one day here! Yum!

Ingredients:

• 1 package of nitrate free sausage
• 1 c spinach
• 1/4 c onions
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
• 8 eggs

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F, and begin to cook your sausage in a skillet on the stove.
2. While this cooks, chop your onion and mix into a large bowl along with the spinach, spices, and eggs.
3. Once the sausage is completely brown (be 100% sure it is cooked fully), allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before mixing into bowl as well.
4. Lather a muffin tin with olive oil to keep the muffins sticking to the pan then pour the mix in evenly into each individual cup.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the egg is solid. Scoop out and eat up!

          Here are some awesome photos taken by my best friend, Emily, at the WV Crossfit Championship!

Paleo Sweet Potato Soup

          The weather is getting colder, and soup has been calling my name. I had a long day at school and work last week, and I came home to this incredible meal. This Sweet Potato Soup is a good equivalent to the Potato Soup we have all grown up having. My friend tasted this yesterday, and she said she thought it was even better!

Ingredients:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 5 pieces of bacon
• 3 tbsp almond meal
• 4 tbsp Organic butter or coconut oil
• 1 can organic unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup to 1 cup water
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Dice potatoes into 1/2 inch to 1 inch pieces.
2. Mix potatoes, onion, flour, and a pinch of salt in bowl. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes.
3. As you allow that to set, put a pan on medium heat and add 3-4 tbsp coconut oil or Organic butter. While you do this, go ahead and cook your slices of bacon in a separate pan.
4. Add potato mixture into a large pot then stir in your butter or oil. Make sure this is thoroughly mixed.
5. Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup water or until all potato pieces are covered.
6. Bring to boil once water is added.
7. Lower temperature back down, and add your coconut milk. You will bring the pot back to a boil after this.
8. Lower temperature to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stirring occasionally. This is where you add your bacon. Crumble throughout and mix. Add salt and pepper here to taste.
   

          Tom, Cory, and I were trying out back levers for the first time the other day after our WOD. Here are some pictures of our attempts! It's fun to try new movements.
    

            

 

Broccoli Slaw Latkes

          With everyone's Paleo Challenges underway, I have been trying to find more recipes to try. What better way to complete a Paleo Challenge than by finding foods that are simple that we can make over and over as we go. Tom and I have really been focusing on incorporating more veggies in our diet. This is a unique way you can add some vegetables in. I enjoyed these like a sandwich, with an egg underneath and an egg on top of the latke!

Ingredients:

• 1 package of broccoli slaw
• 1/2-1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2-1 tsp sea salt
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 tbsp oil (either olive oil or coconut oil)

Preparation:

1. Mix your broccoli slaw, along with the six eggs into a mixing bowl.
2. Add pepper and salt next. Mix thoroughly.
3. While you are mixing these ingredients, begin to heat olive or coconut oil over stove top.
4. Cook latkes like pancakes by putting a large spoonful on stove at a time. Flipping after the side becomes slightly browned.
5. Add extra salt or pepper if desired and eat up!

Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes and Paleo Oatmeal

          I am finally posting some recipes of my most recent creations! I hope you all enjoy these. I have been working on meal prepping and weighing out my food more accurately, and it has worked wonders for me. Needless to say, I am stocking up on my plastic food bags and Tupperware.

Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4-6 sweet potatoes
• 1 package ground meat
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 c onions
• Less than 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven at 375 degrees F. Lather sweet potatoes in a little olive oil.
2. Bake potatoes for 45 minutes-1 hour.
3. While potatoes are baking, begin to cook meat over stove top.
4. Season meat with salt and pepper, and add onions to cook along with meat.
5. After potatoes and meat are finished cooking, scoop out the insides and mix the sweet potato in with the meat.
6. Mix together thoroughly and add back into sweet potato skins.
7. Cook meat in the skins for another 15 minutes.

Paleo Oatmeal

Ingredients and Preparation:

Use my Paleo Lara Bar recipe from the previous post, and add 2 extra tbsp of coconut milk and water to create the texture you want. Heat this for 45 seconds-1 minute and enjoy! It has the perfect Oatmeal texture. I had mine with an egg and bacon. Yummy and guilt free!